Prequels are never justified with ease. Fans’ demands to understand the origin of a mysterious character can be met with shrugs if the box office receipts don’t build the foundation. Even with a strong financial backing and fan interest, everything can come apart if the question of “Why bother?” isn’t answered effectively.
“Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” is one of those movies. Not because there wasn’t a backstory to explore — the war between vampires and the werewolf-type Lycans certainly had some room to expand — but because the actual execution of that plot is just dull.
“Rise of the Lycans” is one of those prequels that could have been written by any fan-fiction fanatic — the characters are already there, set-up was already given in the first two movies and the only thing that needs to be provided is a setting and a few interesting revelations. Sure, the background discussed in the first two movies is fleshed out, but you probably could have done that without another silver screen production if you just used your imagination.
“Lycans” travels back centuries before the events of the first “Underworld” movie, as vampire elder Viktor (Bill Nighy, “Shaun of the Dead”) finds a very special Lycan baby — the first Lycan who can maintain human form. Rather than use him as a target for his new crossbow, Viktor molds the now-grown werewolf named Lucian (Michael Sheen, “Frost/Nixon”) to serve the vampires and (somehow) create more Lycan slaves. However, after Lucian saves Viktor’s daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra, “The Number 23”) the two begin one of those spontaneous Vampire-on-Lycan romances that we all hear about these days. After being liberated sexually, Lucian begins planning his escape from captivity secretly. What follows from this haphazard emancipation attempt is what leads to the inevitable war between the Lycans and the Vampires — Lucian leads his revolt, Viktor pushes back and Sonja is left in the balance. I would give spoilers, but those who’ve watched the series can probably figure out what happens in this course of events. It’s not that the plot doesn’t make sense; it’s just that it’s already there. The viewer gains nothing from the movie other than a confirmation that the flashbacks of the first movie had some depth.
Even those just looking for an enjoyable throwaway action film are left scratching their heads. The clashes between Lycans and vampires are few and far between — and when they finally do break into full battle, the skirmishes are shakily filmed in close quarters, with numerous shots of blood splattering against stone walls, indicating the fury of the fight. Those hoping to quench their bloodlust will either be left asking for more or wondering why the screen is so damn dark.
What’s most depressing about the whole production is that the two antagonists are so pitifully wasted. Bill Nighy’s gaunt, soul piercing gaze is a wonderful villainous flourish, but it’s near cartoonish after a few flashes. And while Michael Sheen may have been plausible as a burly werewolf in the first film, I can’t help but think I’m watching a grizzled Tarzan as portrayed by Tony Blair.
Let’s be fair — “Rise of the Lycans” isn’t an abysmal failure, just a product of the Hollywood shrug. For those fans who wanted the creators of the “Underworld” series to finish their thought for them, it might be worthwhile. For everyone else, however, it’s like a fast-food joint — the adverts may make it look unhealthy but appetizing, but once you sink your teeth in, you just find yourself asking, “This is it?”
2 stars out of 5
