Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) User Reviews

You know, I really enjoyed it. Michael Sheen is superb in a film where great performances normally don't happen.

[The_Amazing_Spy_Rises · 8/10 · 23 January 2009]

Very rarely do prequels match up with their predecessors. As I'm not the biggest Underworld fan, I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting much. However, I should've expected more, as the latest, yet earliest installment is easily my favorite in the series. It ain't art, but it's the shining example of why we go to the movies: to escape into a world of mythology, fantasy, and crazy vampire/werewolf action.

For the first time in the series, the filmmakers have decided to leave out the rock that probably was the reason the films have been successful: Kate Beckinsale. I'm guessing this was a production risk/choice, but it seems to have paid off. Selene's absence from the story is necessary to tell the story of how the Lycans rose to power, how Viktor was driven insane (though we pretty much already know how), and, as off topic as it may be, how simply awesome Michael Sheen is.

Very rarely do the actors make an action movie good. Most action movies rely on explosions and (surprise!) action to enhance the quality and generally feature run of the mill copycat characters. Sheen's Lucian and Bill Nighy's Viktor will always stand out in the realm of action/fantasy characters to me, and it's easy to see why. Sheen's turn as Lucian is fierce, determined, and one of my favorite performances in an action movie I've seen in years. Despite playing a (mostly) villainous role in the first film, Lucian is the hero of this film, and it totally gives you a new spin on things. Sheen's brave and dedicated performance really makes the character work, while Bill Nighy is once again effectively creepy as Viktor. Rhona Mitra's presence as Sonja is welcome, though she doesn't carry the same charisma that Beckinsale does, making her an ill advised choice to be Selene's replacement (as she so obviously is).

The action in Underworld, though obviously restrained by a lower budget, is once again great. There's some nice dueling, the obvious gore and blood galore, and a nice Lord of the Rings style battle at the end. What it comes down to is that Underworld does nothing new, but does everything right in maintaining a steady river of entertainment. I was never bored, and I don't think you will be either.

The film does answer a lot of questions and provides some nice insight to the Lycans (which were my favorite parts about the first two films), though it suffers from the same fate as most prequels do...even a casual viewer of this series knows which characters will live, which will die, and how it will end. The film isn't really about the resolution, but rather the journey to the end. In fact, it's made in such a way that you can certainly watch the trilogy in chronological order.

When it comes down to it, I liked 'Lycans' a lot. It's a worthy installment in the series, and certainly not a disappointment to me. It's got good action, a wonderful lead performance from Michael Sheen, and should satisfy fans of the series and fans of mythological stories altogether.

The Lycans are here...

[Thanos_Alfie · 7/10 · 16 February 2014]

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" is the third movie of the Underworld series and in this one we are back in time where the race of aristocratic vampires had Lycans as their slaves and we watch how they rise up against the cruel vampire king and what happened next.

I liked this movie because it was something really different from all the other vampire movies and I also liked the thing that it turned us so back to show us how the things were there and how all this things started from the beginning of them. The interpretations of Michael Sheen who plays as Lucian, Rhona Mitra who plays as Sonja and Bill Nighy who plays as Viktor were simply outstanding.

Finally I have to tell you that I strongly recommend this movie such as all of the Underworld movies.

A Surprisingly Good Prequel

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 6 October 2012]

This prequel to "Underworld" is essentially the story of "Lucian" (played by Michael Sheen) and the evolution of lycans (werewolves) from full-time savage beasts to those who change from werewolf to human (and back again). The biggest problem I have with prequels is that the endings are generally already known, so much of the mystery has already been taken away. This film is no exception. For example, anyone who has seen "Underworld" knows that "Sonja" (played by Rhona Mitra) dies. It is also common knowledge that "Viktor" (Bill Nighy) and "Lucian" will live to fight another day. Further, for those who have seen the sequel, "Underworld: Evolution", then they know that "Tannis" (Steve Mackintosh) also survives. So all that's left are perhaps a few minor surprises here and there and the hope of plenty of good action or plot developments in-between. Because of this, prequels are seldom as good as the original movie. Add in the fact that the main star (Kate Beckinsale) of both "Underworld" and "Underworld: Evolution" is absent, along with the fact that another director (Patrick Tatopoulos) is calling the shots, and this movie doesn't seem to have much chance of success. Fortunately, this film beats the odds. Although not quite as good as Kate Beckinsale, Rhona Mitra steps in and gives a very good performance as "Sonja", the daughter of "Viktor". Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy also perform exceptionally well. Likewise, Patrick Tatopoulos manages to stay the course and remains true to the basic theme of the original and sequel alike. In short, this is a surprisingly good prequel and I recommend it to anyone who liked the two previous pictures.

