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Monday, January 23, 2012

Sheep Movie Review: Underworld Awakening

Underworld Awakening, directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein, stars Kate Beckinsale, India Eisley and Theo James. This movie has more action and less story than previous Underworld installments but if you're prepared you can walk in knowing what you're going to get; Kate kicking butt, running super fast, jumping, talking British and looking great doing it.

Plot:
Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Selene is badass. Period. I love this character and Kate sells it with gusto. I'd like to spend a day jumping off my stairs just so I can land as she does: knees bent, head down and smacking the floor with one hand. She's black spandex and spunky sass all wrapped into one, but my love for Selene aside the movie as a whole falls short on the storyline mark.

Awakening is different from the other films, taking a far more action-based approach. You get a ton of over the top sound effects mixed in with all the hand swooshing ones heart could desire. There's CGI overuse to be sure but it's done well enough to still be enjoyable: speeding car chases and crashes through city streets in combination with leaping from the highest buildings with ease. The action sequences are over the top but I suppose meant to be that way.

Ultimately it's a slaughter fest with little realistic emotional responses from the characters. More depth would have done this film wonders including dialog that mattered between characters and a chance to get to know the new youngest actress instead of her running around acting like an animal for the majority of the film. Then she suddenly is in the middle of an emo sad moment and cutting herself. Say wha?Character depth was sorrily missed and led the way for yet again more gore. Go blood and guts! I can personally handle just about anything on the guts factor but eyeball poking or prodding just freaks me out! So be prepared to close your peepers...or watch your choice. *gags*

For those that love vampires minus the sparkle and werewolves who keep shirts on (boo to both!) then you'll enjoy the hard edge of this film. It's action packed and popcorn fun if you take it for what it is. Purposefully left open and unfulfilling at the ending leaving one to believe the masterminds behind this franchise will try and squeeze every penny out that they can.

If you liked the first and third films you'll enjoy this edition to the franchise.

Getting 3 blue eyed vampire sheep
KD

10 comments:

  1. I've only watched on of the movies in this series and didn't find it particularly memorable, so I guess this movie won't be high on my list of options the next time I decide to watch a movie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!:)

    Sarah

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  2. I saw the first three and have been dubious about seeing this one but probably will - only it will be on Blu-Ray like I did the others. I watched the first one with my hubby but when he remarked, "yeah, well, it was okay but you like that vampire stuff," I knew I'd be watching the others on my own. I didn't care much for Evolution and am worried that Awakening will be more like that one than Rise of the Lycons where the series redeemed itself. After RotL, I worried about where they would go since the backstory had now been told and if this one hasn't got a good storyline, even though I enjoy the special effects, like Evolution it won't do much for me. Don't get me wrong, I'll watch Awakening but the big question will be - will I watch more than once? Thanks for the review and the heads up.

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  3. I plan on seeing it at the IMAX anyway :) sometimes some good old killing/action is all I want :) I am not a depth kind of gal when it comes to my action movies. thanks for the review Katie!

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  4. @Amy this one takes place 12 years in the future. Vamps and Lycons are being hunted by humans. The story had a lot to grow with but never got moving far down that path. It was hard to invest much in it and by end you are left feeling just as empty. BUT it's great action and when you do get "some" storyline it's enough to keep you going. :)

    @Sharon a woman after my own heart xoxo

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  5. Katie, the story sounds like they could've done a lot with it. I'll probably like it regardless of lacking much storyline but it's home viewing for me. I'd love to see it on the big screen but hubby won't go and most of my friends just aren't into vampires and werewolves the way I am besides, I didn't get married to go to the movies alone. Know what I mean? ; )

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    1. I'm a vamp LOVER so I feel you on that one Amy. :) Even if it sucks I'll still watch it. I go to the movies solo all the time! It's kinda nice to have that freedom BUT fun to go with someone too. Either way I'm looking forward to your thoughts after you give it a view.

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    2. I used to go to the movies solo when I was younger ... sometimes it was the only way I got to see the movies I wanted to see. I am looking forward to seeing Awakening and after I have, I'll be sure to let you know what I thought of it. : )

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  6. This is getting repeated. Action sequences here are not for promoting story but story is for promoting only action. Emotional bond is least, unable to generate any touching moment during the mother-daughter reunion. Munch popcorn during the show and enjoy the action if you must ....

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  7. okay so this video worthly and my dh can drool over the action scenes and her outfit. is Michael back ???

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  8. @Julie@My5monkeys Is Michael back you ask? Yes...and no. He is "in" the film but mainly the story is following Selene and the little girl. You will have to wait and see! ;)

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