Underworld: Rise of the Lycans Review

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
The third in the Underworld series serves as a prequel, showing how the battle between vampires and werewolves began. A woman (Mitra) falls for a lycan (Sheen) and joins him in a battle against the bloodsuckers.

by Kim Newman |
Published on
Release Date:

23 Jan 2009

Running Time:

NaN minutes

Certificate:

12A

Original Title:

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Remember the ‘olden days’ backstory of the first Underworld?  It explained how vampires and werewolves came to be at each others’ throats, while leather-trews lycanthrope Lucian (Michael Sheen) and disapproving nosferatu Viktor (Billy Nighy) began a centuries-spanning feud when the upstart hairy romanced the bloodsucker’s favourite daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra).  If you do remember, then you’ll know how this needless threequel pans out; if you don’t, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to follow the tosh this passes off as a plot.  In former effects man Patrick Tatopoulos’ vision, these Dark Ages were really dark – so dark, in fact, you can barely see the monster action or register why Sheen and Nighy felt the need to sign up.  Sadly, you can still hear the unspeakable dialogue. Spoiler: Kate Beckinsale’s tight trousers cameo at the end.  Memo: avoid ‘rise of the’ titles.

A needless threequel. Note to director: avoid ‘rise of the’ titles.
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