More than animals

[unbrokenmetal · 7/10 · 3 October 2009]

"Rise of the Lycans", on the surface, makes a perfectly well working prequel. The loss of Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman is compensated by a great Rhona Mitra and especially Michael Sheen's titanic effort. The look and the action are amazing, considering the somewhat lower budget, and the story makes sense to prepare us all for the things to come in the other two movies. All in all, the trilogy is round now and does not disappoint in any department, unless you are taking everything a bit too literally and wonder how werewolves can make babies.

It is interesting, however, to peek below the surface. The makers mentioned in interviews they see similarities to "Romeo & Juliet" insofar as Lucien and Sonja are lovers not allowed to get together. One crucial difference, however, is that Romeo and Juliet came from two noble families, whereas in "Rise of the Lyans", Sonja is a member of the aristocratic pale vampire rulers, who are sipping glasses of blood on the castle, while Lucien is with the ugly, hairy slaves, the werewolves exploited as cheap labor force. We don't really get to see what this work consists of except carrying stones around. Also the love story isn't explained enough in the running time of not much more than 80 minutes PAL until the credits start to roll. But the point is that "Rise of the Lycans" is a hardly disguised class struggle story. Similar to the Italian socialist cinema of the 1960s which would show the rebellion of poor farmers against the rich property owners, the working class has to realise their value (in Lucien's words: "we are more than animals") and claim their human rights. When Lucien says "this is just the beginning", it may seem to the audience that he jokingly refers to other other two movies which have shown us already how the story continues after this prequel. In the subtext, though, he is making a very serious statement that freedom is the foundation of a life worth living, and everything else will be built up now upon this basic condition. It's a pity that the movie doesn't elaborate more on that and doesn't spend some additional time on the character development, either, because it could have been the best of the trilogy. Alas, I voted almost equally 8-7-7 for the three movies.

Genesis of the Gnashers...

[Xstal · 6/10 · 27 August 2022]

A medieval tale of the genesis of the Lycans, and how Lucien was born, into the middle of a frying pan, before jumping into fire, making his life rather dire, setting free his fellow brethren and undoing what had been done.

Alas, without Selene, it is an empty can of beans, just an ordinary kind of tale, blows quite limp with a wet sail.

It's only downhill from now on, as the franchise ruptures, the bloods gone, not quite knowing when to stop, perpetually draining a good plot, leaving a husk, a shallow spectre of what was.

Be nice to know what the point of it all is too, aside from megalomania.

I Am Spartacus!

[mbrooks-8 · 7 May 2009]

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans : In this prequel we get little of Romeo and Juliet and a dash of Spartacus. The vampires have bred themselves a race of Lycan slaves to guard them during the daylight hours, but when Lucian, the favored pet of Viktor the ruling vampire, falls in love with his daughter things go bad rather quickly. The CGI werewolves are leaps and bounds better than their previous incarnations in this series and the only CGI complaint I have is to the occasionally bad CGI blood spray. Rhona Mitra makes for a hot vampire, and Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen return to chew up some nice scenery. After watching the big battle one is forced to ask the question that pops up after watching any of the Underworlds movies, "How did the Lycans lose the war?" Seriously, the vampires in these films are as fragile as a 1978 Ford Pinto.

Good simple story without Kate Beckinsale

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 29 December 2013]

This is a prequel and an origin story of how the Lycans were born. Lucian (Michael Sheen) is the first werewolf born to take human form. Normally, werewolves turn into vicious animals and never turn back. Instead of eliminating the possible future threat, vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy) decides to use him to create an army to protect the vampires from the nuisance of the werewolves. Viktor's daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra) would fall for Lucian, and help him lead a rebellion against the vampires.

It's a bit of a shock to not have Kate Beckinsale or Scott Speedman. Kate has some narration at the beginning. After I figured that out pretty quick, the story is watchable on its own. Rhona Mitra is a gorgeous actress. She just doesn't have the same level of loveability of Kate Beckinsale. Michael Sheen strips off his shirt and does a really good job. It's a fairly simple story. It's just maybe not what I was expecting.

