Drewtos

Underworld: Awakening - Review

When I saw the first Underworld movie in 2003, I thought it was decent. It was a pleasure to see an original and visually stunning vampire tale. 2006 brought the inevitable sequel, Underworld: Evolution, which was just terrible, and made me want to give up on this franchise. Then in 2009 Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, the prequel to the original, was released and to my surprise it was really good; my favorite of the the three. I regained hope in the franchise and eagerly awaited another installment. Now it’s 2012 and we have the new Underworld: Awakening in 3D. Just watched it last night so here is my review.

After learning the existence of vampires and lycans, humans fight back and begin to eradicate them all. While attempting to escape the cruelty of the humans, our protagonist Selene is captured. After 12 years in a cryogenic freezey-tube, Selene awakens to find out she has a hybrid daughter and that she has a mental bond with her. Selene is able to see everything that her daughter sees. Meanwhile, Selene has no idea where her boyfriend Michael is. Selene, escapes Antigen, the facility she was held captive in, a corporation that’s set out to make an antidote for the virus that creates vampires and lycans, and eventually teams up with other vampires and discovers the real truth behind Antigen.

The set up for Underworld: Awakening is good. I like the idea that both vampires and lycans are now being hunted by humans and are driven into hiding. The story that follows isn’t all that good, though. I felt it was kind of weak. I was also annoyed with how they wrote Michael out of the movie. It turns out Scott Speedman, who played Michael, did not want to reprise his role.  It seems that in his place was a mixture of maybe some unused footage from previous movies and/or CGI; it was painfully obvious. We only see him in the beginning of the movie and he just gets blown up, but it’s never clear whether or not he dies. Afterwards, the movie cuts to Selene waking up 12 years later and trying to find him.

This movie is in 3D which really disappointed me. The 3D was completely pointless and uninspired. There were some talking scenes where I actually took my glasses off and suffered through a little blurriness. I understand the producers reasons for making the movie 3D (*cough*money*cough*), but it would have been more enjoyable without it. It’s a shame the 3D was so intolerable, because the only thing the movie had going for it was the amazing action and top-notch CGI. The 3D kind of distracts from that.

Overall, the movie wasn’t terrible. The story is weak, but the action and visual effects make up for it. It does run short and leaves the viewer wanting a lot more than what they paid for, which is annoying. I like it better than Underworld: Evolution, but that isn’t saying much. Rise of the Lycans will remain my favorite for now.

I recommend waiting for Underworld: Awakening on blu-ray or if you are lucky enough, catching a 2D matinee. Avoid 3D at all costs. Its not worth the extra dough.