Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Director: Patrick Tatopoulos

Starring: Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy

An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.

Altough ‘Rise of the Lycans’ is the third film in the series, I decided to review this first, being a prequel to the series.

If you want to know more about Lucian (the antagonist in ‘Underworld’) then I recommend watching this film to learn more about him and how the feud between the vampires and the Lycans started. The film starts with Lucian being born – the first werewolf able to take human form at will, or vice versa.

‘Rise of the Lycans’ is essentially a love story, like a medieval Romeo and Juliet. The werewolves are slaves to the vampires. Lucian (werewolf) falls in love with Sonja, daughter to the vampire leader Viktor. Bill Nighy is excellent as Vicktor, a ruthless leader who values morals above all else.

This is a classic tale of forbidden love, and love that will be put to the test through various obstacles. Thanks to great story telling, the audience will root for Lucian and Sonja. Apart from a love story, the film is fast-paced, bloody and gruesome – and simply awesome! The visuals are fantastic! There’s also loads of eye candy courtesy of the many muscled studs who grace the screen.

‘Rise of the Lycans’ is a fantastic entry in the series – or start of the series if you choose to watch it first.

‘Underworld: Rise of the Lycans’ was a box office success, earning $95 million on a $35 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Oh, hell, yes!