Overwhelming prequel that explains the origin of taking on between vampires and Lycans

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 4 July 2010]

Again the eternal fight between vampires and werewolves in this exciting prequel set in the Dark Ages. This original and gore-soaked vampires film begins centuries ago. Unknown to humanity, centuries old blood feud raged between aristocrat vampires and subdued legion of werewolves known as Lycans who work as slaves. For centuries Sonja ( Rhona Mitra ) is a loyal soldier of the vampire clan, but she falls in love with the Lycan Lucian ( Michael Sheen ). The tale traces the origins of the confrontation between a ruling class of bloodsuckers and their onetime slaves, the werewolves . A young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful rebel who rallies the rebellious werewolves to rise up against Viktor, Sonja's father and the brutal vampire king . Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja, in his struggle against the Vampire army and his fight for Lycan freedom . Neverheless , the war was not as it had seemed. In one night, the lies that had united the kind vampire had been exposed. Sonja has formed a secret alliance with Lucian, ruler of the werewolf clan to overthrow Viktor ( Bill Nighy ), vampires leader who has enslaved them . But Viktor's lust for power and domination has failed. As Viktor was not the savior they had been led to believe . Soon the hunt would be on for his killer . As the war between vampires and werewolves get more personal and deadly , they decide to launch a full-scale attack on the hideout in order to extinguish the race.

This amazing movie displays noisy action , thrills ride, stirring fighting , graphic violence , brief nudism with mild sex scene and is pretty amusing . It packs large loads of guts and gore , there's a huge body count, this one actually knocks off an immense amount, several vampires and werewolves are staked bloodily in the chest, even more impaled with large claws. There's really savage decapitation, plenty of bodies ripped in scraps and half, including some of the most tears ever, that spill lots of blood and numerous get shot up with arcs . Most of vampires, Lycans and humans victims are relegated to being bitten in the throat and neck and the breathtaking fighting scenes are realized with magnificent special and visual effects as well as excellent make-up department . The film blends horror, suspense, struggles, rip-roaring action, terror and lots of gore. Set design is of first class , settings are stylized, Gothic scenarios , and spooky and ghoulish atmosphere. Specials effects are breathtaking, part of them are made by means of computer generator and part by make up . Bone-chilling and atmospheric musical score by Paul Haslinger and colorful and dark cinematography by Ross Emery. Spectacular and moving direction by Patrick Tatopoulos. He's author of set design and production design of Underworld I and II and known blockbusters, such as ¨10.000 BC, Indepencence day, I robot, Resident evil, Pith black ¨, among them . The interesting screenplay is written by Len Wiseman, who directed the former entries , along with Danny McBride and Kevin Grevioux . All actors and technicians participated in the previous outings with exception Kate Beckinsale , being well replaced by Rhona Mitra as relentless action woman . Recommended to those who amuse those kind of vampires-werewolves films or those enjoy in general.

Best prequel I've seen and worthy successor

[overcrest2000 · 8/10 · 23 January 2009]

I came back about an hour ago from the 3:45 showing here in Toronto. I've seen the first two movies, and I have to say I'm glad they brought back Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy; the second film just wasn't quite the same without those two. Lucian is the character you love to sympathize for and Viktor is the character you love to hate.

I'm so very glad the story was more focused on Lucian as it's a nice change from Selene and Michael being in the spotlight (not to mention Michael Sheen's arguably superior acting ability). As for Rhona Mitra, I won't say she was better than Kate Beckinsale but I can't say she was any less of an asset. Not only did she look great, but she executed her lines superbly. I will however say that I find Sonja's character much more interesting than Selene's. The chemistry between Lucian and Sonja was much better than that of the chemistry between Michael and Selene.

The story was much more intriguing, emotional and tragic than that of either of the previous two expeditions (this being of course subjective), as many who recall the flashbacks presented within will agree. It was also faithful to the material, and it's good that they didn't compromise for the sake of "improving" the story.

Overall, I can't think of another prequel that brought such raw emotion to the table, and regardless of the fact that Len Wiseman was not directing this one (though he was at the helm in other ways), you wouldn't know by watching it as it did a good job maintaining the same feel as the first two. The score also added to a lot of the emotion.

