Underworld: Awakening, rated R, continues the beloved horror franchise which was set up by three previous films: Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. It stars fan-favorite Kate Beckinsale along with newcomers Theo James, India Esiley, and Stephen Rea. Underworld: Awakening is presented in 2D, Dolby Digital 3D, and IMAX 3D.
The film opens by recapping the basics of the franchise, though a little too vaguely for those who are unfamiliar with the other films. After recapping its predecessors, Underworld: Awakening takes the franchise in a new direction.
It is set 12 years after humans have discovered the existence of vampires and lycans, or werewolves. Selene (Beckinsale) awakes from a cryogenic sleep and escapes a laboratory. She sets out on a mission to find out what happened to the man she loves, a vampire/lycan hybrid named Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman of the first two films), and discovers that a lot has changed while she was asleep.
The goal of the mission ends up changing through the course of the film, especially when Selene discovers an unexpected connection with a mysterious young girl. Underworld: Awakening ends by bluntly presenting the idea of a fifth film. Many true fans will hope that they go ahead and do another, in order to finish out the story.
Having previously dealt with a strict war between vampires and lycans, it was interesting to see humans as a new addition to the fight. The film introduced new characters, including an entire new coven, but didn't seem to take enough time to build up emotional relationships to them.
The first three films allowed you to get emotionally attached to many of the characters, while Underworld: Awakening seemed a little too rushed. Another thirty minutes of character development would have been great. Having said that, I found that the film was quite enjoyable and turned out to be a breath of fresh air amongst the vast mediocrity of today's average vampire/werewolf film.
It wasn't lacking in entertaining plot-twists, excellent action, or even plot-direction. The 3D actually added to the film's entertainment value.
I must stress that the R rating is very fitting, seeing as the violence and gore are extreme. The profanity is mild compared to the first film, but extreme compared to the third.
I don't recommend this film to the faint of heart. I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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