I’ve spoken time and again of my fondness for vampire and werewolf mythology, despite Stephanie Meyers’ tendency to play fast-and-loose with established guidelines, so it is understandable as to why I am a big fan of the Underworld series. Ever since Kate Beckinsale first took up the mantle of the immortal Death Dealer Selene in 2003’s Underworld, audiences have established a devout fan-base to the successful franchise. Critical reaction has never been phenomenally high, but everyone can appreciate the effort that the films have exerted to detail a rich and complicated history for the Underworld cinematic universe. After a successful prequel in the form of 2009’s Rise of the Lycans, fans would undoubtedly be excited to see Beckinsale return to the big screen in the form of her most popular character. Promising significant action, 3D special effects, and extended shots of the most beautiful woman in Hollywood moving around in skin-tight leather, male mythology fans were sure to respond in droves for Underworld: Awakening.
As the fourth film in the franchise, filmmakers have already gone to considerable lengths to establish the diegetic world and character mythology of Underworld: Awakening, and as a result, audiences are granted complete and immediate immersion into off-the-wall action and violence. In terms of the plot holding this sequel together, the story told is simplistic and razor thin, but it is really hard to care when bullets and explosions are jumping out at you in almost every scene. Kate Beckinsale returns as Selene in full force, tearing through enemies with unforgiving brutality and intensity, in essence proving that she has more than earned her status as a female action star. Given my status as a fan of the supernatural, I loved the implications and fan-boy science behind this next chapter in the war between undead monsters, but if that type of fantasy doesn’t interest you or you have never seen an Underworld movie, then a lot of the enjoyment inherent in this sequel will inevitably be lost. Still, with the high-octane action offered by this newest entry in a successful franchise through a sexy leading lady, Underworld: Awakening remains a strong and adventurous horror film that sets the bar fairly high for other January releases.
Overall Recommendation: High
