Plot summary: The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja, in his battle against the Vampire army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.
My Take: Very rarely do prequels match up with their predecessors. However, this movie was actually pretty good. For the first time in the series, the filmmakers have decided to leave out the rock that probably was the reason the films have been successful: Kate Beckinsale. I’m guessing this was a production risk/choice, but it seems to have paid off. Selene’s absence from the story is necessary to tell the story of how the Lycans rose to power, how Viktor was driven insane (though we pretty much already know how), and, as off topic as it may be, how simply awesome Michael Sheen is. Y’all he really rocks! Usually in action movies, the acting leaves something to be desired. Sheen brings some serious acting chops to the table though. All in all the film is very satisfying to those of us who love mythological movies. Here is a list of the recipients of the Paulasoul Movie Awards.
Best male actor: Michael Sheen (Lucian)
Best “Jesus” hair: Lucian
Funniest “mean face”: Raze
Best Overdone makeup: Viktor
Best Outfit: Viktor
Least needed character: Sonja (although the story centers around her love affair with Lucian, she didn’t really bring the charisma that Lucian did)
Best Movie Goof: When Lucian calls the Lycans from the castle during the big battle scene, he is shown with a full moon behind his head, and it is very dark. Not long after, he is fighting with Viktor in the tunnel, and “threatens” him with the bright sunlight, which is shining through the ceiling, even though not much time has passed. I was like, “What the…?!”
Next up… Revolutionary Road (Leo Di Caprio, Kate Winslet)
Something tells me that I will own this movie’s soundtrack. Call it a hunch…
