AN IMMORTAL BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY.
Vampires and werewolves (called Lycans) have battled each other for centuries; Selene (Kate Beckinsale), who belongs to the former race, falls in love with a human (Scott Speedman) who turns out to be special. It is in fact an original story, but this one feels like an adaptation of a game; you do get all the trappings of that medium, as constant battles rage between two species in a dark, fictional city. Nothing new here and the movie goes on too long, but Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy are having fun and the fights are often exciting.
2003-Britain-Germany-Hungary-U.S. 121 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Len Wiseman. Cast: Kate Beckinsale (Selene), Scott Speedman (Michael Corvin), Michael Sheen (Lucian), Shane Brolly, Erwin Leder, Bill Nighy.
Trivia: Alternative version runs 134 min. The makers of the film were sued by an author and a gaming company claiming copyright infringement; the case was settled out of court. Followed by three sequels, starting with Underworld: Evolution (2006), and a prequel, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009).
Yes, this is definitely a film for gamers. There are many scenes with narrow passageways and a constant spray of gunfire. I wrote a short essay on Underworld called “Old Testament Blood Revenge.” If you would like to read it, here is the link: https://christopherjohnlindsay.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/underworld/