Believe it or not, 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans' is actually a good film. Kate Beckinsale is not back in the third film of the franchise, but Michael Sheen certainly makes the most out of his role as Lucian. He's the center of attention and relishes in it. Fans of the monster-film genre will not be disappointed.
'Lycans' is set as a prequel to the last the film, 'Underworld: Evolution,' which chronicles the werewolf-vampire rivalry and the events leading up to Lucien's existence. Born as the first lycan to take the shape of a human, Lucian is spared from death but held captive by Viktor, the merciless leader of the vampires. Forced to be obedient to Viktor's demands, Lucian helps lure humans into the vampire chambers so that they can be turned into lycans (werewolves) and become slaves. Unbeknownst to all, Lucian has been having an affair with Viktor's daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra), a top soldier of the vampires and member of the ruling council.
As lycans are being tortured and killed both inside and outside of the vampires' lair, the depths of Lucien's betrayal to his people haunts his soul. Lucian looks to make things right and frees all lycans. Once his alliance with Sonja is uncovered, Viktor has other plans, setting up a war that will last for centuries.
While gory and violent, 'Lycans' is a better film than its predecessor. The characters are well-defined, with Sheen giving an electrifying performance as Lucian. Hard to believe that this is the same guy who played opposite Helen Mirren in 'The Queen' and starred alongside Frank Langella in the Oscar-nominated 'Frost/ Nixon.' The on-screen chemistry between him and Mitra sizzles.
Despite his blue contact lenses, Bill Nighy is a pleasure to watch as Viktor. Whether it's working with Tom Cruise on 'Valkyrie' or reprising his role in this film, he's game for anything. Patrick Tatopoulos, who took over for Len Wiseman, the production designer on the previous films, creatively brings new life to the franchise, although it's hard to tell what new look he adds because the movie is set in dark surroundings.
Moviegoers need to watch the previous films to follow the story line. As the creator and writer of the first film, as well as one of the cast members, Kevin Grevioux is back with witty dialogue and a role that allows him to do more than just play the black dude who turns into a werewolf. Overall, the film is entertaining and intriguing, enough to keep the franchise going.
January 2009
