Underworld

Further, if I were to spend my life in absolute happiness and be satisfied with my lot thus far, what would it all mean in the end?

Which brings me to a certain movie, "Underworld". I wonder, having sat through this entire flick, despite pronounced urges to do otherwise, if the creator of this movie has ever left his comfort zone? I have reason to believe he has not, that he has been suckled and made on such things as would-be graphic novels, pulp horror and science fiction, and bits of "1984", not to mention far too many viewings of "The Matrix". How else to explain the mess he has made of an otherwise promising and sure-footed premise: A war between werewolves and vampires?

Yes, this movie is a mess, and I strongly suggest the reason for this is because of the director, who makes his directing debut with this cinematic train wreck. Previously he was an art director for such movies and films as "Independence Day", which is a fine thing to be, because the burden of responsibility falls not to him but the director of that particular flick. Here, however, the burden for success or failure is his and his alone. Understand: He knows how to set a given scene or sequence. Therein is a problem: He doesn't know what to do next, and so his characters are left to effectively fend for themselves, by way of costume, special effects, and spartan dialogue.

I wanted to like "Underworld". Why not? As previously noted the premise was sure-footed and filled with promise. But when it came down to it I could not, because I suspect the director has not been obliged to leave his reservation, his life of his own making and device.

Don't mind me. I just don't like to be short-changed when it comes to my entertainment. Back to the movie: There is a vampire, Selene, as played by Kate Beckinsale, there is a fellow named Scott Speedman, who plays a human named Michael, who becomes a werewolf when he bitten. Then there is Lucian, the werewolf, who bite Michael.

And why did he do that? Beyond the obvious--this is what werewolves do. Because the werewolves want to create a new hybrid race and wipe out the vampires.

And why do they want to do that? I leave you to find out. Suffice it to say that if you saw "Blade II"

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