Underworld: Rise of the Lycans might have been a disaster for two main reasons. One, the third chapter of any franchise often fails to live up to even low expectations. Two, a franchise often suffers when the lead actor declines to participate. Neither happened here.
Synopsis: When the vampires need daylight protection from the encroaching menace represented by William’s lycans, they create a new race of lycans to be their slaves. The new lycans are more evolved in that they can control when they mutate and can maintain a human form. The progenitor of this race is Lucian, who will soon find himself leading the rebellion against Viktor and his kind.
Kate Beckinsale had decided she didn’t want to make another movie in the Underworld franchise, so the producers were faced with the dilemma of either giving up on a profitable franchise or replacing a successful lead. They smartly avoided such pitfall by opting to make a prequel, which allowed them to move the story forward without the need to have Beckinsale on board, given that her character didn’t yet exist back then.
Fortunately, the story they came up with is interesting and well written, allowing the very good cast and crew to create a nifty little package with awesome visual effects and a very moody cinematography.
The Bottom Line: While none of the Underworld movies to date have impressed me beyond being simply entertaining, I do have to give props to all those involved for doing their best to make the first 3 movies enjoyable. Rise of the Lycans stands on its own because of its placement in the timeline, but it ties quite well with the first two movies. Also, who would have thought that Michael Sheen would be so sexy when ripped and sweaty?!
Grade: 6
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