HallowScream - Underworld: Awakening (2012)

           Hey guys, Chuck here, and we're back with the next chapter in the Underworld series, Underworld: Awakening. Kate Beckinsale returns as Selene, as she awakens in a world where vampires are now the hunted ones, and meets a new generation of vampires, as well as someone who has a special connection to both Selene and Michael. New cast members in this movie include Theo James, Stephen Rea, Charles Dance, India Eisley, Michael Ealy, and Kris Holden-Ried. 

           So, Underworld: Awakening picks up some time after the events of Underworld: Evolution, and we learn that humans have learned of the existence of both vampires and Lycans, hunting both to near-extinction. Selene and Michael are captured by soldiers sent by pharmaceutical company Antigen, who are taking direct control on capturing and attempting to make a cure for the viruses that make the vampires and Lycans what they are. 

          Cut to twelve years later, and Selene is awakened from cryo sleep, and attempts to find Michael. However, she finds herself being confronted by Antigen troops, and meets David, a vampire whose father oversees one of the few remaining covens of vampires. Meanwhile, Lycans are sick, scattered, and aimless. Still looking for Michael, Selene and David instead find a young girl, roughly twelve years in age. The girl, who is called Eve (despite her name never being stated in the movie), is being targeted by both Antigen and the Lycans for some purpose. 

           David takes Selene and Eve to his coven, where we meet his father Thomas. Thomas is initially unwelcoming of Selene and Eve, but allows them to stay. Selene helps David fend off a Lycan attack, but Eve is eventually taken. Eve, it turns out, is not only a hybrid, but the daughter of Selene and Michael, thus making her the last true descendant of Alexander Corvinus. Seeking help, Selene meets with a police detective named Sebastian, who is sympathetic to the vampires' cause as his wife was a vampire, and he watched helplessly as she was killed. So, Sebastian and Selene do some digging, and learn a horrible truth: Antigen is run by Lycans, and their goal for Eve is to enhance the Lycan species. The first subject of these enhancements is Quint, the son of Antigen's head scientist Dr. Jacob Lane. 

            Okay, so we get a massive showdown at Antigen. Selene, Sebastian, and David (now enhanced with Selene's hybrid blood) taking down Lane, Quint, and the rest of Antigen's troops and Lycans. Selene saves Eve, who destroys Quint, and is able to connect with Michael, who was released from cryo sleep during the battle. Michael, however, is gone by the time Selene, David, and Eve reach the roof. Knowing the Lycan threat isn't done, Selene makes a vow to protect her daughter, reunite with Michael, and keep fighting the Lycans. 

           Underworld: Awakening was marketed as a return to form for the Underworld series. However, the actual movie turned out to be no such thing. Don't get me wrong, it definitely felt great getting to see Kate Beckinsale back as Selene, and she definitely felt in her element. However, it's the new environment of the world this movie is set in, a full twelve years after the original two, that really feels odd for the franchise. 

          Now, I thoroughly enjoyed newcomers like Theo James as David and Michael Ealy as Sebastian, as the two of them bring a different dynamic to the world of Underworld. With David, we have a young vampire who heard stories of Selene and the Death Dealers. And with Sebastian, we have an ordinary human who was married to a vampire, and so has a personal connection to vampires and is willing to aid them. Now, India Eisley as Eve also gives a new spin to the role Selene plays in the movie, as Eve is someone who can hold her own, but still needs protection. 

           And, let me just say that I saw the Antigen twist coming from the very start of the movie. I don't know what directors Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein were kidding when they thought that audiences wouldn't easily figure out that Antigen was run by Lycans. And, to be fair, both Stephen Rea and Kris Holden-Ried were really good as Dr. Jacob Lane and his son Quint, respectively. However, the twist was just too effing obvious, and not very surprising when it was revealed. And while not a villain, Charles Dance was absolutely fantastic as Thomas. Seriously, whether it's this series or his role as Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones, Charles Dance is a fantastic actor and elevates any project he's part of.

           But, just like before, the makeup and creature effects were absolutely fantastic, especially when it comes to the Lycans. Also, I kinda enjoyed the role reversal in this movie, where vampires have gone from hunters to hunted, and now Lycans are the dominant ones. But, with all of that said, Underworld: Awakening is really only worth it for hardcore fans of the series, and only really worthy of a rating of 3.15/5.

          Okay, guys, this is Chuck signing off, and HallowScream will next be taking a look at Dracula Untold.