In regards to the possibility of a 4th movie: if they choose to continue on from this prequel as I think they should, they should bring in Amelia as she is one of the few characters that has yet to be explored fully.

prequel

[kairingler · 7/10 · 2 January 2014]

when I first found out that this was gonna be a prequel,, I didn't quite get how they were gonna do this,, but after watching the film,, I 'm glad that the producers, writers, and director did it the way that they did,, all in all superb acting from the cast.. great direction,, solid camera work,, great special effects,, had lot's of good battle scenes,, especially at the end,,, I like the idea of the story that explains how the Lycans got to rise to their power,, because at first they were the slaves. I'm a big fan of the 1st two movies,, and this one didn't disappoint,, cept save for the abscene of it's star Kate Beckinsale,, but otherwise a pretty decent movie.

Underworld:Rise of the Lycans

[Scarecrow-88 · 5/10 · 11 October 2009]

Unnecessary prequel(..was there anyone who was crying aloud for another film in the Underworld series?)has Lycan(..half-human/half-beast)Lucian(Michael Sheen), a loyal slave / blacksmith under the rule of aristocratic vampire race led by Viktor(Bill Nighy), revolting against his masters, motivating his brethren, in bondage as well, treated as animals, imprisoned and ready for freedom. Lucian is in love with Viktor's daughter, Sonja(Rhona Mitra)and vice versa, committing an affair behind his back when they can find a chance..Lucian has a means to reach her room by way of an access tunnel underneath his place of work. While Lucian and certain human werewolves have their humanity, there's a pure blood race of wolf-beasts which live in a huge cavern, picking off vampires and the pure human "nobels" who the bloodsuckers need for nourishment(.."grass they graze")on a well traveled road which leads to Viktor's castle. The humans question Viktor's abilities to keep them safe after a werewolf attack leaves many who accompanied them from their village dead(..the humans mine silver for the vampires). Lucian, after saving Sonja's life from a werewolf attack, is punished by Viktor for removing his collar(..a silver collar keeps the Lycans from turning into beast form)in order to keep her from perishing..it is established here that Lucian has the ability to control the beasts, their listening to his command. As is to be expected, Lucian and Sonja's affair will be discovered, Lucian will be placed in prison and face certain death, and the war between vampires and Lycans will be raged, the full blood beasts finally unleashed on the bloodsuckers in a violent finale.

Forbidden love between two different races(..or families, think Romeo and Juliet) along with the rise of a browbeaten people against those who rule over them with an iron fist(Braveheart) are quite familiar themes and Underworld:Rise of the Lycans doesn't really tread any new ground regarding them. The film is edited so madly, and shot in such a dark and blue Gothic hue, the action sequences featuring the beasts attacking their enemy fail to generate the expected thrills..heavy dependence on CGI, which might explain why the filmmakers shoot the gory ultra-violence in such a way as to not call attention to how much the wolf-beasts look like monsters from a video game. The moon is giant and bright and shown quite often. Sheen gets a showy hero role, while Nighy fulfills his duties as a pompous vampire leader whose contempt for the Lycans evident in how he treats Lucian. Nighy seems to fashion his role in correlation with the kings in Europe, how the aristocracy frown upon those in a more unfortunate position, the Lycans merely peasants, cattle. Kevin Grevioux has a nice supporting role as a deep-voiced human slave who is turned into a Lycan, becoming Lucian's muscle, his lieutenant in their newly formed army. Mitra is cast appropriately as Sonja, resembling Kate Beckingsale quite a bit, her pouty lips and well defined figure ideal in a role that requires a certain type of sex appeal. The vampires wear blue eye contacts, their skin pale white, costumed as royals. Lucian is sweaty with plenty of chest hair, carrying a "wolf-like" appearance.

As is often the case when dealing with prequels, it's hard to build suspense when one knows that the villain and hero neither die because both show up in the other movies in the series.

A Very Good Prequel

[bdc141 · 8/10 · 23 January 2009]

If you are a fan of either of the first two Underworld movies you are going to like this one as well. This movie seems to take place a short time after the creation of both races but some time before the events that open Underworld Evolution. The entire story of the feud between the vampires and lycans is told in 90 minutes with plenty of action interspersed throughout. My only complaint is that the movie could have been longer with more character development. An hour and a half is hardly enough time to tell a love story, which is what is at the heart of this movie. Also, a little more depth could have been given to Raze's character as his origins are shown but not in much detail. These plot points are sacrificed to keep the action scenes rolling but the action is great. There are several clashes between vamps and lycans that put those of the first two movies to shame. The special effects are amazing as usual. My hope is that Rise of the Lycans will do well at the box offices and we will all be treated to an extended directors cut on DVD. The plot themes of slavery, forbidden love, and revolution could use a little more screen time in my opinion. Oh and lets all hope for another sequel.

