Variety
First-time helmer Patrick Tatopoulos (who designed creatures for all three pics) offers a satisfyingly exciting monster rally that often plays like a period swashbuckler.
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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
The trilogy-maker of the Underworld series is a prequel, going back to the Dark Ages, and tracing the origins of an ancient blood feud between the vampire Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the werewolf Lycans.
Lucian (Sheen), an enslaved Lycan, rallies his fellow werewolves to revolt against their captor - the cruel, vampire leader Viktor (Nighy). Joining the raging Lucian is his top secret lover: Viktor's daughter Sonja (Mitra). This, the ultimate in betrayals for Viktor, sets the scene for a big ol' showdown between the vampire army and the Lycans.
First-time director Patrick Tatopoulos was special effects man on both previous incarnations.
2009USA
AdventureHorrorThriller
- Director:
- Patrick Tatopoulos (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Danny McBrideDirk BlackmanHoward McCain
- Cast:
- Bill NighyRhona MitraMichael SheenSteven MackintoshTania NolanCraig Parker
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans / Reviews
The New York Times
Although the presence of Mr. Sheen is initially distracting, it soon becomes the movie's greatest asset. There is, as it turns out, some benefit to having a real performance even in a formulaic entertainment like this.
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Hollywood Reporter
Thanks to sturdy performances by holdovers Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy as well as tidy, unfussy direction by first-timer Patrick Tatopoulos, the creature designer who is taking the reins from originator Len Wiseman, the third installment in the successful franchise should be to the fan base's lycan.
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