not for kids
Selene returns for more dreary action and very gory thrills.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Underworld Awakening is the fourth movie in the "vampires vs. lycans" (werewolves) series and the third to star Kate Beckinsale. It focuses more on fighting and violence than scares, but -- like the previous films -- it's accurately rated "R." There's lots of combat, including hand-to-hand fights, shooting, stabbing, slicing, bombs and explosions, and spurting blood. Throats are ripped out, and a young vampire/lycan girl is shown trying to slice her wrists (the cuts heal immediately). There's less sexuality here than in the last two movies; although one scene shows the main character naked, her body is totally obscured by steam. Language is very infrequent but includes at least three uses of "f--k" and one "s--t."
- Families can talk about Underworld Awakening's violence. Why do you think it's so graphic? Is that part of the appeal of a film like this? What would the movie be like if it toned down the blood and gore?
- Can Selene be viewed as a positive role model? Is she strong? What is her character like? What are her goals?
- What's the appeal of this vampires vs. werewolves series? How do they compare with other cinematic vampires or werewolves you've seen?
The good stuff
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Messages: Most of the characters don't seem to care about much. They save others and hurt others almost arbitrarily. The main character wants to save her daughter, sides with some characters, but kills others. Some characters argue for war and others for peace, and no one is shown to be right.
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Role models: The main character is a strong female, but aside from her athleticism, strength, and skill in battle, she doesn't have many positive attributes. She leaves quite a trail of dead bodies and beasts, and she's fairly selfish.
What to watch for
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Violence: Extremely strong fantasy violence, with several bloody battles and dead bodies. There's hand-to-hand fighting, shooting, stabbing, slicing, spurting blood, blood drinking, and bombs and explosions. A 12-year-old girl is shown slicing her wrists (she's a vampire/lycan, and the cuts heal instantly). There's disturbing talk of "cleansing," as the humans wipe out all vampires and lycans. The main character revives a fallen comrade by slicing open his stomach and reaching her hand in. Viewers see a protruding broken bone, an injection into an eyeball, and a throat ripped out.
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Sex: The main character is presumably naked after escaping from a cryo-tube, but her body is completely obscured by steam, and nothing is shown. After that, she wears a skin-tight vinyl outfit throughout the film, and the camera often lingers on her body. A sexual relationship between the main character and a boyfriend is suggested, with a child as the result.
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Language: Language is very infrequent but does include three uses of "f--k," "s--t," and "hell." Additionally, one character shouts during a loud fight scene, and it's possible he could be using profanity, but his words are mostly drowned out.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Fans MUST GO! by WTFM8
Great story, seems to all go too fast though, and at 1:29 it was way too short --wanted MORE. Total set up ending for the next movie and leaves you slightly hanging. If you haven't seen any of the other Underworld movies, you can still go because it brings you up to speed in the begining of the movie. Good action, I didn't see it in 3D but I plan on it!! A MUST SEE at the theater -- too much action and eye candy to wait for DVD or BluRay... besides... its U N D E R W O R L D ... need I say more?
Parents: Dont try and sneek your kids into this, its definately R for violence. Lots of gore and blood gushing everywhere. She's a pretty mad vamp in this.. and it shows.
Cinematography: Grungy, not the beautiful Underworld we're used to. A tad bit of cheese.
P.S. No need to wait, no previews or scenes at the end of the credits. When its over, its over.
5
UNDERworld is OVER the top! by jovial1
Listen! This movie is a must see for 2012. The film is so action-packed that it feels like you're only in the theater for 10 minutes. I left begging and pleading for more. Kate is seething with rage, heavy laden with grief and palpitating with passion. Never before have I witnessed such a love for kindred. The new vampire hottie is sizzling with sex appeal. His piercing blue eyes can warm even the coldest heart. (All pun intended!)
Are you OVER the whole movie going experience? I promise UNDERWorld will "Awaken" your zeal for the thrill of the silver screen. I PROMISE! Watch out Twilight, these vampires in love and out for blood..."death dealer" style.
4
Really enjoyed it by dwpaulk
I can usually tell how much I'll enjoy a movie by what the critic's write. If they say it sucks, you can almost bet it will be very entertaining and that was the case with this movie. Having seen all of the movies I would say that this is the best one in the series. I was always a fan of the first movie and really and thought the second two were okay. This one seemed like they were getting back to what made the movie great the first time.
4
Good movie, but too short by Brownfox
This was a good movie, but ended too short and too abrupt leaving us wishing that there was more to come. They could have developed the characters better; especially that of the little girl. I did enjoy how they recapped all the previous Underworld Movies to give those who had never seen any of them some understanding of the story line of the vampires and lycons. Lots of actions, and definately a must for the big screen. I give it a Thumbs up, and can't wait for the next one. Overall, a very good movie.
Not for kids, although I did see alot of parents who brought their small ones to see it.
The acting, costumes and cinematography was outstanding.
4
Fun action movie by Tnucaturner
What's not to like about a bad*** chick in a leather suit messing s*** up? Less story-driven than the past movies in the franchise, but the action more than makes up for it. As my best female friend calls it, it was the (male-genital) movie to end all (male-genital) movies.
4
Underworld Awekening by michelle.holker-smith
I thought that it had good action and it was filmed with great effects, but the story line was a little lacking. Overall it was great fun.
5
OFF THE CHAIN......AWESOME!!!!!! by Jadediamond2011
Kate is Awesome!!!!! This is one of the best Underworld's ever.....My husband and I absolutely loved it. I can't believe the critics didn't give it a great rating. They don't have a clue. The critics rated Haywire a "GO" which proves they don't know what the HELL they're talking about because HAYWIRE was JOKE!!!!!
Underworld is definitely the movie to seee.
4
Underworld Awakes Your Senses! by Argonaut
Kate Beckensale's still got it! And it's great to see her back again in this 4th installment, kicking butt, in her own inimitable way! She definitely makes hacking & slashing look sexy in an "Rrrrrr-rated" sorta way. Cinematography, CGI, stunts, and score were all up to par, as usual. But for me, what set this apart from the past eps was it's relative ease in storytelling. The writing and dialog was tight and believable (well, as believable as one can get with Lycans & Vamps), and compelling enough to make you want more. And at a running time of just 1:29, it did promise that there with be more.
(Spoiler Alert!) The mother-daughter-daddy theme was emotional, too...and you really wanted to see the three reunite, but that's what sequels are for! The daughter is played to perfection, by the way, by breakout young actress India Joy Eisley (best known from 'American Teenager' tv series). Overall, fans should love this senses-awakening sequel, I'd say. But leave the kiddies home!
5
Is just AWESOME! by tatanm
Out of all the ones this one has the most action. I jumped out of my sit about 4 times and that 's a lot for me. Would see it again in a heart beat. Don't need to pay for 3D as there's not that many 3D effects.
5
Better than the rest. by Thaone96
Awaking was one of the best movies of the series, although just as you are getting into the movie it ends. The computer anime of Michael was disheartening but I think it was the real deal towards the end. It's a definite must see and be prepared for loads of action! Selene is none stop and more serious in this one less human more vampire!!