Underworld: Evolution continues the saga of war between the aristocratic Death Dealers and the barbaric Lycans (werewolves). The film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the two tribes as Selene (Kate Beckinsale), the vampire heroine, and Michael (Scott Speedman), the lycan hybrid, try to unlock the secrets of their bloodlines. The tale of action, intrigue and forbidden love takes them. - skip ad - Genres: Suspense/Horror Release Date: January 20th, 2006 (wide) MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong violence and gore, some sexuality/nudity and language. Distributor: Screen Gems Cast And Credits Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy, Derek Jacobi, Tony Curran Directed by: Len Wiseman Produced by: Gary Lucchesi, Tom Rosenberg

At the first show on opening day at New York's Loews Cineplex E-Walk (there were, naturally, no advance press screenings), a good percentage of the audience walked out shortly before the conclusion. It's not that they were visibly unhappy with the film, but rather because they were reasonably sure, having seen the chief villain get obliterated in the climactic fight scene, that there would be no more viscera on display.

Fortunately, they had plenty of bloodshed to satisfy them in the preceding reels because, like its predecessor, this tale of vampires and werewolves is a fairly nonstop melange of gore and violence. Opening-weekend grosses look to be substantial, especially considering the lack of new competition.

Besides the aforementioned carnage, no doubt the chief draw for fans is the ever-satisfying sight of Kate Beckinsale, as the vampire Selene, clad in the tightest form-fitting black latex imaginable.

Those with higher artistic tastes can enjoy -- or regret, depending upon their inclination -- the presence of such esteemed British actors as Bill Nighy (virtually unrecognizable) and Derek Jacobi in smaller roles.

The plot, or as much of it as can be determined, revolves around Selene and her hybrid cohort Michael (Scott Speedman) teaming up to battle the evil Marcus (Tony Curran), the king of the vampires, who is determined to free his werewolf brother William (Brian Steele) and take over the world. Much mayhem ensues.

Repeating their chores from the original, director Len Wiseman and screenwriter Danny McBride at least succeed in establishing a dark gothic mood. r>
UnUnfortunately, there's little wit or genuine suspense to elevate the proceedings above the level of a cheesy comic book.

Considering the success of the first installment, one might have hoped that the creators would have taken the opportunity to provide the audience with something more than just a steady stream of ultraviolent action set pieces.

Tedium sets in early, with the repeated firing of automatic weaponry not doing much to raise the audience from their stupor.

Beckinsale looks quite fetching reprising her trademark dual gun firing pose hell, she even looks great when half of her face is nearly burned off after exposure to the sun -- but her performance is ultimately as monochromatic as the visuals

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