User Score
6.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 121 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 121
  2. Negative: 16 out of 121

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    10 out of 10
    Rate this:
    out of 10
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  3. Characters remaining: 5000 out of 5000

  1. Jan 22, 2012
    9
    I loved this movie. I thought it was better than the last 2. I really enjoyed the 3rd movie(Rise of the Lycans), but I was left wanting way more action scenes. So I was very happy with (Awakening), I don't understand at all why it got such bad reviews on meta-critic. I saw this with a small group of friends and we all thought it was awesome! I mean it had a ton of great action, Selene(Kate) was bad azzzzz! and Hott!, as usual. We got to meet some cool new characters. I will admit that we were a group of 5 guys though, and I think guys tend to look more for action than romance and story, for the most part. This 1 may have been lacking a little in story and lot in the romance dept. compared to all the other ones but if your a true fan of the "Underworld" series, than I think your going to enjoy this movie anyways. =) Expand
  2. Jan 26, 2012
    10
    I think that they did a great job with this movie. Action is simply amazing, even comparable to Matrix. Selene (Kate) is beautiful and badass as always. I'm a big fan of Underworld series and I hope that they will make more, prequel would be awesome because Lucian and Raze are great characters and they need more screen time. All in all, nice and exciting movie.
  3. Jan 26, 2012
    5
    As a fan of the series, I remain mixed on this film. Indeed, the action was great, and the effects were good, but there was very little substance present in this addition. I love action, gore, and fast pacing, but this film lacked everything that made Underworld mysterious, subtle, and provoking. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, without Bill Nighy's Victor, the series will continue to slag. Nighy had a presence that improved each film with a sense of mystique. This addition indeed welcomes back Beckinsale, but this whole "hybrid daughter" thing is a tired concept. Can't it get a tad more interesting than that? Part of what made the first film so great was it's devotion to old-style vamps and wolves, with a couple contemporary twists to make them fresh. This film is pumped so full with steroids and action that it becomes boring.......as a fan of action, gore, etc, that's a pretty big statement for me. Expand
  4. Mar 18, 2012
    2
    Plot holes, a man paid to rip his shirt off and that's all he did in the movie, a three way war that isn't. What have you done this series is now beyond repair. DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE.
  5. Feb 16, 2012
    3
    hmm..all i have to say is that this movie pretty much sucks..for 1 story isn't that good it isn't even good..2 special effects and action scenes were lame and uninteresting..and i can't believe it scored a 7 on IMDB.. :O
  6. Jan 21, 2012
    10
    As a big fan of Underworld, I was anxiously awaiting the release of the movie. I was not disappointed. The movie was filled with action and I thought the story was pretty decent as well. It was basically all action from start to finish and the fight sequences were awesome. If you are in the mood to see things blown up or blown away, you will love this movie.
  7. Jan 24, 2012
    10
    I would like to start out by saying that I am a huge Underworld fan because it makes Twilight look like a bunch of babies. It has everything blood,violence, a girl killing people, and a sexy Beckinsale. I will say it isn't the greatest in the series but the special effects are. I would rank it third
  8. Jan 20, 2012
    8
    I wouldn't call the movie high art, but by Underworld standards it was tons of fun and relatively plot hole free. Also, this is the first movie in the franchise where the male support characters weren't entirely useless surnames.
