Kate Beckinsale — as the death-dealing vampire warrior Selene — blasts her way through the new goth-action sequel Underworld Evolution.

Part summer popcorner, part horror flick, it seems fitting that a series that introduced the world to vampire / werewolf hybrids be a bit of a mixed breed itself. The plot holds up reasonably well, but thanks to the near-constant combat, we’re never really given a chance to stop and think. Overall, this is a satisfying film, even it it feels a little like a videogame from time to time.

The visuals are what take Evolution to the next level of genre cinema: the vampires, werewolves, and everyone in between look very convincing as they rip each other to pieces. Between Ms. Beckinsale and her tight leather wardrobe, and Scott Speedman’s clothes never lasting for more than half a scene, there’s also enough low-tech eye candy to hold your attention when the effects crew take the occasional break.

Even if you’ve never seen the first Underworld film, there’s no reason to miss this superior sequel. There’s a little something for everyone, undead or otherwise.