“Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” contributes to the history of cinema one of the greatest lines of all time for an actor to deliver.
It comes from Lucian, the first lycan or werewolf who can take human form.
“We can be slaves,” he declares before he unleashes a guttural cry, “Or we can be lycans!”
One and half out of five stars
» Starring: Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra
» Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
» Rated R for bloody violence and some sexuality
» Running time: 92 minutes
Beyond that, there’s not much in “Underworld” that will live on forever that its main characters, Lucian and the vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy) do within this action thriller that’s missing two important elements: clear action and thrills.
“Underworld” franchise fans waiting outside theaters in their favorite character’s black leather get-up will probably enjoy this prequel, if only to better understand the origins of the centuries-old war between vampires and lycans, introduced in 2003’s original “Underworld” and then continued in the 2006 follow-up.
The latest “Underworld” begins with Lucian’s birth but quickly ages him to adulthood. He rallies the enslaved werewolves and humans to rise against Viktor and all the aristocratic vampires who enslaved them, except for Viktor’s daughter Sonja, who he loves.
Widening his eyes in several scenes rather than acting, Michael Sheen reprises his role as Lucian, but given his recent “Frost/Nixon” fame, I doubt Sheen’s Lucian will lead any more on-screen fight scenes, the majority of which you can’t see because of strobe-effect lights blinding you every other second and poor camera angle choices.
Lucian and Sonja engage in a sex scene meant to be seductive that comes off as silly. Its reminiscent of something that would run on cable in the early morning hours. To generic music, we see through hesitant flashes of specific body parts, Sonja making love to Lucian on top of a cliff, while his back hangs over the edge.
Screenwriters’ lack of confidence in the action drags the first part of “Underworld” down. Every movement, motivation or emotion is spelled out for us in dialogue, even when completely unnecessary.
The second half picks up with Viktor’s cruelty and a wowing special effect here and there when an enraged Lucian turns to beast. But five entertaining minutes can’t save a 92-minute movie that feels two hours long.
Don’t start questioning logistics or details, you’ll only be left with more questions.
Listen for the voice of Lucian’s sidekick. It sounds so deep, it’s seems like a spoof.
