HallowScream - Underworld: Evolution (2006)

         Hey guys, Chuck here. Today for HallowScream, we're diving back into the world of Underworld with the 2006 film Underworld: Evolution. Directed once again by Len Wiseman, we see the returns of Kate Beckinsale as Selene and Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin, with brief appearances by Bill Nighy as Viktor, Zita Görög as Amelia, and Shane Brolly as Kraven. Newcomers this time include Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Brian Steele, and Steven Mackintosh. 

        The movie opens with a flashback, set in 1202, with an army of vampires being led by Viktor, Amelia, and Markus, who are going after a massive pack of werewolves that were turned because of the uncontrollable rampage of Markus' brother William. Now, remember, Markus was the first vampire, and William was the first werewolf. Viktor, unfortunately, believes that Markus is emotionally compromised due to his connection to William, and takes charge in ordering William locked up in a secret location, never to be released. 

        Cut to shortly after the events of the first Underworld, and we see Kraven return to the mansion to wake up Markus, who was already awakened because of Singe's blood. Unfortunately, Markus has seen that Kraven is a traitor and untrustworthy, and kills him. Meanwhile, we meet a black ops team called the Cleaners, who work for a man named Lorenz Macaro, arrives at the scene of the epic battle from the first movie, and secures the area and gets rid of the dead remains of both vampires and Lycans. Now, the Cleaners are fully aware of the existence of both species, and their job is to keep knowledge of their existence from the public, as it would lead to disaster. 

         As for Selene and Michael, the two of them are basically on the run from both vampires and Lycans, but need answers as to a relic collected from Lucian, which had ties to both Lucian and Viktor. For this, they seek out Andreas Tanis, the exiled vampire historian who once stood at Viktor's side for years. Tanis reveals that the relic is a part of a key. Specifically, the key to the prison that William was being held in. And, of course, we get the recap of the legend of vampires, Lycans, and the ties both species had to Michael's ancestor Alexander Corvinus, whose sons Markus and William were, respectively, the first vampire and werewolf. Also, those werewolves turned by William were uncontrollable monsters incapable of returning to human form. Lastly, Selene's human family were killed by Viktor because they knew the secret location of William's prison. Selene and Michael leave, and Markus finds Tanis some time afterwards, and kills Tanis after getting information as to Selene and Michael's location and plan.

        So, the race is on to get the other half of the key, and Selene and Michael are taken to meet Lorenz Macaro, who is revealed to be none other than Alexander Corvinus himself. Alexander reveals that while he started the Cleaners to keep the war started because of his sons out of the public eye, he will not kill either of his sons. However, when Markus arrives, he tells of his plan: release William and conquer the world with an army of Vampire-Lycan hybrids. Alexander, before his death at Markus' hands, has Selene drink his blood, enhancing her healing abilities to the level of a hybrid, and also allowing her to survive in sunlight. Markus releases William, but the two are defeated by Selene, Michael, and the two plan their future now that she can survive in sunlight. 

         Underworld: Evolution is a kickass continuation of the movie Underworld, and it definitely delivers on the setup from the bed of the first movie. Markus Corvinus is absolutely terrifying, and Tony Curran absolutely nailed the part. Brian Steele, meanwhile, definitely gave a very animalistic performance as William, and the two brothers, one vampire and one werewolf, were a truly nightmarish combination. 

        I also loved the introduction of Tanis, played brilliantly by Steven Mackintosh. You definitely feel that he's got a past with the likes of Viktor, Markus, and Selene, and so is definitely a character that feels like he's been a part of this world for a while. Also, casting Derek Jacobi as Alexander Corvinus was absolutely genius, and his performance was arguably one of the best ones in the movie. And, of course, both Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman were terrific as Selene and Michael, and it's great to see their relationship truly grow over the course of the movie. 

          Unfortunately, while there's a ton of lore building and great characters moments, it's in the action department that this movie feels short compared to the original Underworld. There are a number of action scenes peppered throughout the movie, but nothing to the scale of the first movie, where we really felt the war between vampires and Lycans. And, most of the action is centered around Markus and that's really it. 

          My thoughts? Director Len Wiseman and his co-creators Kevin Grievoux and Danny F. McBride made a fun follow up to Underworld. Definitely worth watching if you enjoyed the first Underworld, but one that you need to have seen the original movie to understand what's going on. So, I'm giving Underworld Evolution a rating of 4.65/5. Anyway guys, this is Chuck signing off, and next time on HallowScream, we'll be looking at a movie that sees Kate Beckinsale NOT as a vampire, but going head-to-head with some vampires in Van Helsing.