Monster-mash SPARTACUS!

[george.schmidt · 7/10 · 9 February 2009]

UNDERWORLD : RISE OF THE LYCANS (2009) **1/2 Michael Sheen, Rhona Mitra, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, David Grevious, David Ashton. Fair to middling prequel to the vastly popular monster-mash franchise with Sheen as a lycan Spartacus if you will, whose people are enslaved by Nighy's vampire empire is further complicated when he falls in love with the king's princess daughter (sultry Mitra who makes a formidable presence in her feistiness), causing a war between creatures of the night. Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos – who worked as the previous film's special effects chief - does yeoman work with some decent visuals and transformation sequences with the furry beasties yet ultimately it wears out its grisly welcome by the climactic battle royale.

A visually captivating disappointment

[The_Factor · 4/10 · 23 January 2009]

I, like many this evening braved the frigid winter and long lines to see what I had anticipated to be one of the best movies of this year. However, I was left sadly wanting in many ways after the credits rolled. But to be fair, there were redeemable qualities (although very few). Let's start with what worked. First, the Lycans: on point in every way – from their terrifying physicality to their sheer ferocity. The action: sublimely visceral – when it did occur. Nighy/Victor and Sheen/Lucian: Perfect. Now, what did not (and there is plenty). This was less a movie and more a collage of sequences (and do not expect to see any supporting characters from the other movies except Raze and Tannis). Profoundly missing was a well written storyline and anything of real substance to bring these pieces of film together. The story seemed to start right in the middle – at the cusp where Lucian had made up his mind to rebel. Therefore, there was no context; no tension; no sense of betrayal – the devices needed to make everything else work. Moreover, it ended at where the climax should have begun (which needed to be after the feud had simmered for a bit). Oh and it was way too short. Purist will also find offense in some liberties taken to certain facts previously revealed in the first two movies…but judge that for yourself. In the end, this movie lingered to long on what should have been brief "background" scenes (e.g. various council scenes), and as a consequence we never really got to know or care about the principal players...or the movie (ouch). -D

Underworld

[0U · 22 February 2020]

Even though I knew what was gonna happen because the story was told in the first one but that didn't make it repetitive or not entertaining for me. Again these films aren't masterpiece but they are pure entertainment.

Bitter sweet Movie

[notperfect63 · 7/10 · 6 June 2014]

For the most part this was a good movie great action, good plot and storyline. But the main problem with this movie (spoiler alert) the vampires in this movie were extremely underpowered . It was almost Luciana vs humans . the vampires showed no speed there was only one show of strength, but other than that they were humans. where as the lycans showed all of the typical abillities of werewolves speed, strength, blood lust the whole nine. but im just one person. like i said other than that it was a great action packed movie . it also was a great back story to the other movies.in the future i would recommend focusing more on the characteristics of the characters them selves .

• Trevaris

Sit down

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 7/10 · 30 January 2010]

The series continues to entertain, but also not quite succeeding in winning me over. To be honest, if it hadn't been for the return of Raze, I might not have given this a chance at all; Kevin Grevioux is just plain a bad-ass. That's his *real voice*! Seriously, listen to interviews with him. While I would have liked more of him in this, I'm honest enough to admit that the entire 80 minute running time could have had him in every shot, and I'd still be saying that it's not enough. For Tatopoulos having relatively little experience at directing(I guess he got tired of being consultant for when giant mutated lizards attack), he does rather well. And this definitely has a *gorgeous* Gothic look, and the dark tone of the first two. The cinematography and editing are great, and the use of hand-held is effective, although several bits go by so fast that you can't tell what is going on. Nearly every(and certainly every lead) performance is impressive; Sheen continues the stellar work, Nighy(apart from being over the top at points) is marvelous, of course, and I wouldn't mind seeing Mitra be the lead in something else. I hadn't seen her in this large a part before, and she does well. The action is cool, intense and fun; of course, given that this is a prequel, you may miss the shoot-outs and car-chases of the prior 2 entries. With that said, the sword-fighting is great. The FX are excellent, and smoothly integrated. To its credit, at its core, this is a story about slaves rising up against their masters, and it does engage pretty well. There is plenty of brutal, bloody violence, a little sexuality(hot, though not graphic; and this has eye candy for both genders) and brief male, infant nudity in this. The DVD comes with an informative and amusing commentary track, three well-done featurettes of 9, 20 and 13 minutes length, respectively, a music video and a handful of trailers. I recommend this to any fan of the franchise(and this is best watched after the others). 7/10

OK for a Prequel...

