I honestly didn’t want to see this movie. The other 2 Underworld movies were pretty decent and entertaining. I just didn’t see the point in another Underworld movie. What is there to address that wasn’t in the others?
The movie title explains the plot of the movie. Lucian (Michael Sheen) is the first of the Lycans. He was found as a babe by Viktor (Bill Nighy, who also played Davy Jones) and was raised with the vampire coven. Viktor stole blood from Lucian in order to create more Lycans. This would be a perfect time to explain exactly what a Lyan is. A Lycan is simply a werewolf that can transform back into human form. Before Lucian the werewolves were unable to do this. Anyway, to create a little drama, Lucian is in love with Viktor’s daughter, Sonja (Rhona Mitra).
Long story short, the vampires have enslaved the Lycans to be there own personal body guards during the day light hours. But when Lucian is forced to make more of his kind and they are kept as slaves, Lucian releases all the Lycans from their jails and attempts a major break out. A few of them survive while the rest are either killed trying to escape or are trapped to be enslaved again. As Lucian attempts another break in to rescue not only the others, he also attempts to rescue his love, Sonja. By this point, Viktor has learned that not only does Sonja love Lucian, but she is also pregnant. Lucian is caught trying to save Sonja and both are chained in a basement to be punished. Sonja is forced to watch Lucian whipped and Lucian is forced to watch Sonja die by sunlight. This is what causes an all out war to ignite between the Lycans and vampires. The movie then ends with the beginning to Underworld.
I like that the movie comes in full circle. You can actually watch this one first to get the whole history and future. The movie, itself, isn’t really that long. It’s only an hour and a half long. I wasn’t bored either. The best thing about all the Underworld movies is how we can get a lot of back story without having to give up a lot of action in the process. The effects are also amazing. The transformation of human to werewolf looks real. The action scenes are all blood, sweat, and just great to watch (especially if you have it on Blu Ray). Rise of the Lycans gives you, not a basic, but the history of why the Lycans and vampires are at war.
Although the movie is really entertaining and interesting and I highly recommend it if you (like myself) like vampires or werewolves and really want a different perspective, but this movie really isn’t necessary. If I remember correctly, this same story is told in the second Underworld movie. I get that Lucian is made at Viktor for murdering his love and his own child. That’s enough to cause this war between the two races. Though I really enjoyed this movie and I am now considering buying the series on Blu Ray, it’s still not a necessary movie.
Despite that, movies are meant to be entertaining, so if you want some action, violence, a little romance, and a whole lotta excitement, I recommend watching this movie. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!
