The No. 2 box office hit in America stays true to loyal fans of series

It’s often said that having no expectations prevents disappointment, but if you’re a fan of a franchise, having no expectations can kill your enthusiasm. Since “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” breaks away from Kate Beckinsale’s character, Selene, it focuses on Michael Sheen’s character, Lucian.

Real Quick: ‘Underworld: Rise of the Lycans’ Starring Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos Distributed by Screen Gems Runtime 92 mins.

I was a little nervous about the next hour and a half of my life. But with almost every cast member, the special effects team and the writers from the previous two films on board, this prequel caught my attention.

Spectacular special effects and ferocious battle scenes between lycans and vampires put the other two movies’ fight scenes between these rivals to shame. The story plays out from the humble beginnings of Lucian as the first human with the ability to transform back and forth from lycan form. Viktor (Bill Nighy) rears Lucian after finding him at birth and uses him to create a race of lycan slaves.

Although Lucian’s story was shown in the original “Underworld,” this in-depth made it worth my time and money. The love story between Sonja (Rhona Mitra) and Lucian culminates into a climactic ending with a heart-pounding glimpse into the first full-blown battle between vampire and lycan.

All in all, I did expect little for the prequel just so I could prepare myself for the possibility of yet another Hollywood prequel disaster. The result was not a disaster, but an unexpected surprise full of action that will leave fans of this franchise wanting a fourth movie.

Contact all reporter Robert Checkal at [email protected].