[conradcarlo_venzon-1 · 6/10 · 13 February 2009]

I just wanna say that this is one fine prequel.. Although, they could have done better fight scenes.. Especially Lucian's fight with Viktor. It didn't have much of a spark in it.. Within moments, it's finished without any satisfying result. Well, for me. (^^,) Well, on with comment..

Bill Nighy is so awesome in bringing the character, Victor, to existence once again. And so is Michael Sheen who brought Lucian back to life again. Rhona Mitra is superb, beautiful and "HOT" as she takes the character, Sonja, Viktor's beloved daughter. Kevin Grevioux returns as Raze, as does Steven Mackintosh as Tannis. Both are given considerably more to do this time and both are welcome familiar faces and characters. The single omitted character was Kraven, a slight dissatisfaction, but not one that discolors the film.

There isn't a great deal to state here other than getting the full back-story of the prohibited love between Lucian and Sonja, which eventually leads to the Lycans's war against the vampires. Sheen and Mitra have an incredible chemistry and anyone knowing their love story on screen, is to anticipate fatal outcome.

Fans of Underworld won't be saddened here. I wish that the next movie will get back up with Selena and Michael now that the origin of the story has been fully told.

Well, all in all, one fine prequel

The Prequel to Underworld. "Rise of the Lycans"

[aegiswiz-accede · 7/10 · 28 October 2013]

"Rise of the Lycans". That's a pretty good thumbnail view.

I liked this third outing of the Underworld series of movies. 7 of 10. No Kate Beckinsale as Selene, as this is actually a prequel to the Underworld series of movies. Enter the beautiful Rhona Mitra as Sonja. Folks may know Rhona Mitra was Claire Radcliff in the wonderful TV series, The Gates: A vampire and werewolf TV series that was sadly canceled after the first season. Off topic a second…, I can never understand that when one of the "networks" has a hit series they are compelled to dump it in such a way as to frustrate as many people as possible. The cables, like TNT, A&E, etc., seem infinitely better at making the "cancel series" decision… but I digress.

The point I slipped off of is that if you're inclined to beautiful goth women in vampire type movies, Rhona Mitra is not a step down from Kate Beckinsale.

Rise of the Lycans is another double down of the Romeo and Juliet plot… which made Underworld as touching as it was exciting. Because of this plot, the movies, except perhaps "Evolution", should have at least some appeal to those who crave some romance in their movies.

It is entertaining to see what they've done with this movie in relation to the other Underworld movies. They've taken some of the back-story that is hinted at in Underworld and filled in many of the blanks. I watched this third, as it came out third, but if I had better knowledge I would have watched this one first in the series of movies.

If you're looking for a review that critiques acting, cinematography, CGI, how realistic stunts were, etc., this is the wrong review for you. I watch movies to be entertained, to relate to the characters, and essentially enjoy myself. Unless it is just bad, like SyFy seems they must fill that nook, I don't notice much of that because I'm into the story. And this movie has one. If some technicality made it difficult to watch I'd say something but this movie doesn't get in the way of the story.

"This movie is dark!" What does that even mean? Vampires, underground, no sunlight… dark. Or is it because the characters aren't politically correct… does that make it "dark". This movie does move quickly. A twist in the plot, a surprise, an unexpected turn… I call that fun. Only better way to get that kind of fun is to read a book or do exciting things, like skydive or something.

Finally, a confession: I actually had no interest what-so-ever in the Underworld series until I checked up on an old favorite screenwriter of mine, J. Michael Straczynski. Turns out he is the writer of Underworld: Awakening. So, I wanted to get the earlier movies in my head before watching Awakening. That JMS associated with the franchise and even wrote a script for it was enough to spark my interest. I'm glad I took the time to watch this movie and the two earlier movies. Now on to the JMS screenplay, Underworld: Awakening.

