Underworld: Evolution

It's probably fair to say that if you found Underworld entertaining, you'll probably like the sequel. I didn't. I did not care for its lack of imagination in anything other than fashion. With such a dull start, one could hardly call Underworld: Evolution a disappointment, although it somehow epitomises everything I dislike in modern silly action movies - over-stylised music video visual design, a distinct lack of wit and over-plotting to the point of redundancy. The evolution has yet to occur.

Len Wiseman directs in a placid, uninteresting manner, without enough imagination to get the film out of the rank comic book stupor it digs itself into. However, his visual and framing skills are opulently delivered, if monochromacity is your thing.

The plot is perfunctory - Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and her lupine lover Michael (Scott Speedman) find themselves outcast, and team up to battle the king of vampires, Marcus (Tony Curran). He wishes to awaken his werewolf brother, and rule the world together... zzzzzzz

Consider the other recent leather, guns and vampires series: Blade. The first, entertaining enough in its own right. The sequel spring-boarded, using the brilliantly hideous imagination of Guillermo del Toro and just plain cool stars.

Underworld: Evolution fails to deliver on both counts. Its raison d'etre, an often-deafening orgy of violence is neither potent, nor particularly well done, other than the flashy trading of ineffective bullets and blows. The much promised rubbery rumpy-pumpy raises laughs, instead of passion.

Just nail the damn coffin shut properly this time!