Underworld Awakening

Sweet poster huh?

Have you ever wondered what Twilight would be like if it had amped-up violence and gore? Have you ever wanted to see Lord of the Rings-esque battle scenes mixed with gunfights? Have you ever wanted to see Kate Beckinsale in skin-tight -- nay -- skin-clinging leather? If you answered yes to any or all of the questions above (and honestly who wouldn't answer yes to all of them?), then Underworld Awakening just might be for you. 

Trust me; he is busy hunting down Edward Cullen. I wouldn't bother him.

The film is the fourth in the series, and the third to star Beckinsale's main character, Selene. I'll admit that I havent really kept up on the overarching story of the movies, and I think Awakening realizes that by putting in a short explanatory prologue at the beginning of the film. For people like myself who cant really remember what happened in the previous films (I dont even think I saw the third one), it was very much appreciated. And even more refreshing is that this new Underworld continues the story of the previous three, but at the same time, it continues onto a somewhat new direction for the series. As usual, I wont spoil anything that has to do with the plot, but it certainly breathes a little more life into the franchise moving forward. However, the plot is generic and there were some twists, but I should have seen them coming from a mile away. Just dont expect anything too epic in the way of storytelling here. But then again that isn't really why you are going to Underworld movies. This is:

Kate Beckinsale + Skin-clenching leather + huge guns = entertained Jordan

And on the action front, Awakening delivers. In fact, I was surprised how great of an action movie it was. There was no jittery-camera to be found here. Just good old sweeping shots and cinematography. I really appreciate when movies do this. They let the camera be still for a time and the action plays out (preferably in slow motion and/or fast motion) in front of our eyes. In that regard, I was very pleased with Underworld Awakening. The director knows when to shift the ultra-blue-tinted camera lens to a new perspective and where to place it to get maximum effect when some sweet ass-kicking is going down.

I think she might need a bigger sword.

I was never really an uber-fan of the Underworld series, and Awakening didnt radically change that. It is one of those movies that you go to knowing it will have its faults, but you go regardless for a plethora of other reasons. Is it the best in the series? Im not really sure, it has been a long time since I have seen the other ones. But Im positive that fans of the series will love this one and even non-fans will enjoy it. Plus, in case you didnt notice, it has got Kate Beckinsale in leather for the entire movie. And that is definitely something I can sink my teeth into. *Disclaimer: sorry about the vampire pun, but I had to do it.*


Pros:

• Kate Beckinsale fighting while in leather.  Kate Beckinsale crawling through a vent while in leather.  Kate Beckinsale standing while in leather.  Kate Beckinsale sitting while in leather.  Kate Beckinsale talking while in leather. ETC.
• Some people complain about the super-blue tint on the camera, but I frankly love the style of the movies. The blue hue looks great in 3D (which is the format I saw it in) and gives the movie a distinct personality
• Better SFX than the recent entries
• Does not overstay its welcome since it is only 88 minutes long
• No unnecessary language which is one-in-a-million these days, and even most of the gore has its purpose
• GREAT action scenes filmed with finesse rather than an A.D.D.-lets-shake-the-camera-as-much-as-possible mentality

Cons:

• The plot is interesting, but nothing really happens from beginning to end
• Selene gets a new power like every 20 minutes with really no explanation as to why
• The sound is big and loud, which is great, until this one little girl starts screaming and rampaging. I think there were a few parts I had minor inner ear damage
• Lacks that sense of being "epic" that takes a movie from good to memorable

Rath's Review Score: 7.5/10