All in all? This ROCKS!

[FiendishDramaturgy · 8/10 · 24 January 2009]

What I wanted...I wanted an epically filmed visceral movie wherein thousands of Lycans are pitted against thousands of Vampires in full armor on horseback. Wow! What a great movie THAT would have been.

What I got...was somehow...better. I honestly can't say that I'm disappointed, although I just KNEW I would be if they left off that bit. What they give us is story-driven rather than effects or action-driven. I know that sounds ridiculous when talking about a movie in which action and effects are completely necessary in order to properly tell the story, but in all too many cases, they end up overshadowing the story and eliminating any sense of storytelling. I am happy to say that such is not the case with Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

I won't spoil the movie as so many have. I will say that the obvious parallels between Sonja and Selene's characters are endearing, and Sonja's love of Lucien is breathtaking. The overall feel of the movie is as dark and Gothic as the original work, beautifully echoing the brilliance of that film which caught us so by surprise in September of 2003.

This still leaves a few small questions, and I would have loved to see Kraven make the deal with Lucien and cut Viktor's mark off of him, but you can't have everything, and all in all, this will run back to front with the original. All that's left now, is an extension of the Story of Underworld: Evolution; one that either gives the viewers a satisfactory ending, or perpetuates the species...of Underworld films, that is.

All in all? This ROCKS!

It rates an 8.4/10 from...

the Fiend :.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (6/10)

[skybrick736 · 6/10 · 25 August 2016]

Unique to Rise of the Lycans compared to the other two Underworld movies is the emotion and testament the writing, characters and atmosphere portrayed. Giving Kate Beckinsale a break and taking the prequel route was a very smart plan, leading to a movie that was better than expected. With Bill Nighly taking a central role it really strengthens the core characters of the movie around him. Rhona Mitra was impressive as well as Michael Sheen, who would be hard pressed for being a lead role in other movies. It is also nice to see on film the backstory that the viewers kept hearing about in the first two films. Although we all know what happens to everybody at the end, the film still managed to hold interest. In no way is Rise of the Lycans an original or memorable film but it is surprisingly entertaining and a better watch than Evolution.

Actually... as boring and generic as it appears to be

[Quinoa1984 · 3/10 · 24 January 2009]

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans was not something I had high on my radar, but there was one image that peaked my interest: Bill Nighy, one of the most curious and expressive and funny and spot-on dramatic character actors from Britain, sits on a throne with ice-blue contact lenses surrounded by darkness and looking as creepy as a vampire king can be. It's a terrific poster... and now having seen the movie, I wish it was just that. After two previous Underworld movies chronicling the battles and occasional love interests between Lycans (werewolves) and vampires (no other name used), the story goes backward to trace the rise of the Lycans (yes, the title says it all, don't it?) and how they escaped from vampire enslavement. Some may say it's as good, if not better, than the previous ones. I saw the first, barely remember it, skipped the second one, and now for the third it will likely fold back to the first one's recollection. This is boring as hell.

How to make such a blunt statement? I was on board with the idea, and even wanted to stick with the storyline involving ::gasp:: a doomed relationship between a Lycan (Sheen) whose life was spared by the vampire king Viktor (Nighy) with the king's daughter Sonja (Mitra, Beckinsale's quasi-replacement). But it doesn't help matters that the script has dialog that is spoken with a kind of one-dimensional hammed-up quality that not even Nighy, an actor of skill even under pounds of CGI and makeup in Pirates of the Caribbean, can get out of, nor Sheen with his widening eyes and Christ-like demeanor in ::again gasp:: leading his fellow lycans and full-on werewolves to rise up against their tormentors and blue-blooded vampire lords.

The director is a first-timer, which explains a good deal: Tatopoulis is a special effects man first and storyteller second, and even on the first count this isn't always very strong for the werewolves, with an exception here or there, look like crap with oil-slicked bodies and gnarling that goes by fast in the midst of quick cuts in action sequences. He does nothing to bring to the table anything in way of real originality as he's using the same flawed visual scheme in the previous films (white/blue tint of the color, lighting meant to not be dark but when light still looks washed-out) and just pumps up the volume of the gore to appease hardcore fans looking for something a little "extra" in their werewolf kills. In the meantime Nighy and Sheen are left in the actor wilderness, only one or two bits (i.e. Mitra and Sheen's sex-scene on the edge of the cliff) bring some unintentional chuckles, and by the time of writing these words mere hours after seeing the film I can't remember very much about it.

