Underworld (2003) Review

There were some good things to come out of the vampire craze of the 2000’s.

One of Universal Studios’ attempts to bring together their iconic monsters in the film ‘Van Helsing’ was one. Another was the gothic horror/action-based film series ‘Underworld’ staring Kate Beckinsale (who was also in ‘Van Helsing’).

I’d heard a lot of good things about the ‘Underworld’ series for years but never checked them out until a couple of days ago. And maybe because Netflix keeps recommending me them as well!

The story starts off with vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and fellow vampires Rigel and Nathaniel watching a couple of lycans (werewolves) from a distance. The three vampires are Death Dealers; they’re tasked with hunting down the werewolves. There are a few werewolves left as a result of these fearless warriors.

As they follow the werewolves they’re led to a underground subway station. A violent gun fight follows between the vampires and werewolves during which some innocent civilians are killed. During the fight, Rigel is killed and Nathaniel disappears…along with another werewolf.

After the fight is over, Selene makes a couple of discoveries; that the werewolves are using the subway as a gathering place…and- more worryingly- they’re using ultraviolet bullets that can easily kill vampires.

Selene hurries back to the mansion she and the other vampires are living in just outside the city. Selene tries to tell the other vampires what’s going on but they’re all too busy trying to figure out what to wear for the up-and-coming council meeting.

After finally able to watch this film I really enjoyed it. Especially the action scenes. Kate Beckinsale’s performance as vampire Selene shines during those scenes. The only downside to the films I can see is the design for the lycans. Not only that but the effects for them also look a bit off. It was 2003 so I’ll let them off with that.

If you want a good gothic horror/action film- especially for Halloween- then ‘Underworld’ is the one.