Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.

Director:

Patrick Tatopoulos

Writers:

Danny McBride (screenplay), Dirk Blackman (screenplay),

Stars:

Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Sheen	...	Lucian
Bill Nighy	...	Viktor
Rhona Mitra	...	Sonja
Steven Mackintosh	...	Tannis
Kevin Grevioux	...	Raze
David Aston	...	Coloman
Geraldine Brophy	...	Nobleman's Wife
Leighton Cardno	...	Fearful Lycan
Alex Carroll	...	Young Lucian (as Alexander Carroll)
Elizabeth Hawthorne	...	Orsova
Jason Hood	...	Death Dealer
Mark Mitchinson	...	Nobleman
Tania Nolan	...	Luka
Craig Parker	...	Sabas
Timothy Raby	...	Janosh (as Tim Raby)

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

vampire | slave | werewolf | battle | castle | 

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Taglines:

Every war has a beginning.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violence and some sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [fr]

Country:

USA New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 January 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Underworld 3

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£990,285 (UK) (23 January 2009)

Gross:

$45,802,315 (USA) (27 February 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sketch Films, Lakeshore Entertainment, Screen Gems

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

While filming this movie, Michael Sheen was asked by Ron Howard if he could record a quick moment of dialog for Frost/Nixon. Sheen, covered in fake blood from the days filming, went to his trailer and recorded the dialog, he asked someone to take a picture of him doing it and sent it to Ron Howard, who had it framed and displayed.

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Goofs

The "blood" that Viktor is drinking shortly after imprisoning Sonja is quite clearly tomato juice or something similar - blood is not orange, and is opaque but not cloudy with sediment.

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Quotes

Viktor: [after killing a complaining Nobleman] Would anyone else like to be heard?

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Connections

Referenced in Face Off: A Force to Be Reckoned With (2012)

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Soundtracks

"Board Up the House (Renholder Remix)"
Written by William Jordan, Mookie Singleman, Michael Sochynsky
Performed by Genghis Tron
Courtesy of Relapse Records

User Reviews

WoW...Better then expected in all areas

I was hoping it would be good yet I didn't expect it to be 'this' good.

Honestly, this was 'so' well paced. Actually got me anxious, and thats a bit of a rarity. And in a good way.

First off the story was very interesting from start to finish and the script very well crafted. All of the elements... Love, machismo, heroic, underdog, special abilities, honor, suspense, scandal, comradeship, good vs bad just so many elements. However the difference with this film is they were all intertwined so well. Not the usual 'chemistry cocktail' roll of the dice.

The cinematic hat trick... acting, directing and the written story itself all melted like cheese on a hot Philly steak.

I understand the "Category" this film falls near however, over all very well crafted. Some other "Film Makers" should take a few lessons.

I hope there's another.