Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

I love Underworld and Underworld: Evolution. Excellent special effects, interesting story, awesome heroine--to read more about my thoughts on Kate Beckinsale's Selene, see my essay on cinemaperspective.com under Perspectives. So, obviously, when I saw previews for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, I was pretty excited. Yes, it is a different director (Beckinsale's hubby directed the first two) and yes, it is a different female star (and Beckinsale lookalike). Nonetheless, I was willing to give it a chance.

And the verdict? Not too shabby. The special effects are a bit rushed and very dark, likely to cover up a lack of budget--the camera moves around a lot to compensate for the lackluster effects and things like trees are used to cover up 'transformations' that the producers lacked the proper fundage to create. The female lead, played less than superbly by Rhona Mitra, is the daughter of the evil head-vampire Viktor. She defies him by falling in love with a Lycan (werewolf) named Lucian. This conflict ultimately triggers the war that is ongoing through the previous films (as Rise is a prequel).

For those who are new to the series, make sure you start with Underworld and then move on to Evolution and Rise. You'll encounter too many spoilers if you watch Rise first. For those who, like me, are fans of the series or just enjoy the films for their special effects, I recommend you check the film out--it's not the best movie in the series by any means, but it is worth watching to watch the backstory play out. No new information is provided, however, so do not expect to be surprised by the events as they unfold or by the story that is told; do expect to be sufficiently pleased with director Patrick Tatopoulos' contribution to the Underworld series.

Wolverine rocks my world!

Yes! A great comic book movie to kick-off the summer movie season--check out X-men Origins: Wolverine if you have not already. It is non-stop action--somewhat predictable storyline but that is to be expected for the most part, right? New mutants that are great and look cool (Gambit is my absolute new favorite mutant replacing Mystique and Lady Deathstrike--although they both hold a very special place in my comic-book-movie-dork heart). He flips around with a stick and shakes the earth with each strike! Very cool. To sum it up in a few words, Wolverine does what a comic book movie does best and does it well. I was thoroughly entertained and excited by the final scene--which is after the credits so make sure you hang in there--that suggested a pending sequel! I'm so there!

Slumdog Millionaire
I have to be honest: I usually hate the Best Picture Oscar winner. Every year. No joke. I mean, how could No Country for Old Men beat out There Will Be Blood? Or how about Crash robbing Brokeback Mountain? Don't get me started! However, Slumdog was a pleasant surprise (well, maybe pleasant isn't the word because some of the things that happen to the characters). The story is a tad predictable and a bit too unbelievable--a young girl who manages to escape a major mobster to be with her true love? It seemed just a bit too easy. Nonetheless, Slumdog provides an eye-opening view of India's slums and the lives of India's people and children. There is violence, there is corruption...and yet there is hope and love. This message of truth in itself makes this film worth watching. An interesting story (slumdog achieves on Who Wants to be a Millionaire!), good acting and great cinematography combined with bright colors and quick, moving shots make it a must-see.