UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, the prequel to the Underworld cycle, explores the origins of the blood-feud between the Death Dealers (a clan of aristocratic vampires) and the Lycans (brutal, barbaric werewolves). Patrick Tatopoulos, previously in charge of creature design, steps up to direct this film. Rise of the Lycans maintains the series’ signature feel, but the details in this installment are more fully developed and the effects step up a notch. Bill Nighy is brilliantly theatrical, and clearly relishes his role as the vampire king, Viktor. Unfortunately, in keeping with the other two films, the plot is often murky and overly complex. Fans of this series will, no doubt, not be overly worried by this, and will appreciate dramatic revelations. (Trischelle Roberts)