I found this fast paced film very entertaining but had to dig deep to remember the plot from the previous "Underworld". It would help if you watched the 1st film quite soon before this one.The visual effects were good with a decent storyline. I wouldnt term this a horror movie, so dont be scared off.
If you were entertained by Underworld (2003) then you'll enjoy this too. It's a direct sequel with the story and action starting immediately where the first film left off. Vampire warrior Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and Michael (Scott Speedman) are now on the run having killed Viktor (Bill Nighy), a vampire elder. Unknown to them the first and most terrible vampire Marcus has been awakened and is also hunting them because they unknowingly have the key to release Marcus' brother William, the first and most terrible werewolf. This film ups the gore and violence, there's a raunchy sex scene and the film has a more distinct gothic horror feel with some impressive monsters. There's a great prologue set in the thirteenth century which features Bill Nighy in a return cameo as Viktor and some fun new characters including Tony Curran as Marcus, Steven Mackintosh as debauched vampire Tanis and Derek Jacobi as the key to the whole story. The whole plot from the first film involving Speedman's hybrid character is made pointless in this film but never mind its best not to over think these films. It's never going to win any prizes and you either will love it or hate it but occasionally this sort of great cinematic entertainment simply fits the bill.
I was a big fan of the first 'Underworld' film, but I have to admit to finding 'Underworld Evolution' fairly underwhelming. The original film was a fresh mix of old school horror with Matrix style special effects. It had a great plot revolving around a violent war between vampires and werewolves, a nice subplot which featured bitter infighting within the vampire clans, and some great action scenes. 'Evolution' more or less continues on where the first film ended and although it's faster paced affair with more action and more gore, what lets the film down is a lacklustre story where you'll pretty much figure out how the story is going to end even before it gets going. Combine this with a pointless love scene between two characters that have absolutely no on screen chemistry and the result is a decidedly average horror action film which is neither good nor bad and certainly not an evolution of its predecessor.