MaximumMadness Ah, the "Underworld" franchise. Boasting thus-far five installments (with a rumored sixth on the way) released over a near fifteen-year window, the series is a hard one to ignore when it comes to modern action and fantasy. While mostly garnering a decidedly mixed-to- negative critical reception, the fact is, this series is a big hit with its audience thanks to its keen use of action and moody, cool and Gothic visuals. Yes, they may not be high art... but they're a lot of fun. "Underworld: Evolution", the second chapter in the franchise is a very peculiar follow-up, especially when viewed back-to-back with the original. It isn't so much a second film as it is an "expansion"... one could almost say that it's "Underworld 1.5", for lack of a better description. Picking up immediately where the original left over, "Evolution" seems like a feature-length third act. A 90-something minute climax. Much like the recent and very delightful "Mad Max: Fury Road", the film is essentially one big chase scene. We tag along with our Gothic protagonists as they struggle against previously established foes and wrap up all the leftover plot-lines from the last time. It's bigger than the first film. It's flashier than the first. It's more in-your-face. And it's a lot dopier and even borderline stupid at times. But good lord, is this movie fun, fun, FUN!The film opens mere moments after the original, with former "Death Dealer" Selene (Kate Beckinsale) on the run with her beloved Michael (Scott Speedman)- now a Lycan/Vampire Hybrid. The Vampire Lord Markus (Tony Curran) is accidentally awakened, and embarks on a journey to track down Selene and Michael at any cost, seeking a mysterious medallion the two now possess for reasons unknown. And he will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. Eventually the journey will bring our two heroes face to face with new and troubling revelations about the history of the war between the Vampires and Lycans, and they will be forced to wage war against a foe unlike any they have faced ever before...The success of the film really lays at the hands of director Len Wiseman and the highly likable and entertaining cast. Wiseman has grown an awful lot since the first film, and it shows in his increasingly slick and stylish camera-work, which is complimented perfectly by the moody lighting and arresting cinematography of director of photography Simon Duggan. While some have bemoaned his work here, I think Wiseman is actually a very gifted visual artist and his choice in shots and skill with composition lends itself well to the no-holds- barred action and wonderfully oppressive Gothic visuals. The film is just gorgeous to look at. I also really admired Wiseman's choice to not just rely on CG-heavy imagery, and to tactfully mixes both digital and practical effects with expert blending. There's some really great miniature photography on display during a number of key sequences that is perfectly augmented with digital trickery, and the result is just magical.The cast is just lovely and is a big part of what makes the film works. Kate Beckinsale continues to thrill with her now-iconic role of Selene, a butt-kicking vampire assassin with a slight but definite soft- side. She's quite good in the role and makes for a very enjoyable and compelling protagonist. Scott Speedman is thankfully given a bit more to do this time around, which is great after his role in the original- a performance somewhat hampered by the fact he spent a great deal of the runtime in captivity and unsure of what was happening. Speedman has great chemistry with Beckinsale and the two form a great duo to follow. Tony Curran might be somewhat stock, but he makes for an adequately menacing villain in Markus, and you'll definitely love to hate him. I also really enjoyed a small but memorable turn from classically trained theater and film actor Derek Jacobi as the head of a "cleaner" organization that aims to keep the war a secret from humans. And we're also treated to the wonderful-as-always Bill Nighy, whom returns in a very fun flashback sequence set before the events of the original.Unfortunately, where the film loses some points for me is in the script by Danny McBride. The strange thing is, it's technically a well- written film. Characters are well-defined and most major players have at least something of an arc that spans the length of the film. It pays off on characters and concepts established in the original. And it adheres to a really good three-act structure. However, it's just a bit... silly. Even stupid at times. And that's both a strength and a weakness. McBride (whom also co-wrote the treatment with director Wiseman) seems keen to try and fill the story with as much action and as many twists and turns as possible. And it gives the film a great manic energy that makes it a lot of fun to watch. But it also robs a lot of the coherency and can sometimes lead to a lot of unneeded confusion. There's just a bit too much going on with the plot and the narrative and maybe a few minutes too many of fight-scenes and gun-battles, especially given that the film is structured like one big chase. It needed to be just a bit more subdued.But still, I can't complain too much. While it might not be quite as well-structured and thought-out as the original, "Underworld: Evolution" delivers on the promise of that film as an action- extravaganza. It does just enough with the characters to keep you rooting for the protagonists while despising the villains, has a lot of eye-popping sequences of insane-o action courtesy director Wiseman's visual talent and has some really swell performances. Is it a great sequel? Probably not. But is it a fun one? Oh, most definitely!I give "Underworld: Evolution" a solid 7 out of 10.

Tweekums This film opens eight hundred years ago as we see an early battle between vampires and lycans; it ends with the capture of William, the first lycan, by his brother, Marcus the first vampire, and Victor. We then return to the present; moments after the previous film ended. Selene is on the run with hybrid Michael but decides she must return to mansion before Kraven and kill Marcus… it turns out that by the time she gets there Marcus has killed Kraven. Marcus is determined to find and free his brother William; something that would be disastrous for the world as he and those he turns are unable to take human form so are always vicious creatures. Selene and Michael are determined to stop him.Before watching this film it is highly advisable that you watch opening film first as little time is wasted explaining who is who or what is going on. If you watched and enjoyed the first film you are almost certain to enjoy this as it is at least as good if not slightly better. There is plenty of exciting action throughout the film as well as a fairly solid story. The cast does a fine job; Kate Beckinsale is great as Selene and Scott Speedman impresses as Michael… his character is definitely more interesting now he has become the hybrid. Derek Jacobi is a fine addition as Corvinus; the first immortal and father of Marcus and William. On the down side some of the CGI shows its age a bit but thankfully not enough to spoil my enjoyment of the film. The ending nicely wraps up the story before hinting at more to come. Overall I'd say this was a pretty good film that fans of the franchise are sure to enjoy.

SeriousJest Now that the special effects that were cutting-edge for this movie's time have become not-so-impressive as the industry advances, the story itself is not creative or interesting enough to make it worth your time to direct your attention to the screen for almost two hours…unless you REALLY LOVE vampire or werewolf movies. If that's the case, let your freak flag fly! It's okay; I'm like that with football movies. Besides, there are worse things to have on your TV in the background than leather-clad Beckinsale doing acrobatics, shooting weapons, and kicking ass.For more reviews and a kick-ass podcast, check out: www.livemancave.com

Prismark10 The first Underworld film was OK thanks largely to a decent plot and Kate Beckinsale looking hot in a all in one leather outfit which seems to have kick-started a genre of horror staples such as vampires, werewolves, zombies and Frankenstein as superheroes and super villains.The sequel manages to entice Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy briefly and adds Derek Jacobi. I can see the casting agent on this one. Forget the Royal Shakespeare Company guys you need to follow in the footsteps of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee and make horror films.In this sequel vampires and werewolves battle for supremacy among the undead. Sultry Death Dealer Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and hybrid Lycan Michael (Scott Speedman) try to untangle the secrets of their past and bloodlines. Jacobi is the father of two sons one who became the original vampire the other who became the original werewolf. The vampire Marcus (Tony Curran) plans to unleash a new force as he hunts down his brother entombed many centuries ago.The plot is confusing and convoluted. The film conveniently gives flashbacks to the original film, useful as I can hardly remember much about it. We have plenty of fight action sequences set in a blue neon tinged nighttime but its badly choreographed with cheapo CGI.The film suffers from horrid plotting and poorly drawn character arcs. A father who could had saved the world from a lot of bother if he forcefully dealt with his deviant sons. Yet one his offspring is happy to see off his dad.This is a letdown from the original film.