Underworld Awakening

Underworld: Awakening

8 February 2012

Director: Måns Mårlind / Björn Stein
Producer: Tom Rossenberg / Gary Lucchesi / Len Wiseman / Richard Wright
Scriptwriting: Len Wiseman / John Hlavin / J. Michael Straczynski / Allison Burnett
Casts: Kate Beckinsale / Sandrine Holt / Stephen Rea / Theo James / Michael Ealy
Cinematography: Scott Kevan
Editing: John Hantzmont
Music: Paul Haslinger
Studio: Lakeshore Entertainment / Skecth Films
Distributor: Screen Gems
Duration: 88 minutes
Budget: $70 million

Every series of Underworld is a favorite and it might be the one to initiate the making of this 4th series. The third series was the prequel of the previous films and this time, Underworld: Awakening comes to continue the story from the second title. To refresh the fans memories and help the new audience to understand the story, there is a short flashback from the first two movies. This time, it really looks imposed. In the end of Underworld: Evolution as the first sequel, it shows that Selene and Michael had become superior of their kind, the super vampire and super werewolf. What could possibly come next then?

After their happy ending, it was told that humans were hunting and destroying the race of vampire and lycan that threatened them. Selene had to oppose humans that stood on her way but with Michael, their power was not enough to defeat them. Twelve years later, Selene woke up in a mysterious lab. She could finally escape after fighting some guards. Now she had a supernatural power to see the other’s vision. She at first thought that it was Michael’s vision but later on found out that it was not his. Pursue by pursue and non-stop actions fill the movie until the end. However, it’s not boring or tiring at all. Those who are fond of Selene would enjoy this adventure.

The story is absolutely not the selling point of the movie. Stylish actions and the visual effects like in the previous series still become the main course for the audience. This time, Mårlind and Stein present more violence and gore. It’s actually not that cruel but just different compared to the previous ones. However, it’s a bit awkward when Selene who is already strong and fast always relies on weapons. “What’s the gun for? You can always kill me anytime you want” said Detective Sebastian to Selena ironically. Maybe Selena is not yet confident enough with his powerful strength.

Kate Beckinsale performs as cold and cool Selene, just like she was in the movies before. It’s a pity Scott Speedman does not take part in this sequel. His character, Michael, is often mentioned but he almost never appears. It might have had different story if he was as dominant as Selene like before.

There is nothing really new from this sequel. The ending just leaves another question that will definitely initiate another sequel, with a note if the film success. The eternal conflict between vampires and lycans as the main theme for the three movies before is no more in here as well as the charismatic elders of both races. Selene and Michael are the ones left with their invincibility. Again, what could possibly come next?

M. Pradipta
Assistant editor and senior writer at Montase, and movie lovers