As there are few vampire movies, I ranked Underworld higher than it deserved based on the competition. It could have been greater than it was if it had any element of mystery. I so wanted the movie to evoke some emotion in me. It didn't have the sensous part of the blood drinking at all. Mostly just violent action with lots of Kate Beckinsale close ups. I was frustrated because the film had so much potential

I might be exaggerating but one of the biggest mysteries for me is why "acclaimed" critics rated "Underworld" as they did. Ever since I read the first bad review I wondered if the movie really lives up to the "anti-hype" ~ and surprise: it doesn't. It is a wonderful use for celluloid and especially in the last year we have seen many movies raping and abusing this beloved material. Critics claim: It only copies from Blade, "Matrix", Interview With The Vampire and does not introduce even the smallest new idea. I say: Who cares? Blade 2 was awful and so were the "Matrix" sequels, so why not take great ideas of flawed movies and combine them to wonderful, dark and sinister 120 minutes full of athmosphere. The plot itself is, in my opinion, not superficial at all ~ especially considering that "Underworld" is an action movie. One could criticise that "Underworld" does not have "state-of-the-art" special effects ~ but am I the only person on this planet who is tired of CGI and computer games that claim to be a movie? I love the sort of old fashioned way of moviemaking, as in I love people in suits. Ok, granted that the Lycans, or werewolves, do not look too impressive and indeed, the design of the costumes is not tooooooo exciting.
Enough about technical details now; What makes the movie so outstanding is its atmosphere and the awesome cast. If I were a werewolve I would love to be killed by Kate Beckinsale or a "Death Dealer" in a similar outfit as Selene (Beckinsale) wears in the movie. The action is great, it is dark, it is sexy, it is thrilling, suspenseful and yes, I think it even is innovative. Bullets containing daylight or silver-nitrate are just some of the new technical nick-nacks the Death Dealers are hunting werewolves with. If I had to write a short and precise summary of what I loved most about "Underworld", then I would say 1.) Kate Beckinsale 2.) the whole dark and moody atmosphere 3.) the soundtrack 4.) the whole cast 5.) the fact that there might be a sequel.
It might not be the best action movie ever, but what makes it extraordinary is that there were a few previews, then it came out and it is just a lot of fun to watch; No hype, no "Everything that has a beginning has an end", it is not wannabe-philosophical; "Underworld" does not try to be more than it is; an awesome movie.