The film fan in me loves the Underworld movies whilst the film critic in me says, “Why on earth do you subject yourself to this nonsense?” Yes, it’s easy to be critical of this franchise but the truth is I have a soft spot for Vampires and Werewolves combined with action violence, and a somewhat less soft spot for Kate Beckinsale in heels, skin-tight black vinyl and twin fully automatic pistols.

The plot is strictly by the numbers and the horror quotient is probably lower than it’s ever been in this series (bar, perhaps, one or two moments) but the fantasy action keeps things interesting enough. Some stunning continuity errors mean you probably shouldn’t follow the proceedings too closely but rather just enjoy the ride.

In the end, Underworld: Blood Wars is an average entry into an increasingly tired franchise (which isn’t done yet!) and is really just a stopgap for its existing fan base.

Stuart Jamieson
www.sonypictures.net

From Nosferatu in the twenties to Bela Lugosi in the thirties to Peter Cushing in the fifties and now to modern versions like True Blood, the vampire myth and the Dracula character in particular has seen so many theatrical versions it’s amazing. Into this landscape comes Dracula Untold.

In this latest take we are introduced to Vlad ‘The Impaler’ Tepes (Luke Evans) before he became the Count. He is a family man and leader trying to save both his family and his people and he becomes one of the undead to do it. We as the audience are given no real back-story on Vlad’s past and the film suffers from that. It also suffers from a very dark colour palette and it’s lack of any colour outside that of the gray scale makes for a fairly dreary visual experience.

The story has its moments of interest but the film is very easy to dismiss and its staying power in your mind is quickly diminished. If you are a fan of all things undead, the film is a modern take on an old story and should be seen, as for the rest of us it’s a rather indifferent experience.

Rob Hudson
www.draculauntold.com.au

Flight Of The Concords alumni Jemaine Clement as the vampire Vladislav and Rhys Darby as the werewolf Anton deliver their usual understated take on comedy, as does the rest of the cast. This is a film that is constantly amusing but not necessarily laugh out loud funny at all times. It does however have a few big laugh moments and this night’s audience was demonstrative in their approval.

There are so many everyday life activities that the undead would experience if they lived normal lives in suburbia and this film covers an amusing number of those topics. This includes the police dropping in for a visit, going out for a drink (of the non-blood type) and walking down dark roads where you are the hunter not necessarily the hunter.

With vampires of all types still being such a commercial commodity, it was almost inevitable that someone would come up with an idea of this sort. It’s a testament to the writers, actors and director that they have succeeded so admirable in adding something worthwhile to this already crowded genre.

Rob Hudson
www.whatwedointheshadows.com