  9. Jan 20, 2012
    2
    I am a pretty big fan of the Underworld franchise. In fact I got my tickets free by buying the Underworld blu-ray trilogy. But even though I got the tickets free, I still am pissed off about this movie. The first three movies had a great story, cool characters and a nice Gothic European setting, the forth movie doesn't have anything I just listed. The setting is now futuristic which contrasts from the other three movies completely, the characters are completely flat and unoriginal For most of the movie takes place with Selene and a little girl who is a hybrid. She adds nothing to the story but instead drags it down and continues to make this bad movie even worse. The only part I really enjoyed was a single action scene with the lycans, nothing else. I had very low expectations for this movie and it still managed to not just disappoint me but piss me off. And don't worry the ending sets the story up for a 5th movie which I will not see. IF YOU ARE AN UNDERWORLD FAN, DON'T EVER SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! Expand
  10. Jan 20, 2012
    3
    It is rare for a movie franchise to make it to a fourth film. The Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises had it easy, Star Wars technically started on its fourth installment and Harry Potter had its stories directly handed to them. The Die Hard series had to work for it but held its head above water while the Alien series fell off a cliff when Alien: Resurrection hit the screen. Underworld: Awakening is following in the footsteps of the Alien franchise. There is brief “remind me of the previous three films” montage at the beginning for those of you who have forgotten the story throughout the years and then Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is back in her familiar gargoyle perch surveying the dark city around her. Unlike Underworld: Evolution, which picked up right where the original left off, Awakening jumps forward a bit to a time when human beings are now hunting both vampires and lycans. These purges are wiping out both species with ruthless effectiveness and extinction may be close at hand. Selene and her hybrid (both vampire and lycan) boyfriend Michael are both wrapped up in it and then comes the big flash forward. Selene wakes up 12 years later from a block of ice after being thawed out in a maximum security laboratory. It seems she has been studied, poked, prodded, and subjected most likely to everything in between by its chief scientist Dr. Jacob Lane (Stephen Rea) who says he is looking for a cure for both vampire and lycan afflictions. A pre-teen girl known as Subject 2 (India Eisley) is responsible for her release and becomes the catalyst for the chase sequences in this Underworld iteration between vampires, lycans, and humans. Just as the story in Alien: Resurrection was only scarcely attached to its previous episodes, Underworld: Awakening is also much more detached than its predecessors. The vampires and lycans we are familiar with are gone, except for Selene, so now we watch her latch on to a new ad hoc crew including the vampire David (Theo James) and police Detective Sebastian (Michael Ealy). Not everything has changed though, Selene conveniently finds her old black leather fetish outfit to the enjoyment of this film’s majority male audience. Awakening is also the first installment in 3D whose effects are needless and actually hurt the film. The Underworld atmosphere is already dark and rainy; the 3D makes it that much darker which exceeds the fine line of “too dark”. Seeing it in IMAX; however, is worth the extra bucks because of the bass. Lycans must come with their own attached sub-woofers with a tremendous low end because every time one is on screen the bass goes into overdrive which is a small consolation to make up for the weak 3D. The Underworld films were never particularly strong, but the first and third films (the prequel Underworld: Rise of the Lycans) were enjoyable. Awakening joins its cousin Underworld: Evolution in the reduced discount and throw away Underworld bin. The story is frail, the screenplay is sloppy, the characters are forgettable, and Underworld: Awakening should be avoided at all costs. Expand
  11. Jan 20, 2012
    9
    I'll respect the opinions of the people who did not enjoy this movie and yes this was in my opinion just a setup to keep the franchise going but there was still enough story and plot to keep you interested, I was never bored and there were several scenes that got your blood pumping. Go see it at a theater that has a good projector/sound setup, preferably not a multiplex.. The story seemed to be set on a rail of predictability and yes the addition of what we knew might happen after the end of Evolution happened, yes, yes it did, well.. trying not to spoil it for anyone. If you like Selene in tight clothes and stylized bloody gore with gigantic Werewolves then you will not be disappointed. If you like Twilight and are Team Jacob/Edward, this is not for you! Expand
  12. Jan 29, 2012
    10
    I am going to give it a 10 based on Selene and the action and beauty she provides on screen. There's no one like Kate Beckinsale to make this such a sleek and amazing action franchise. You take her out and you have nothing, with her in you have everything. Yes, they could have made the movie a bit longer and worked on the script and backstory much better - as well as approach Michael in a much different way: CGI is not the answer. I don't really care about much because Kate Beckinsale IS the movie, but I hope they have a better script next one. The backstory was great, but the execution could have been much better. Expand
  13. Jan 24, 2012
    0
    IMO they should have skipped this one.. Maybe even decided to hang it up. It's not getting better in this franchise it's falling down a slippery slope.
