Underworld: Evolution (2006)

Groan Wolf

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Underworld: Evolution on DVD

It looks quite a bit better, it moves more clearly and director Len Wiseman (a.k.a. "lucky bastard") has finally figured out how to photograph his wife Kate Beckinsale flatteringly. Overall, Underworld: Evolution is a vast improvement over its predecessor Underworld (2003), even if it generally suffers from the twin evils of stupidity and seriousness. Selene (Beckinsale) and her lover, Michael (Scott Speedman), a werewolf/vampire hybrid, try to keep the bad guys from getting ahold of a key that will free a centuries-old wolf demon. Or something. The story is less confusing here, but still needlessly complicated (exacerbated by a long and pointless prologue). But the best thing of all is that this entry is a good deal shorter! A third entry is expected in 2009, but without Beckinsale or Wiseman.

DVD Details: In anticipation of the third film, Sony has released a two-disc, double-feature set. Both discs are the same as previously issued. The sequel has a commentary track, and the original is the "extended" version (134 minutes), with lots of extras. Also available on Blu-Ray.

With: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, Shane Brolly, Brian Steele, Zita Görög, Scott McElroy, John Mann, Michael Sheen, Sophia Myles, Richard Cetrone, Mike Mukatis
Written by: Len Wiseman, Danny McBride
Directed by: Len Wiseman
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong violence and gore, some sexuality/nudity and language
Running Time: 105 minutes
Date: January 14, 2009