[8.00/10] Underworld [Director's Cut] (2003)

Underworld (2003)
[Director's Cut]

"Underworld" is a highly-stylized vampire vs. werewolf action movie. It sometimes appears on the horror shelf, but it really belongs in the action category. Director Len Wiseman proved to be an excellent director, bringing a strong visual and kick-ass style, and Danny McBride's screenplay is smart and extremely interesting. The pacing builds like any pace for a film should, which is move smoothly and gradually to a powerful climax. There are peaks and valleys in the pacing that feels comfortable. After one tense scene, appropriately there is a calm scene that comes after to let the audience simmer down. This Director's Cut version also features 13 minutes of never seen before footage. Kate Beckinsale plays it smart, intense, and charismatic as Selene - the dark and cold-hearted death dealer, who's fighting a war against Lycans. And while she shows off her moves in the fight scenes and shows a hard exterior, she still looks very feminine. Selene is both a lover and a fighter, and very rarely do you find a Vampire portrayed in such a manner. Beckinsale does most of the stunts herself, whether in tight black leather or in high fashion Gothic ballgown outfits. And she's stunningly gorgeous as always! Scott Speedman is okay, though didn't seem particularly right for the role he was playing while the less said about Shane Brolly's performance, the better. What I liked about "Underworld", apart from Kate Beckinsale's fine performance, is the detailed attention given to the trappings of plot, scenery and costume. Visual awesomeness! The action sequences are a treat, the unbelievable stunts pulled off by the characters easily acceptable as they are far from human. Those who say film's action scenes are 'Matrix-like' are about as far from the truth as it gets. There is no bullet time and only two slightly slow-mo parts. The special effects are polished and rather impressive. With its solid acting, fantastic visuals and some really well-executed acton sequences, "Underworld" is an extremely enjoyable horror/fantasy flick, that meets and exceeds expectations.

• My Rating: 8.00/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 30% (4.7/10)
• IMDb: 6.7/10