Underworld: Evolution

The first Underworld was tedious and boring. The sequel, Underworld: Evolution, is actually a little more exciting but far more confusing. This is one of the more maddening franchises going right now, because so much potential is being wasted by director Len Wiseman, who can’t seem to get the formula right. The film wasn’t screened for critics, a surprise considering that, like its predecessor, it’s not all that bad. The lighting crew and makeup department work overtime to create something that looks decent. If you are a gore hound, then Underworld: Evolution should satisfy your need to see aortic sprays, bottom-jaw removals and disembowelments. This is actually one of the more violent films to come down the pike in quite some time, Hostel included. Kate Beckinsale is, again, underwhelming as Selene the death-dealing vampire, but she does look fabulous in that suit.