Movie sequels have a bittersweet spot in my heart because you never know if you’re going to get a sequel that raises the bar or one that totally plays out/outdates a once-untouchable story. Do any of these movies ring a bell in the category of luke-warm sequels? Jurassic Park, The Mummy, or Scream.
Now, I loved Underworld (2003), and I was so excited for Underworld Evolution (2006) when it was first released. I thought the movie was going to be great; to some people, it was. For me, the experience was a completely different one. Somehow, there seemed to be a certain disconnection from the first movie, and why was Markus so incredibly non-human?! Sure, he was one of the original vampires, but come on, so was Viktor. Markus was literally just this vampire monster that flew around killing. There was no real insight into his character, which took away that special element to any movie—that element that engages the audience into the real depth of a story through its main characters (heroes and villains alike).
But what’s that I hear? An Underworld 3! Not a sequel exactly, but a prequel. I was a little hesitant when I heard about Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (watch the trailer here), which is due to hit U.S. theaters January 23, 2009. However, leave it to the video editors to make an awesome trailer and I’m a fan again! With pretty much the same writers from Underworld and Underworld Evolution (including Len Wiseman, who by the way, isn’t directing this third installment), the story line shouldn’t stray too far from its roots.
Can Underworld 3 redeem itself and bring back thrilling, action-packed scenes on top of a gripping story? I hope so, because I’m game!
Stacey Writes 