Perhaps I wasn't totally the fan to see this, which is less-than-2D characters going through the motions in a prototypical love-n-rebellion saga. But I wanted to be, and wished it didn't turn out so... lame.

One of the Greatest Prequels.

[zardoz-13 · 10/10 · 11 February 2012]

This epic vampires versus werewolves prequel to "Underworld" and "Underworld: Evolution" qualifies as first-rate entertainment that resembles a combination of an old western and a variation on "Spartacus." The vampires are forted up in a medieval castle, and the werewolves lurk beyond the walls in the dark woods like hostile Apache Indians. The action is fast and furious and it sticks to the exposition from "Underworld" and concludes with Kate Beckinsale perched on a window ledge. Director Patrick Tatopoulos' "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" occurs before Death Dealer Selene came onto the scene. "Lycans" chronicles the franchise when Viktor (Bill Nighy) commanded the coven and clashed with his rebellious daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra of "Beowulf") who has an affair with a Lycan. The scene when the Lycan attack the vampire castle and Sonja's lover, Lucian (Michael Sheen of "New Moon") fires gigantic cross-bow arrows at the rampaging werewolves is unbelievably cool! Prepare yourself for an unhappy ending.

A solid prequel that fills in much of the franchise's mythology

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 21 July 2016]

This film, set several centuries before the original two, tells us the story of Lucian; the first lycan who can take human form. He doesn't start off as a leader of a new race of powerful immortals; instead he and this new type lycan as kept as slaves by the vampires to protect them from the older type of lycan. Not everybody sees them as animals though; Sonja, the daughter of Victor the Vampire King, has fallen in love with Lucian. Lucian may be a slave but he is favoured by Victor… that is until he breaks the rules and leaves the vampire stronghold and removes his restraining collar… something Victor won't forgive even though Lucian did it to save Sonja. With Sonja's help he manages to escape with the other lycan slaves but Victor becomes aware of his daughter's treachery… if Lucian is to save her he will have to return to the vampire stronghold and ultimately face Victor in battle.

At first I was a bit unsure about this film because it doesn't feature Selene, the series protagonist, and the fact that we know that certain characters must survive as they feature in films set later. Thankfully it was still gripping and impressively fills in much of the series' mythology. It was interesting to see a lycan as the main character and Michael Sheen did a fine job as Lucian. He is ably supported by Rhona Mitra who is impressive as doomed love interest Sonja and Bill Nighy who makes a welcome return as Victor. As anybody who has watched the previous films will expect there is plenty of impressive and rather bloody action but not so much that it gets in the way of the story. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to anybody who enjoyed the previous two films but it isn't essential to have seen them to enjoy this.

Cheap without thrills

[Jay_Exiomo · 5/10 · 23 January 2009]

The whole Vampires-versus-Lycans tale leaps back centuries earlier in "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans", a Kate Beckinsale-less prequel to the first two "Underworld" installments, which aside from providing viewers an extended look at the franchise's oh-so detailed mythology, has virtually no innovations to offer to keep it from being derivative. That the narrative is also predictably headed to a foregone conclusion proves to be the film's greatest undoing in whatever mild interest the script presents in bringing back its implicit societal classes allegories.

Lucian (Michael Sheen) plots to rally his fellow Lycans into freedom from slavery by the aristocratic vampires ruled by Viktor (a barbarous Bill Nighy) but such goal is complicated by Lucian's clandestine romance with the latter's daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra), a mere subscript to Lucian's expanded role. While Mitra adequately steps up as the story's central enchantress, her character's reduction to a deliberate plot device makes one wish for Beckinsale's cheesy-yet-sexy fight scenes, which are the predecessors' selling point.

Long-time creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos steps behind the camera and his film (written by Danny McBride, Dirk Blackman, and Howard McCain) still captures the viciously frigid environment co-creator and erstwhile "Underworld" director Len Wiseman have brought. But the chintzy amusement, while still there, is scant, no thanks to a rote product that recalls its predecessors' B-movie goodness with not much success, and its confusing action scenes and perpetually dark cinematography that can't mask the absence of the genuine excitement in this third-rounder that's showing signs of debilitation. It's just the beginning, says Lucian. Yet somehow, it feels as if it's way past its zenith.