Underworld: Evolution is a 2006 supernatural action horror film directed by Len Wiseman, starring Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, and Derek Jacobi.  The film is a direct sequel to the 2003 film, Underworld and the second installment in the Underworld franchise, and the film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the two tribes as Selene (Kate Beckinsale), the vampire heroine, and her love Michael (Scott Speedman), the vampire-lycan hybrid, try to unlock the secrets of their bloodlines while trying to stop the Vampire Elder Markus (Tony Curran).

Positives:

• Great use of the practical and CGI effects
• Good performances
• Interesting story
• Great overall Gothic theme
• Great score
• Interesting characters
• Great action sequences

Negatives:

• n/a

Plot:  The story follows Selene and Michael as they race against time to stop the Elder Vampire Markus from releasing the destructive werewolf William.  The plot opens up with Elders Viktor, Markus, and Amelia who lead the Death Dealers against the spawn of William, which provides a really strong introduction.  The film’s focus on Selene and Michael’s developing relationship is a great plot point that helps to add another layer to the story. There is more exposition given into the events preceding the film delving into the origins of the vampires, werewolves, and immortals. (3 out of 5)

Characters: The film features great characters. Selene (Beckinsale) shows development, especially the relationship she has with Michael (Speedman), who does become more pronounced as a character. Markus is totally badass, and he does have personality.  Alexander Corvinus (Jacobi) is one of those characters that looks badass despite his calm demeanor. One character which could’ve had a bigger role is Samuel (John Mann) and could’ve actually put a new perspective on the war. (4 out of 5)

Cast:  There is definitely a great cast who give really good performances.  Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman are just great.  Not only are they great with their characters but they have great chemistry together.  Tony Curran does a pretty good job with the role of Markus.  Derek Jacobi is great as Alexander Corvinus.  Like Bill Nighy was with Viktor, he definitely gives his character presence.  John Mann and Steven Mackintosh are good. (4 out of 5)

Visuals:  The best aspect of the visuals are the effects.  The transformation sequences and mixture of make-up, practical, and CGI when it comes to the character designs are great.  The overall Gothic tone looks really good and the fact that it maintains that Gothic look even in the daytime is to be commended. Great costume designs.  William’s creature design looks great. (4 out of 5)

Score:  Marco Beltrami does a pretty good job especially the Eternity and a Day theme at the end that leaves off on a deep and an emotionally powerful way.  The music is really good.  (3 out of 5)

Writing:  The writing is better than in the previous installment.  The story has more depth to it and there are some pretty sweet twists.  It does a fantastic job of establishing a pretty credible origin story. Len Wiseman does a really good job.  One of the best sequences in the film is the truck chase and the presentation is done really well. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Underworld: Evolution delivers on its promise to exceed its predecessor.  though some elements of the story could’ve been handled a little better the film does tell a great story, has great characters, great performances by Beckinsale and Speedman, great action, and again some really good use of make-up, CGI, and practical effects.  Underworld: Evolution gets 4 out of 5.