'Underworld' underachieves

By Ian Ganahl

Creatively speaking, the concept behind “Underworld” is, in itself, a success.

But the film fails to deliver what could have been a very entertaining movie. Although the overall story is impressive,the way the story is told is disappointing.

“ Underworld” stars Kate Beckinsale as Selene, a vampire convinced of betrayal and conspiracy within the vampire ranks. She co-stars with Scott Speedman and Shane Brolly. Speedman plays a human named Michael, who carries recessive genes of a lycan (werewolf). Brolly plays Kraven, one of the higher-ranking vampires in the movie.

The story is perfect in that it is carried in the traditional aspects of the Gothic setting into which both vampires and werewolves fall. Throughout the movie, from the sets to the costumes, the film generates a sense of familiarity with what is to be expected in a film of this genre.

Some of the subplots are helpful in pulling the story forward. A Shakespearean-type love story resonates throughout the film, with parallels to “Romeo and Juliet.” Also, there are aspects of betrayal and deceit. These help the story move forward.

The main disappointments are issues such as characterization. None of the characters really stands out or is even remotely memorable. The characters aren’t badly written; they are just generic.

There is nothing special about any of the action sequences in the movie. The viewer anticipates some really intense and incredibly laid out fight sequences. After all, this is a movie about vampires and werewolves. But the action sequences are bland and nothing more than one might expect from a typical summer action movie.

The biggest disappointment is the flow of the story. Half of the time, the storyline is confusing, leaving the audience baffled as to what the characters are rambling on about. The story is so poorly told that it is hard to get into the film. There is no motivation to really get into what could have been a great story.

When I first read about the film’s concept, an ancient battle between vampires and werewolves, I thought how imaginative and creative a film it would be, and I was very excited to get the chance to see such a unique movie. But I left the film disappointed. The movie has so much potential, but misses its mark.

While “Underworld” isn’t horrible—I did get past all the “blood and guts” sequences that are typical in a film like this—it is just a little on the bland side.

Overall Grade: C-