“Underworld: Evolution” follows up the dark and darktragic saga of Selene and Michael taking the familiar back into the depths of the mythos of their ancient hatred. Moving between dimly-lit alleys and dark, opulent interiors fear can be found on every street, in every house: ominous secrets containing the threat of infidelity and, surely, betrayal. The film continues the moody, gothic feel of the first installment, with sleek imaging and a brooding environment so that the audience is enveloped in a terrifying world. By looking into how the vampire-Lycan war all started, the story becomes more intriguing and moves from simple action to a meaningful journey of understanding and redemption. Even with so much going on, the relationship between Selene and Michael still has a powerful effect on the viewer.
The movie’s battles are now bigger and more elaborate, with spectacular special effects that really bring the ancient war to the forefront. It has a sharp and harrowing tone that puts the audience in touch with the significance of the situation and the threat hanging over the characters. The direction never gets slow pace and there are sequences of revelations as well as adrenaline pulls for combat, hence the audience is kept interested while on tenterhooks. Both the music and the camera work strengthen the movie’s spooky and dark atmosphere, showing viewers the high cost of living forever.
The movie has issues with how it weaves its story, as a number of events are resolved too quickly and lack proper development. Even though the characters look great on screen, they sometimes lack complexity, and the story uses many well-worn ideas. In spite of these criticisms, the film’s emphasis on Selene and Michael’s relationship and their quest for peace is very effective. Exploring ideas of destiny, identity, and the price of war, the movie leaves you moved, and it shows the series’ myth getting richer as it offers intense action.
