UNDERWORLD: THE RISE OF THE LYCANS

This is the prequel (or the sequel, depending how one looks at it) to the “Underworld” saga and if you’re a vampire fan, you should be in for a treat. “The Rise of the Lycans” goes back nearly to the beginnings and explains the coming to existence of the werewolves.

It is a story of the dynamics between the aristocratic vampire family, called the Death Dealers, and their slaves, the Lycans—a breed in its own; part wolf, part human that was created by the head of the family, Viktor, in order to protect the vampires during the day. But as in a case of any enslaved being, the Lycans want their freedom and the series of events pushes Lucian to the dramatic decision, which will change the course of many lives, his own included.

In the midst of it all, there is a forbidden love between the daughter of one of the Elders, who is supposed to lead the family one day, and the head of the werewolves; love that is destined to be tragic…

All in all, the movie is actually pretty good and my only complaint were the visual effects that could use just a bit of work. Perhaps I am simply spoilt by the movies with fantastic visual effects that one doe not notice while watching the film and that could be the reason why some of the effects in “The Rise of the Lycans” bothered me just a bit. On the other hand, (as my husband often point out) I am a perfectionist and expect perfection in nearly everything.

Putting this aside, however, the movie was quite enjoyable and the story line explained many questions raised by the other two part of the “Underworld” saga.

So if you’re a fan, you should definitely see this third (or first, more likely) part to get a better understanding of the dynamics driving the characters of those stories.