Rent Underworld (2003)

Fun Filled Action Horror - Underworld review by GI

You need look no further if you want a full on fantasy action film that entertains from the get go because this is sheer adult fun, and admittedly for me a bit of a guilty secret film. The premise is that there's been a centuries old hidden war being fought between a race of vampires and the Lycans (or in other words werewolves). In the present day in an unnamed Eastern European city the vampires have all but wiped out their age old enemy but vampire warrior Selene (Kate Beckinsale - very impressive toting guns dressed in lycra!) discovers the Lycans have been rallied by their leader, Lucian (Michael Sheen), who was long believed to be dead and that they are seeking a human called Michael (Scott Speedman) for some nefarious reason. With the great Bill Nighy supporting as a vampire elder and with some great shoot out scenes, very impressive transformation special effects and a dark atmosphere aided by a loud rock soundtrack this is everything you can wish for in action cinema. The creatures are all fantastic and there's a loose theme around interracial relationships but you don't need to get bogged down in over analysing the text because this is what it says on the tin, full on, fun-filled action at its best. The film was such a success that it's spawned a series of films most of which have gradually become more tiresome (the first sequel is quite good though) but this first film is a must see.