So I bought Underworld and some other DVDs last night to cheer up my flu-stricken wife.
Underworld - I loved and hated this movie. Some parts were terrific, other parts were completely horrid. Here's my opinion, feel free to agree/disagree/correct me!
The Bad:
- The guy who played Kraven gets my vote for "Ireland's Version of Ben Affleck" for his acting abilities. Dreadfully bad acting. The stench of his acting is worse than all the decayed body parts found throughout the film.
- Poor directing, specifically, the love between Selene and Michael was poorly developed and not believable. I can believe the mutual attraction/lust, but the deep love we couldn't buy.
- Ripping off The Matrix in tone, style, characters (Selene is clearly a vampiric version of Trinity, Michael is "the one" like Neo, etc.
- Some elements of the script made no sense in regards to traditional vampire lore. In Underworld, Vampires are not undead, but immortal, ergo the idea that Victor had a daughter and that Lucius knocked her up (origin of the whole war between the vampires and lycans (werewolves). I guess for the story's sake we have to buy this, but they still depict the immortals as pretty undead (ergo, the reawakening of Victor). It just doesn't jibe with vampiric mythology (at least from what I've grown up reading or seeing in films) that vampire women cannot bear children.
The Good:
- Kate Beckinsale looked hot and did a great acting job despite the poor direction/script.
- Scott Speedman did a decent acting job as well. Only thing that bugged me was his similarity to Scott Stapp of Creed. I hate it when Creed songs start going through my head.
- Bill Nighy was exceptional as Victor. The right mix of royalty and scary. Always liked him since his funny role in "Still Crazy" as the has-been lead singer of the band, "Strange Fruit".
- Special effects were outstanding. Note to self, don't watch movies with graphic grossness while eating dinner...
- The overall story was pretty cool.
- I imagine the overall theme and tone of the film had to be a goth's wet dream. I wouldn't know from personal experience.
- As it was blatantly obvious by the end of the movie that there will be a sequel, I hope they can bring back Bill Nighy. If not, I hope the director overcomes his critical flaws or that the producers get another director. Also, as Kraven is surely to return in the sequel, I hope he'll take a refresher course in acting.
The other DVDs I picked up were "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (hell, it was on sale), The Simpsons Season 1 and 3 (already have Season 2). I'll post a review of "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" after we watch it sometime this weekend...