Some movie franchises just seem to go on and on without ever having an end in sight. No matter how bad some of the sequels to the original movie have become, they just keep pumping out new films. This seems to be especially true for horrormovies. There is a certain market for B-movie type films, that fans just can’t seem to get enough of. The Underworld franchise started way back in 2003. Underworld told the story of a great war between the Vampires and Lycans (Werewolves) that has raged for thousands of years. It was a very classy film, with some seriously cool fight sequences, lot’s of leather, and a great lead actress in the form of Kate Beckinsale that played the 1000 year old Death Dealer Vampire Selene. And just like that, fourteen years later we now have a fifth installment, that even leaves the door open for yet another sequel. Have these movies been entertaining though? Well, quite frankly, yes. Sure, the first film was definitely the best, but these follow up films all still had some nice things in them, that made them worthwhile watches. Especially if you like these kind of movies. So, what about this one? Is it any good, or do we just need to put it into the sunlight and let it burn up?
Underworld Blood Wars continues the storyline from the fourth film. The Vampires are on the verge of losing the war against their enemies the Lycans. Only the Eastern Coven still stands strong and one of their members, the beautiful Semira believes their salvation may lie with the Death Dealer Selene. But Selene has been outcast for years, and most of the other Vampires want to see her dead. She convinces Thomas, one of the Vampire elders, to go the council in order to try to persuade them to grant Selene clemency. In this way she hopes Selene can return to train a new generation of Death Dealers. Meanwhile the Lycans, now under the command of the powerful Marius, are also searching for Selene. They want to use her to find her daughter Eve, whose blood may contain the secrets of building an army of Lycan/Vampire hybrids. With all the players setting up their pieces on the board, Selene finds herself right in the middle of a very deadly game. With betrayal seeming to run rampant on both sides, Selene has to find a way to survive. But this is easier said than done, especially when she is set up for a crime which she did not commit…
Well, let’s put a stake through the heart of this review and get down to the most important aspect of it. This was Underworld’s weakest installment to date, and one really has to wonder if this franchise has not run out of steam. The story is basically non-existent. All we get is a long chase movie that moves from fight sequence to fight sequence, with little to no surprises. One of the things I did like is the fact that the story introduced a new coven of Vampires that live in the icy northern wastes. Without giving away spoilers, suffice it to say that they are entirely different from the Vampires we have come to known in Underworld. The action scenes in this movie were also not as good as in the previous films. But that said there is a seriously cool fight between Marius and Selene on the ice, that really is well worth seeing and one of the highlights of the film. Other than that the rest of the fights just lack that special wow factor which is a bit of a shame.
But the saving grace of this film is definitely actress Kate Beckinsale. Now playing the role of Selene for the fourth time, she is still every bit as strongwilled and fearsome as when she first started playing the character. And without sounding like a sexist pig, Kate is just incredibly sexy and feminine in the leather outfits she has always worn throughout these films. Selene’s character has really grown over the years and at the end of this movie, you will find yourself surprised in what she has become. (One of the few surprises this film has on offer). Something that you might not expect in a movie such as this is the high level of acting. Kate does a terrific job, but so does veteran actor Charles Dance reprising his role as Thomas. You can just see the fun he is having in playing this role. Semira is a deliciously wicked character that is brought to life in a splendid way by actress Lara Pulver. One of the more unpredictable characters of the film, I really enjoyed seeing her playing out her part, and I would have loved to have seen more of her.
Underworld Blood Wars is a movie that ended up being a bit of a disappointment. I would not call the film a total disaster, there are obviously worse films out there. But having enjoyed all the other movies in this franchise, this one was really a bit of a letdown. As mentioned in the beginning, there is still room for a sequel to this one, and I would not be surprised if that is going to happen. But they would have to come up with a real good script to end Selene’s journey in a satisfactory way. If you are not a fan of Underworld, this movie is not going to change your mind. But if you are, despite it’s many flaws, I still think you should watch it. If only to see the lovely Kate in action for what might just be her final appearance as Selene. Just don’t set your expectation levels to the highest settings though.
