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Vampires vs. Werewolves

image by Veronica V. Jones

Rise of the Lycans Provides Fine Underworld Foundation

Underworld 3's Michael Sheen as Lucian, in leather and looking mean.
Underworld 3's Rhona Mitra as Sonja, glowering.
Underworld 3's Bill Nighy as Viktor, enjoying an aperitif.

Can a film be both a powerful introduction into a particular mythology, and fitting end to a series as well? Returning to the roots of Lycan and Vampire animosity in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans after portraying a critical turning point in their immortal war with the first two Underworld films seems to have accomplished just such a feat.

This prequel finds the courtly vampires caging and breeding their beastly werewolf kin. When a new, more “evolved” child is born, he becomes father to a new, more intelligent strain of slave… perhaps too intelligent. Lucian grows up a slave, and while serving his Vampire masters well, he wins the heart of his master’s daughter Sonja.

Michael Sheen reprises his role as the lycanthropic Lucian, as Bill Nighy seethes as the kingly Viktor, lord of the undead. Underworld newcomer Rhona Mitra shines as Sonja, and provides an equal measure of warrior and womanly ways.

In spite of the fact that this tale has largely already been told in the first two films, these three actors imbue their immortal characters with the strength and passion to elevate Rise of the Lycans beyond mere flashback to a compelling epic rife with tragedy, yet filled with hope.

Written by in January of 2009. Last edited March 2019.

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Comments

  • christine mae montederamos - February 15th, 2009 at 3:42 am

    i really love the movie.. i can’t wait for the part 2 of it! i love it!

  • Jeff - February 18th, 2009 at 10:57 am

    You don’t have to wait long Christine! Underworld and Underworld Evolution are the sequels… they were just filmed beforehand. 🙂
    [edit]
    Of course, now I hear that more films are possible, but I wonder where they’ll fit in the timeline.