A few months back I posted and then promptly removed the rough first trailer for the upcoming instalment in the Underworld trilogy Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. This prequel is said to tell the tale of the break between the Lycans and the Vampires and on paper, it sounded like it could be very cool. Gone were Len Wiseman, Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman but in their stead we have the introduction of Rhona Mitra and the return of Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy, easily the two biggest talents in the first two films, but rather than a ballpark hit, this looks like a bloody mess of overly dark period action.

I love the look of the first two films and the story has the potential for more than just action but it looks like first time director Patrick Tatopoulos is following in the footsteps of his predecessor and the trailer that they’ve pumped out looks just like more of the first two films: all action and no story. Could be cool if the action is good but considering the darkness, it’s hard to make out much of anything more than Nighy loosing his cool and Sheen pandering to his fellow werewolves. Am I disappointed? You bet. I really wanted more of the story and it looks like I’m not going to get my wish.

That all said, I’ll likely still take my ass out to the theatre to check it out. When all is said and done, I do enjoy a little ass kicking and though this looks like it may not even deliver that much, I have to at least give it a chance. You never know, it may surprise.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is looking to win the box office weekend with a January 23rd release.

Trailer is tucked under the seat!