Underworld: Awakening (2012) Review

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Synopsis:

Vengeance returns.

Selene, the vampire warrioress, is back. She escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Review

Finally! We are back to the traditional story of Vampires and Werewolves (Lycans), ok maybe not the truly original story, but at least they don’t sparkle or turn into little puppy dogs. I didn’t know what to expect from this new addition to the Underworld series. Being a fan of the previous films and prequel, I had a small feeling of doubt that they were going to perhaps muck it up. Thankfully I was hopelessly wrong and incredibly glad to report that the franchise is back and in full bite!

If you have seen any of the previous films (if you haven’t, shame on you!) you do not need any introduction to the characters, (not that we get one anyway). We do get a quick preview of events that lead up to this edition and is very nicely done. Any new characters that do appear develop in seconds and you understand what they are there to do. For the kind of film it is, the acting is right on par, delivering us dialogue that suits the picture perfectly. What more do we need?

I did like where they took the story, it definitely stood on its own and incorporated elements of why these films are so popular. This adds a nice touch to home base, with the added freshness to the series which it makes it feel less clichéd and predictable, however there are scenes that may just throw you off as to what is it going to happen next. There is a good collection of characters, Vampire, Lycan and Human alike, so it feels as every race gets to do their part and not get left out. Speaking of which, a certain cast member does in fact get withdrawn, but for a good reason, as you will find out.

The movie is shrouded in gloominess in the surrounding areas, with a dark palette and brooding overtone, it doesn’t really feel like you are living in a normal world which adds to the atmosphere most wonderfully. We traverse the city and to a wide variety of enclosures, and are never in the same spot for a long time. The set pieces are decent for the most part, while others seem like the usual forte. Luckily we have our cast to make them more interesting.

If it’s one area the film does not disappoint at all…it is the action, fight and special effect sequences. They are done second to none! Be it shooting, explosions, Vampires and Lycans going at each other’s throats–this film has it all…and then some. With a decent amount of the red stuff strewn all over the place, I am glad they decided to go with CGI and prosthetic/body suits to give it that “real feel”. One particular scene really did make me smile as I had never seen it done before in this genre of film. There really are plentiful action scenes that were just dripping in sang-froid. I did watch it in 3D and personally felt some shots were well done, although I didn’t think it was necessarily needed and would have gladly enjoyed it just as much in 2D.

I didn’t really find much to gripe about the flick. The picture moves at such a pace and gets the job done quite superbly. There could be some scenes with iffy CGI and a plot hole or two, but to be honest you will hardly notice or care. Some viewers may feel that it is more of the same, but you must realise this movie wasn’t made for an Oscar, it’s a story about a war against two supernatural creatures and by golly, that’s what we get!

At the end of the day,” Underworld: Awakening” hits the jugular and erupts onto the screen with such force, you will be left wanting more! We have a luscious heroine kicking some serious butt through-out the film, interesting story addition to the franchise and some amazing action sequences. Just don’t blink as it may be over before you know it! The film is currently in its first week of showing and has only managed to drum up $40Million on a budget of $75Million.

Worth the watch if, you are a fan of the franchise, enjoy horror enough to want your own opinion on the film or looking for an action packed ride where the female is in the driver’s seat.

Trailer

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