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Underworld: Awakening is the fourth in a series of movies about feuding vampires and werewolves — except this time, the enemies are also humans. Humans have learned of the existence of both species and plan to  exterminate them. Our heroine, vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale) returns in this film and is on the run with Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), her lover and only existing vampire-werewolf hybrid.

He Said:
I’m a huge fan of all the Underworld films. I saw the original Underworld in the theater and I absolutely loved it. Underworld does a better job than any other films at meshing the worlds of vampires and werewolves into a single story.  Unlike other movies in the same genre, this is not a teenage drama. These combine heart-pounding action and a story with incredible depth and motivation for all characters. Kate Beckinsale is the best female action star I’ve ever seen in a movie, and  not just because she’s exceptionally easy on the eyes. She completely embraces the role; you really feel she is a vampire with superhuman abilities.

I’m also a big fan of Scott Speedman’s character, a half vampire, half werewolf hybrid, stronger and faster than both species. I was a little disappointed when I heard he didn’t play much of a role in Underworld: Awakening. After all, his character was partly the point of the other films. The previews also had me scared that the movie’s computer generated effects were not going to be very authentic-looking.

I’m pleased to report that my expectations were completely blown away. Though Michael wasn’t a big presence in this movie, he wasn’t completely absent, and I thought the direction of the story was brilliant. I was riveted the entire film. The special effects were absolutely amazing, especially on IMAX 3D. I found myself jumping in my seat from a few different scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed watching our favorite death dealer, Selene, go to work.

My Rating: Worth seeing on the big screen in IMAX 3D.

She Said:
Since I’ve only seen the first Underworld movie, I wasn’t enthusiastic about seeing the fourth, but Michael is a fan of the franchise. If I drag him to chick flicks, it’s only fair I see the movies he’s interested in watching. Besides, the run time for Underworld: Awakening was 88 minutes. I can sit through just about any movie for that long.

It was way better than I expected! Kate Beckinsale  as hot, pleather-wearing kickass vampire, Selene is formidable as ever — able to create a likable character who’s a merciless killer.  I enjoyed her daughter’s presence – seeing Selene as a protective momma bear gave her character even more depth and motivation.

The storyline was easy to follow even if you’ve never seen any of the Underworld movies, the pacing was spot on, the action scenes were executed perfectly, and the 3D effects were simply awesome. For a change, I felt the 3D helped accentuate the story, instead of looking like an after-thought that was added on to create more box office draw.

My Rating: Worth seeing on the big screen in 3D