One thing to remember about these reviewers is that many are overly critical nuts who have preconceived notions about the movie. They are so set on their ideas that they do not let the actors and directors tell their own story. They changed a few things about vampire and werewolf mythology, so what. That doesn't mean that the movie is horrible. Watch the movie with and open mind and you will probably enjoy it.

Now, about the movie. It has great action sequences that anyone could enjoy. The story is not that hard to comprehend if you managed to graduate high school, and is really entertaining on several different levels.

My advice, go see the movie and give it half a chance before you start ridiculing it.


Good vampire action film, not the greatest.   September 30, 2003
 23 out of 25 found this review helpful

If you want to see gun blazing action between werewolves and vampires, Underworld delivers. However, I feel it is overshadowed by other vampire movies (Blade, Blade 2) which have far superior fight coreography and character developement. The werewolves are probably the most interresting part of the movie. The visual effects of their transformations are awe inspiring. The vampires seem to be whimpy. They don't have the superhuman powers normally posesses by vampires. They are strong, but where are the super senses? The stealth? In one scene one of the vampires stands in a beam of sunlight (?) and looks into a dark hole in the wall, unable to make out the werewolf hiding in the darkness. What's wrong with this picture? The beautifully sculpted Beckensale is hypnotic to watch in her skin-tight leather outfit. She does a good job acting the part and leading the film but she needs to play paintball a few times to learn how to move her hands like a real experienced gunfighter. The pistols she uses seem to have an unlimited suply of ammunition. They're fully automatic and can blast away for about a minute without a fresh magazine. I know a lot of firearms depicted in movies seem to have these "dream magazines," but to those of us who know a thing or two about firearms, it completely drains the illusionary world the film is trying to create.
All in all, it's a decent action vampire film with good visual effects. You might want to wait for the rental on this one.


All I ever needed to know about assembling a vampire coven..   November 9, 2003
 19 out of 26 found this review helpful

...I learned from Underworld.
It has been a most educational experience, watching Underworld. Until now I was walking around with some very laughable ideas about the Creatures of the Night that we all so take for granted as the pedestrian kind of beings that populate folklore. From here on out I am enlightened; no longer a gullible moviegoer, or naive reader. I can rely on the sophistication I have gleaned from this movie to move forward with confidence among the Undead. Underworld set me straight.

For example, not just anybody has what it takes to become a vampire. The first requirement for immortality is a European accent. In fact, British and French accented vampires seem to be the most prolific, regardless of residence. It would be considered extremely gauche for, say, a Texan accent to show up at one of the black tie coven soirees even if he sported the hippest Versace lace cravat. Next, one must be a model. This means high cheekbones, gauntly thin, and with a nose constantly in the air as one's lips form a slight pout in resting state. Only the alpha females are allowed to have larger bustlines; this is so that those black leather designer fashions will drape nicely. But above all, a vampire must have that cultivated air of aloof that can be obtained by constantly imagining an offensive odor.

Now werewolves have to be selected from an entirely different lot. The master werewolf of Underworld must have scoured every biker bar in LA for swarthy males that with the proper ear hair. Sideburns and a pointy unibrow will gain you extra points for consideration as well. Blondes need not apply, as the lupine fashion seems to favor the swarthy look. Fortunately for Americans, there is less discrimination here with regards to accent. But make no mistake, the world of werewolves is a male dominated culture - women are for snacking only.

If your taste runs to the slaying side of things you should know that wooden stakes are passe. Please. Nowadays you will need automatic weaponry and explosive munitions. Also, be aware that vampires and werewolves alike must have kept up on action flicks because now they have advanced martial art skills upon conversion and can unload seven clips worth of ammo into their foes without reloading. And did you think vamps were the only ones who could run on walls and ceilings? It's not just for Eurofrogs anymore.

Some further rules to keep in mind when cavorting with Underworld denizens are:
No athletic shoes. No pastel or white clothing.
When in doubt, leather
Waterford crystal is the vessel of choice for blood-tasting parties.
Bottom line, this is an entertaining action flick that should appeal to those who like movies like Blade. You can enjoy it if you keep that in mind.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle