I
Can't Hear Myself Think!
I
so desperately want to recommend this movie, if
for no other reason than because I am completely
enamored with the resplendent Kate Beckinsale.
But I just can't give my thumbs-up to this
migraine-inducing 120 minute-long heavy-metal
video that features vampires and werewolves
hunting each other through rain-soaked nights
and incomprehensible plot threads.
Okay... so the plot isn't a complete mess, but
it is somewhat irrelevant in what is ultimately
a popcorn action flick that cares more for
astonishing visuals than logical continuity.
Vampires and Lycans (Werewolves) have apparently
been at war for centuries, with the vampires
seemingly having the upper hand. Selene, a death
dealer who hunts the Lycans, is played
magnificently by Beckinsale, in what has to be
one of the most inspired casting choices in
recent memory.
I have always thought of her as an elegant
corset-wearing actress who seemed more at home
in period pieces and romantic comedies. I
couldn't have been more wrong. Clad in the
sexiest leather outfits and sporting the iciest
glare this side of Hannibal Lecter, Beckinsale
exudes confidence and power as the gun-toting,
butt-kicking & somersault-flipping vampire who
serves as our story's hero. At this point, I
could go into detail about the bloodlines and
resurrections and flashbacks and battles and
conspiracies and yada, yada, yada. But do you
really care about the plot specifics? The
filmmakers didn't.
The only real reason to see this film is
Beckinsale and those mind-blowing leather
cat-suits. She becomes a bona fide choice for
future action material here, and bolsters her
already sublime résumé as she climbs her way to
the top of the Hollywood A-List. With four more
major releases due in theatres over the next
year, Kate is fast becoming one of the most
coveted young actresses of our era... which is
completely fine by me.
She almost did enough to make me like this
movie!!!
To those familiar with my reviews, it won't come
as a shock that I didn't like this film enough
to recommend it. I tend not to be a fan of dark
action flicks with heavy-metal soundtracks and a
penchant for mindless, noisy, explosion filled
sequences. But I came as close I will ever come
to recommending one of these because of
Beckinsale's effort. If there is such a thing as
a 'Hitchcock Brunette', she is the embodiment of
one here.
If you think you are going to like 'Underworld',
the chances are that you will. I have to admit
that it is one of the best examples in its genre
and it almost pounded my intellect into
submission... almost!
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
This film
is definitely not a waste, and one of my more
commendable "C" films. If you are into stylish
over substance, odds are you will enjoy this
film. If you drool every time Beckinsale gets on
screen, well bring a drool cup. If, however, you
need a solid script, good acting and films that
simply make sense...then this one is probably
not for you.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