  14. Jan 22, 2012
    10
    The movie was delectably the best one in my opinion, the Michael and Selene love story wasn't there as much and the budget seemed to be a bit higher making the action and choreographing a lot better. The made Kate look even more beautiful in this one and showed a more growing of maturity for reasons i won't spoil in the movie. The only thing i didn't like was the replacement for Michael which wasn't shown to much from the replacement to irratate me and i won't knock off a point for the movie because of this. If you love the Underworld series you will love this one! Expand
  15. Feb 28, 2012
    5
    I am a fan of the series: in this movie, the focus os the story shifts a little - the humans has discovered the other 2 "new" species, and begin to purge from Earth both Vampires and Lycans. Selene and Michael attempt to escape, but are captured: 12 years latter, Selen awakes in a cryo chamber (Subject 1), in a research facility, and sees another chamber, the Subject 2, beliving this is Micheals one - only to discover latter that in this chamber, was a Hybrid 12 years child, her daughter, that is being pursued by surviving Lycans... the rest of the story gets around this: has a lot of action, but a think the focus is too narrow, only in this event, and the movies ends with a direct hook to a 5th movie. Its a enjoyable sequence, filled with action, but I think it's the poorer one. My score: 5,0 / 10,0. Expand
  16. Feb 8, 2012
    3
    This movie felt like Resident Evil, but with vampires and werewolves. Not at all original, not real plot, and average acting. The special effects were it's only saving grace, though I did watch this in 3D, so guess that's a given. Oh, and Kate does look hot in those leathers... but nothing much else worth watching.
  17. Feb 17, 2012
    4
    My score? 4 / 10 It's pretty hard to mess up werewolves fighting vampires with machine guns as far as guy movies go but Underworld Awakening managed to do it. This movie was a step backwards in every way possible other than Kate Beckinsale's hotness. I liked the story in the last Underworld movie. The initial scene where a group of vampires fought with werewolves in a medieval setting was amazing, Awakening never had one of those moments. Watchable, not much more. Expand
  18. Jan 29, 2012
    8
    Wow. The clear intention of the producers and director was to make the most action packed movie ever filmed. I saw it in IMAX 3D and it was incredible. I needed a xanax when this film was over. The soundtrack was amazing. If you're a fan of the other movies in this franchise, as I am, I think you will like this one. However, this one is not about the storyline as much as it is about Kate Beckinsale and her ilk kicking major butt. It's loud, gross, bloody, gory, and fun. And did I mention LOUD? My ears are still ringing. The ending sets up yet another sequel and I'm glad. Expand
  19. Mar 3, 2012
    4
    A script a bit loose and does not escape its parts ridiculous abuse of the illumination intermittent obseviso you make the movie a bit uncomfortable to the eye, the good: Excellent sound editing is very good and excellent for blood lover , because the scenes are well Gore.
  20. May 13, 2012
    5
    This movie was okay . It did have a lot of action but the plot was horrible I hope they stop making these underworld movies. And this movie is way too short. Maybe it they made it longer and add some good story to it it would have been a very great movie.