I give Underworld Blood Wars a 6 out of 10 score.
I love my Underworld movies but I have to admit, this movie was pretty shit. Was a shame really.
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I feel exactly the same. As I mentioned there are way worse movies out there, but it certainly was a very underwhelming film, that I had really expected much more from. As much as I love the franchise, this was pretty mediocre. If there is going to be a sixth and final installment, I hope it will turn into something much better. Thanks for your comment 😊
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Oh you know there will be more why else kill of you know who…
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True 😀Well, hopefully they can make sure that the franchise will end on a high note 😀
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I loved the first Underworld film but didn’t even watch the third one yet after the disaster of a sequel. As much as I would have loved more of Selene’s story, I just couldn’t force myself to watch more of this franchise. Still, the original film will remain one of my favourite popcorn movies.
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Well, actually, the third one is quite interesting, something I did not expect as it’s the only movie that did not feature Kate Beckinsale. It served as a prequel and went back to the Dark Ages. I’m usually not a really big fan of prequels, but this one was actually quite interesting.
But I do agree: the original movie is the best one, and one I have actually not seen in quite a while. Maybe I will give that one a rewatch somewhere later this year 😊
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That sounds fun. I should dust off my DVD at some point as well.
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I love the underworld franchise, I watched them all over a month
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They are definitely fun films to watch. Even though this one just wasn’t as good as all the previous installments, it’s a fun franchise that I love to rewatch from time to time 😀
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Blood Wars was total shit. Let’s not forget ‘Resident Evil’. I fervently pray the last instalments were the ‘Final Chapter'(s) we’ll see. Death to the franchises.
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Haha lol 😂😂 Well I think we will probably get to see one more Underworld movie. As for the last Resident Evil movie I have yet to see it, but I already did not have high hopes for it 😂😂
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I loved them all for the cinematic photography, 😊 the plots didn’t matter.
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That is so true, the cinematography and worldbuilding in these films are very beautiful. I usually don’t mind the plots in movies like this either, as long as the rest is fun, but that was unfortunately a bit disappointing in this film as well 😢
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Something good dark and gothic wouldn’t go astray
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Nope that is definitely true😊 I do love the gothic vibe in these movies 😀
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I’m surprised that they’re still make Underworld movies. I liked the first two but haven’t seen on since.
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Yeah, and I have a pretty strong feeling this won’t be the last one. Parts 3 and 4 were still very entertaining.
The third movie is a prequel to the first two and is the only one that hasn’t got Selene in it (but nonetheless it’s a fun movie), and the 4th part acts as a kind of reboot in the fact that it pretty much starts a new storyline 😀 This one though, just wasn’t as strong unfortunately 😢
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It seems like the series make money and has some sort of cult following.
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True, it’s a bit like the Saw series and the Resident Evil series. I guess they will just keep going forever lol 😂😂
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If they make millions and fans love the series I don’t see why they should. LOL.
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With a relatively low budget like here (35 mln) and relatively nice box office (around 85 mln plus 10 mln DVD sales) this franchise will suffer from 2-3 other shitty sequels, that’s guaranteed.
Do you prefer RE or Underworld? 😀
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Yeah, I know that this movie is in all likelyhood not going to be the last one. That’s for sure.
Tough question that you asked by the way. But I’m going for Resident Evil. In the end I just overall liked them more, though I have yet to see the final chapter.😊
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Me too! 🙂 it’s interesting to think that both franchises live so long also thanks to the main female character….
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I have similar feelings with resident eviland with every new R.E. they’re trying to end this movie.
Apocalypse – this second and last part
Extinction – ok, now is the last part
Afterlife – seriously, there will be no new movie
Final Chapter – we are not going to do this movie again
………………… – fill this place for title of new resident evil movie 🙂
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Hahaha: this comment really made me laugh 😂😂😂 Thank you for that 😂😂
But true. In 20 years we will probably be on part 40 or something like that 😂😂
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that’s great, laughing is good and positive 🙂
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I really liked the original, and enjoyed Rise of the Lycans. The rest were so-so, but I didn’t really feel like I was wasting my time watching them. I wasn’t sold by the trailer for this one, I must admit. I’m certain there will be more though.
