For centuries a war has raged between vampires and werewolves, known as lycans. The lycans are hunted and destroyed by vampire Death Dealers. The best Death Dealer is Selene (Beckinsale), who is avenging the brutal murder of her family. One day she follows several lycans who are tracking a human, Michael, but do not harm him. She sets out to learn why they want Michael. Meanwhile, the lycan leader, Lucian (Sheen) is also on the hunt for Michael. They find him on the same night, and Lucian manages to bit and turn Michael.
Selene risks everything to protect Michael, believing there is more to the story. The lycans are planning something big, and stocking up on special weaponry... and the vampires are preparing for a big event. With the full moon approaching, which side will Selene choose?
I discovered this film in college. One of my roommates, with good taste in movies / TV, owned the DVD and made me watch it. I wasn't expecting much, but ended up enjoying the film. This was before the big vampire craze, other than TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and featured actors who were not known as action stars. All of that works in the films favor.
Many of the effects were performed live, with the actors hooked to wires or replaced by stunt performers, which lends a realistic feel to the film. The makeup is excellent, with many of the creatures created by makeup artist Patrick Tatopoulos (one of the judges on SyFy's "Face Off").
The film was successful enough (despite negative reviews from film critics) to start a franchise, with 2 direct sequels (Underworld: Evolution and Underworld: Awakening) and one prequel (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans). This is the strongest film in the series.
Underworld (2003) 121 minutes
Rated: R for strong violence/gore and some language.
Director: Len Wiseman
Starring: Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin
Michael Sheen as Lucian
Shane Brolly as Kraven
Bill Nighy as Viktor
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