OK, I checked out "Underworld" What did I think of it?

Not bad.

The plot line was OK enough, putting yet another spin on the endless battle between werewolves and vampires. But they took a somewhat different slant on it, having a lady vampire hunter fall for a guy, who's about to become a werewolf.

What I liked about it: some of the action scenes were pretty good, especially the climatic fight towards the end. I also liked how the feud was played out as well, giving a slant that had you thinking one way at first but then seeing it from the other side.

Now when it comes to any movie involving werewolves, I look at two things: the transformation scenes and the final look of the werewolf itself. The TF scenes were OK, with the use of CGI effects. I like how they used the transformations too, especially with one guy as he becomes the werewolf. A much better use of morphing as compared to "Bad Moon" as an example. I even liked how they showed a few of them changing back using the morphing effect.
As for the wolf itself, it could've been better, as it looked like a black panther than a wolf, but it wasn't bad. There were glimpses that made it look very realistic, but they weren't used enough. I did like the effect that had them climbing along the walls and leaping onto buildings and trains.
One effect I wished they would've shown all the way is showing the male lead change into a werewolf for the first time. In showing his transformation, they used a cool camera effect in showing how the change effected his body as his organs shifted and his bones began to grow and change. They didn't show enough of it and they stopped the change before he completely became a wolf. It should've been a contender for a cool TF scene, but it just fell short.

What I didn't like about it was the overuse of the weapons. I mean, we're talking werewolves and vampires here. They can do some hand to hand combat from time to time and not be so dependent on the guns. Although, I did find it interesting with the use of their weapons to fight their foes (the vampires using bullets with silver nitrate and the wolves using bullets made with a form of ultraviolet light) I also didn't like the use of darkness when it comes to the werewolf TFs and I especially hated how when the male lead became a werewolf-vampire hybrid at the end, you get to see this incredible use of effects to show him changing and what do you see at the end? the guy in kind of his human form, covered in dark purple paint and some claws and a few fangs. I mean come on?!!!
A friend of mine brought up a good point saying he thought the guy would be like Nightcrawler from X-Men2 and start teleporting.
All in all, it wasn't too bad. It could've been a lot better but they had enough to build on for the proposed sequels that they plan to make. Like I said with "The Hulk" movie back in June, I hope they take the good points they did with the film and expand on that and hopefully make a kick-ass sequel.

My next film review will be for "The Rundown" Stay tuned.

TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!! Whohoo!!
I take pride in the fact that today I pass yet another number in the age scale (And no, I won't tell you how old I am!)
I'm also proud of the fact that my birthday falls on the time that the new fall season is out on TV and movies, that football is in full swing and the baseball playoffs are about to start. It won't be long before basketball and hockey start up as well. Ah, you gotta love fall.
I don't usually go all out when it comes to celebrating my big day. Mostly the high point for me is spending some time with the family and some good friends, maybe taking in a movie or a sporting event, and winding down the day with some cake and ice cream. It may not be the earth-shattering event some people have on their birthday, but it works for me.
For gifts, my mom gave me a very cool one: the first season DVD box set of "Smallville". Very nice. I also got some cash ( the gift that keeps on giving, I always say) some clothes and some DVDs. Not a bad haul.
Thanks to all my friends who sent out good wishes for the day as well. It's been a good birthday for me, can't wait till the next one.