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Totally agree with you. The rest of the films were so so, but still had enough in them to be enjoyed. This one just fell short on that. Honestly I kind of hope there will be one more film. If this is the way the franchise ends that would really be a shame 😢
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One last hurrah to end it on a high, you mean? I’d like that I think. Leave it without tainting it.
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Exactly: let’s hope that will happen. Both the franchise and the character of Selene deserve a great last farewell 😊
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I love the other Underworld movied but this one I agree was a complete let down! Amazing Review though Love!💖😍😘
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Yeah it really was. As much as I love the franchise, this one really was disappointing. Hopefully they will bring out one last part to at least conclude the franchise on a high note 😊
Thank you again: you are way too amazing 😘😘❤️
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Awww as are you!😍
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I’m surprised this franchises keeps making more movies 🙂 I thought they would have reached an end by now, but it’s like you said they just seem to go on and on.
Great review, by the way 😀
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Thank you so much 😊😊
No it hasn’t reached it’s end yet. Honestly I am hoping for just one more film, to wrap up the franchise in a much better way than this one did. Both the franchise and Kate Beckinsale deserve that 😊
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hehe I honestly have no idea how long these have been going on for and I’ve not seen any of them tbh, but I gotta love you bloody brilliant and punny review 😉 Shame this one was a bit of a letdown though!
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Haha, well there have now been five films in total, and I honestly would not be very surprised if there would come a sixth installment (and I really hope there will be one because if this was the film that ends the saga it really doesn’t end on a very high note, which is a shame 😢). Glad you enjoyed the review 😀
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hehe wow that’s a lot!! Ah that is a shame- I hope that if there’s another one it works out well.
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Neat review… definitely lowers my expectation a bit as I haven’t had the chance to see the film myself yet!
I must try and watch it soon!
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Thank you 😀 Well even as a fan of the Underworld series , I really could not really find much to like in this one, especially when compared to the previous films. Hope you might still enjoy it nonetheless 😊
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Oooh… well, these thoughts coming from a fan are really interesting and I want to see the movie now even more- just to see how I feel about it! 🙂
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Fantastic review Michel! I’ve only seen the first two movies. I’m not sure about this one, but maybe I should check out #3 & #4?
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Thank you so much. Part 3 is a prequel and the only movie in which Kate Beckinsale doesn’t have a role to play. But: that one was rather good surprisingly. The 4th film was also a lot of fun, and acts as a bit of a reboot for the franchise. And then this came along. As mentioned, there are still a few things in it to enjoy, but overall this one was a bit of a letdown. Hopefully there will be one final part to bring the franchise to a satisfactory close 😊😊
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I always hope a series, whether it’s film, tv, or books, will go out on a high note.
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Definitely and this franchise truly deserves that 😀😀
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I should give this franchise another chance because Beckinsale in leather sounds right up my alley. Given the anime I am into I don’t care if that makes me sound like a sexist pig 🙂
Years ago I tried watching the first movie, but I fell asleep partway through. I think that has more to do with me watching it after a night shift rather than the film’s quality though.
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Haha: there are definitely worse things to watch than seeing Kate in leather lol 😂 But she is awesome in this role. The first film is seriously cool😀 The sequels all have their own qualities, except for this one that is, but they don’t reach the level of the first one. Still it’s a great franchise and as far as horrormovies go, a quite enjoyable one 😀😀
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I so agree with you! I was so excited when I first watch Underworld but this one is kind of a disappointment. I love Kate Beckinsale. She’s still as awesome as ever but it’s the story of this film that I don’t like. I hope the final one will be fantastic, though I don’t know when they would actually release it. Let’s just hope soon. Great review as always, Michel! 🙂
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Yeah, the story just felt really rushed…and I don’t even really call it a story either..it’s more of a backstory that just makes them progress from one fight to the next. I also hope that they will release one final chapter to hopefully end it on a high note. Thanks so much again for your kindness 😀😊😊
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I have a soft spot for these movies. I can be a fantasy nut when the occasion calls. Plus, I have the biggest crush on Kate Beckinsale.
