Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

    This third picture in the series, including: "Underworld" and "Underworld: Evolution," is the prequel to the aforementioned first two films. Like the first two in the series, starring Kate Beckinsale, the film is dark, it is British and it is bloody - very bloody. The sadistic impulse of the aristocratic vampires under the leadership of Viktor, Bill Nighy, is rampant and instead of directing their horror against humans, they direct it against the Lycans - a very large form of werewolves. It's wise that my wife did not trouble herself to see this picture - considering how much she loves dogs.

    This film is hard for one to understand if they have not seen the first two in the series, but it is no dog of a film - even with all the werewolves - it works well as a prequel to first two films. Irrespective of the great special effects and the very competent acting of Nighy and Michael Sheen as Lucian, leader of the Lycans, it is a grisly horror film - more bloody than the first two of the series. Whether you can stand this type of picture or not, it is well done under new director, Patrick Totopoulis, who has taken the baton from Ken Wiseman, who directed the first two in the series.

    The film is fast, rough and ready at 92 minutes of runtime. If you love horror and have a strong stomach for violence, this may be right up your alley, but be warned: Keep the dogs in the next room, or better yet outside - howl!

    Rated R. Release on DVD May 12, 2009.