Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - Film Review

Okay, okay, so before I go too far and get bashed for having non-artistic taste in films, yes, I’m a huge fan of the Underworld series. I think they’re amazingly fun stories, enriched with gorgeous cinematography that allows any viewer to want to bring out their black clothing and nail polish. Well, okay, so maybe not that far, but I will say that my love for this franchise much helped my love this most recent edition to the Underworld series. Will it win an Oscar? No. Will it entertain? Yes. While gothic themes have long been a favorite of mine portrayed on film (Tim Burton is definitely one of my all time favorite directors - his Sleepy Hollow is like magic to me), this does not mean that it doesn’t have something for everyone. It has amazing battle scenes, a great love story, and enough of a main story to keep everyone interested.

For those of you not familiar with this most recent film, it takes the viewer back to the age of Lucian and Viktor. It shows how the great war was started (although, I’m still waiting for the amazingly bloody war to be shown on screen). It gives a great background to the Lycans and shows us just how evil Viktor can really be. Although he does have his reasons, for better or worse, he believes he’s doing the right thing.

Michael Sheen is a bloody brilliant actor (no pun intended). I have admired his work for quite sometime now. He never ceases to disappoint me (really, go see him in Frost/Nixon). He again doesn’t disappoint me here. He has this brilliant ability where he can tell the entire story with his eyes - I love that. Bill Nighy never disappoints either. He had me laughing quite a bit in this one - not that he’s bad by any means, but he’s just so freaking brilliant! His sparkle studded ’Vegas style’ coat was awesome as well. A great actor. I felt all the roles were played quite well, considering that this is a film for entertainment, I was more then entertained.

Now, anyone who decides to pop in the first Underworld film before or after the viewing may wonder why Sonja is blond in one, and brunette in the other, but then again, these are easy things to look over when being entertained. And I for one, just decided to say that because Michael is seeing these memories, and people do not always remember things correctly, that maybe he just got the hair color wrong. Things dealing with memories always take me back to the great little film entitled Memento, where he makes the comment about memory not being perfect, memory can change the color of the room, location, etc. But, that’s another film.

So do I recommend Underworld: Rise of the Lycans? Yes. For a great escape to another world it will give you just that. And it has enough violence and action to let you remember that fantasy films are for adults just as much as they are for children. But leave the kids at home for this one, fyi. ;) So grab your favorite black coat and head on down to witness vampires and lycans true beginning unfold before your eyes in brilliant tones of blues and blacks.

7/10.

Happy viewing everyone!

Frost / Nixon Film Review

I was lucky enough to catch this great film at a free screening with a Q&A one Friday night in November. I did very much want to see this film, however, I must admit that I was way more excited to get a chance to meet the amazingly talented Mr. Michael Sheen. And yes, for those wondering, he did not disappoint. ;)

The story of Frost/Nixon is that of the televised interviews that basically raised David Frost to fame, while leaving Richard Nixon a little less then loved. Although these interviews did not in anyway destroy President Nixon, but they did, however, not allow his return like he planned it when accepting the interview offers. Now, yes, politics aside, this can very much be played out in today’s day and age. But it’s so much more then a political film. It’s a story about these two people’s lives. And whether we agree with them or not, we still can agree that they are in fact very much human beings.

Frank Langella as Nixon is an amazing choice. He brings the humility and power that is very much needed to this role. The scenes of him making the phone call that one night are breathtaking. In turn Michael Sheen is wonderful as the almost playboy if you will, David Frost. His absolute will to earn the funding for his project are inspiring. And while we are never really given that either one of these characters will be the villain for our next two hour trek is even more enlightening. It really is like watching a dance when these two begin to get going. It’s absolutely brilliant to watch in my opinion. And, a little trivia for you all, the phone conversation was actually filmed at the same time with two different cameras set up - this hardly ever happens in Hollywood. Oh, how I love Ron Howard… ;)

I think what equally helped these two lead actors, is also the fact they both had performed the play in London. I think with this, the two were able to know the material so closely that they were able to just let the life breath through each of them.

The supporting cast is outstanding as well. Everyone is great in their roles. You will definitely find yourself becoming quite attached to everyone on the screen.

Is this film Oscar worthy? I think so. While I won’t call it the best picture of the year, it will most definitely be amongst one of my favorites. And I look most forward to owning this DVD when it becomes available.

So, in conclusion, for a great adult drama that will leave you wanting more, I highly recommend this film. It’s a great film to make one think. It’s brilliant to watch these two characters rise and fall throughout their moments on screen.

8/10.

Happy viewing everyone!