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Haha, all I can say is: you are not the only one, she really is an amazingly beautiful woman.
I also like these kind of movies. This one though, while it had it’s moments, was a bit of a letdown. I hope if they are going to make a new one, it will end the series on a high note 😀
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I think she’s a beautiful woman and good actress too. Sometimes pretty underrated. She was really good in The Golden Bowl and Vacancy.
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True! She was also pretty bad ass in the Total Recal remake 😀
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I’ve not seen that remake yet.
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It’s (of course) not as good as the original, but it’s pretty okay. And Kate has a pretty big part in it and is quite awesome in it 😀
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That’s the thing with remakes, they can go either way. It’s often difficult to replicate the original.
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Are my comments coming through properly again? Just wanted to ask.
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Unfortunately they are not my friend 😢 Only your likes.
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Thanks for telling me.
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I got a response from the forums that said they could look into it and especially the people’s who aren’t receiving my notifications. If you check out the bottom reply, be sure to say if you agree.
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Here’s that link again. https://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/a-problem-with-notifications?replies=3#post-3058538
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Honestly, Kate Beckinsale would be the only reason why I’d try this series out. Putting the Underworld series as a B-Class is interesting, cause honestly I saw it as something like D-Class hahahah It always looked like something that wanted to be as “popular” as the Resident Evil movies. And the Resident movies would be one of those series that I felt like they were milking too hard after the first couple of them. Great and honest review though. It’s nice that even if it was “fun”, it was still a disappointment. I’m not sure if I would want to give this series a shot though.. Maybe just the first movie some day? 😀
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Well, the first movie is very, very good and definitely not a B-movie. Especially if you like a good Vampire/Werewolf movie that does things in a very original way. The movies that followed (except for this one that is), all were still pretty enjoyable, despite being B-grade films. And definitely Kate is such a beautiful actress, and really one of the main reasons to watch this because she is very good in this role.
But, granted, the Resident Evil,films are more fun to watch 😀
Definitely recommend the first film though, that is for sure 😊
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Richard Beckinsale was 1 of th funniest comedy actors in British sitcoms during th 70s, until his sudden death, aged only 30.
When his daughter Sam began appearing in a 90s drama, th tabloids and a lot of British chaps went barmy.
When news broke that her sister wanted to become an actor, everybody was like: “She’s got a sister?!”
Th rest, as they say, is herstory.
Th 1st movie in this series was ok – goodness knows what her father would have thought of it!
Cheers!
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Hey! Glad to see you are back. I saw a message at one point that your blog was shut down. Glad to see that you have returned 😊
True enough, the first movie was pretty amazing. The follow ups, besides this one, were okayish. Hopefully if a new movie gets released, it will be one that will at least end the franchise on a high note. Thanks for the history lesson 😀😀
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Hey! I never went away – an anti-spam filter accidentally shut my blog down for 24 hrs
If? a new movie comes out? There will always be endless possibilities of how to film Kate Beckinsale in leather gear – doesn’t matter about th plot (or lack of one)
Here’s to that high note
Cheers!
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Phew…I am so glad: I really love your blog, and was actually worried that it got shutdown. Glad to see I worried for nothing 😀😀
Haha lol…that is so true😂😂😂 I hope against hope though that final installment will still be good somehow 😅😅
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It’s th craziest thing: go out of my way to exclude anything involving politics, spiteful or offensive views, Marky “Mark” Wahlberg, etc. etc. and this still happens – sheesh!
It was enough to spoil my concentration – over a week later, still haven’t been able to finish another Post.
Hey, Kate needs to pay for the bills and burritos like th rest of us, man, so they HAVE TO keep making this rubbish! 😉
Hope against hope
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