Weekly Review -- Fast asleep

Underworld: Awakening (2012) -- The Underworld series has never exactly been known for its plot and character development. It has, however, become famous for its intriguing, technology-infused take on the vampire and werewolf lore, perfectly choreographed fight scenes and Kate Beckinsale in leather, all of which the latest installment possesses in abundance.

After humans discover the existence of vampires and lycans, they initiate a purge to eliminate both races. Death dealer Selene (Beckinsale) is captured and cryopreserved for 12 years. When she wakes up, she finds a very different world from the one she used to inhabit. After discovering a hybrid girl (India Eisley) wanted as a guinea pig, Selene joins forces with rebellious vampire David (Theo James) and his coven to fight back... 

The one thing I can say for sure about Underworld: Awakening is that the action comes loud and fast. From the opening 'purge' sequences to the vampire/lycan showdowns, these set-ups are sharp and stylized. Some of the scenes are quite innovative in their maneuvering, and Beckinsale proves yet again that she can hold her own as a genre heroine. Her physicality and dedication is impressive and I am quite looking forward to seeing her chops in this summer's Total Recall.

Unfortunately, the problem, as in the earlier franchise entries, is with the screenplay. First off, what is the prologue for? One would think that, if a viewer wanted to familiarize themselves with the series, they would watch the actual films and not the CliffsNotes version of events. Another issue is the lack of explanation for the context and lack of opportunity for emotional investment. Directors Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, who were responsible for the underwhelming 2010 chiller Shelter, are at the helm here, not even attempting to find clarity and just hopping from one combat configuration to another. The film ends abruptly, leaving the impression that a huge chunk of celluloid had been cut out. There is a lot missing and the ending does nothing to tie loose ends, instead only leaving us with more questions.

The actors do what they can with the script, but are unable to fill the holes. Beckinsale goes around blasting her enemies into oblivion and does a great job as the conflicted Selene, but Theo James can only do so much with the rather cliché role of David. One gets the sense that he is waiting for more juicy material to come his way, which never happens. Charles Dance and Stephen Rea are almost memorable as the leader of the vampire coven in hiding and a bullheaded scientist, respectively; a few more nuances would have made these characters truly unforgettable. Finally, Eisley shows a lot of haunted potential as Eve, a child born in the wrong place and at the wrong time.

Underworld: Awakening is one of those love-them-or-hate-them films. If you are a hardcore franchise fan, odds are that you will like it. If not, well... you knew what to expect before you shelled out your cash. It is an adequate film with some interesting sequences, but since when does the fantasy genre rely on being merely passable?

5/10