Underworld: Blood Wars Review

Cloudy skies and black leather-clad figures; violence, bloodshed and betrayal- such is the atmosphere of the Underworld movie series. Underworld Blood Wars is better than its predecessor, Awakening (2012), in terms of entertainment value. However, the Directors seem to be dragging the story unnecessarily. Blood Wars is about Selene’s transformation into a more powerful and wiser vampire. David’s character, first introduced in Awakening as an idealistic warrior, develops in this flim. His significance is explained and he is finally given the charge of leadership. However, Eve, Selene’s daughter, seems to be lurking in the shadows.

Eve was introduced in Awakening; in fact, the story was about her reunion with Selene. The stories of Awakening and Blood Wars seem to be centered on Eve and her unique heritage, yet she plays a minor role in the first and hardly features in the latter. Her character seems to be an excuse to make more Underworld movies about Selene, her mother, who assimilates greater power in every subsequent film. New villains are introduced and killed. Vampires once again triumph over lycans (werewolves). I must say, there is a definite decline in lycan power after Lucian’s death. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) was a nice detour that explained the beginning of the war between vampires and lycans. Rhona Mitra, who played Sonja, was not as captivating as Selene, played by Kate Beckinsale. However, the story was a pleasant change from the usual Selene-centric drama.

Underworld is a more faithful representation of vampires than the fanciful Twilight saga, perhaps too faithful at times. The obsession with black clothes and dim interiors is overkill. The characters seem to be wearing the same clothes throughout the series. Surely, they must want to wear fresh clothes or something other than glossy black leather. Perhaps vampires don’t sweat, being dead and all, but what about all those blood stains from the numerous fights? How can their heightened sense of smell withstand the reek of stale blood? Their preoccupation with black garments and questionable personal hygiene aside, their savagery and archaic hierarchical system of governance befit this mythical race of immortals.

I enjoyed watching Underworld (2003) it was an action-packed, bloody movie with an engaging story. The fact that the protagonist was an unbeatable female warrior appealed to the feminist in me. I did not quite understand Selene’s attraction to Michael. He seemed like any other guy, apart from the special Corvinus genes. Underworld Evolution (2006) was simply a conclusion to the first movie and Underworld Awakening (2012) was a real disappointment.

Underworld Blood Wars is unexceptional and miss-able. If you just want to entertain yourself by watching an action-packed stereotypical vampire movie, go for it. If you are looking for something worthwhile, skip over this one. To be honest, if you are looking for something worthwhile, you can skip over the whole series. The recurring pattern of love lost, ripped throats and mythical creatures betraying their own kind is rapidly losing appeal. Although Wiseman has revealed that a sixth film is being made, I question the wisdom in continuing a story that should have ended with the second film.

Rating: 2/5