  21. Feb 29, 2012
    4
    What did you expect when you were buying the ticket? To see Kate Beckinsale back in tight latex outfit? You got it! To see ferocious werewolf comes to alive in latest Special Effects? You got it! Or to feast your eyes with more absurd gunfighting Actions? You got it too! Concisely, if you are a true fan of thiz saga, you will not have a problem to watch thiz installment one more time. It is another exact extension from the previous movies. But if you ask me, thiz movie is one of long excruciating experiences I have ever had. I mean please to be frankly honest, in every character of every scene in thiz movie, you may have some feelings about how many times you have ever seen these elements in other movies. They take a little from here and a little from that and then they put it together in one screen. It is a boring copycat. Everything seems so cliche. My Heart is not cold, it is broken. The Duo Directors who are responsible for all of thiz, Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein. Previously, they are well-known for SHELTER (2010). Beckinsale performance as Selene has two angles and an opposite side. On one side, she looks cool in some time. On the other side, she seems so frail and delicate. Meanwhile, the supporting Casts like: Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James and India Eisley give typical mediocre performance. Selene the vampire knight has been fighting the lycans (werewolf) since the first UNDERWORLD (2003), UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION (2006) include one prequel UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS (2009). The mastermind behind thiz saga is Len Wiseman, the real-life husband of Kate Beckinsale. Here is an interesting fact. In 2002, there was another couple had met and now they had become husband and wife as well. They are Milla Jovovich (Actress) and Paul W.S. Anderson (Director). They also made four installments of their own so far. It was called RESIDENT EVIL. I have a bad hunch about thiz franchise itself. There is no doubt. Thiz UNDERWORLD franchise has become a successful gold mine for the filmmakers. They will keep awakening thiz franchise as long as money keeps coming. Making matters worse, the vampires do live long! It is very clear. You do not need the brain when you got the gain. Visit My Blog on JONNY’S MOVEE: http://jonnyfendi.blogspot.com Expand
  22. Mar 4, 2012
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I though this was an incredibly good movie for what it is. This movie exists to tell the rebirth of the vampire race after they were found out by humans, regardless of the fact that it does not add a whole lot to the story as a whole, why I give it a 7, but based on the move it self it is a fast paced action movie that keeps true to the Vampire and Lycan lore, unlike all the horrid debaucheries of the lore that movie series that will not be named do. Cool special effects, Kate Beckinsale, and the fact that her character has grow up a bit, since she is now a mother she has a deeper motive than just her and her lover's survival, she has a child to help and protect. Expand
  23. Jan 21, 2012
    7
    The movie is fun but if you think too hard about the plot you'll get a headache due to the amount of crazy, weird things you don't really seen everyday. My main problem with the film (probably a biased opinion) is that they always make the Werewolves seem like the villain and its pretty redundant especially since the previous films showed us that Werewolves were actually the 'better side' (I use that term loosely because they aren't the good side) Expand
  24. Jan 29, 2012
    7
    I am a fan of the Underworld series, they exemplify what a vampire/ werewolf movie is supposed to be. They are very entertaining and very action-packed movies. Lets just get one thing straight though, this was a good Underworld movie, but was it a good movie period? not really, this doesn't mean its not enjoyable. It just merely means that if your going to see this and expect superb acting and a detailed story and all, then this isn't your kind of movie, but if your an Underworld fan, or you love vampire/ werewolf flicks or if you just love an action-packed thrill ride then this movie has your name written all over it.....maybe. Just a warning to Underworld fans, this definitely isn't the best entry, but it was good. Their were a few flaws, such as the entire film seemed rushed, it was mostly just ALOT of action and not a long detailed story. The review I read on screenrant.com put it perfectly in saying this felt like an extended tv episode for an underworld tv series. It was a veryy short installment, but it was still good, just not the best and it definitely could've been alot better and longer. If you like action, see it, if you only like oscar nominees then this is definitely not for you, but if you like Underworld see it but be prepared for potential disappointment, i give Underworld Awakening a 7/10 Expand
  25. Feb 18, 2012
    9
    Lets get one thing straight. This is a movie about vampires and werewolves that thankfully doesn't have teenage angst issues. That in itself should make it a 10! This is a movie in the Underworld series. Again, reason for a 10. If you don't like either the genre or the franchise, you won't enjoy this movie. Remember what it is, and you'll love it. Insane action and completely unnecessary bloodshed and violence ... of course! Expand
  26. Jan 24, 2012
    7
    Selene did not disappointment in her battle scenes. For sheer entertainment value, the movie was fun. The soundtrack was incredible. Was the plot complicated and sophisticated? No. The details in Selene's character from her skin tight body armor, to her martial art moves, to her "gunkata" actions, and "John Woo" slow mows, they were all fun for the eyes. The setting plot wasn't as sophisticated as the first and second movie, but I am not complaining here. The story just keeps moving forward in the Underworld universe and in this case the forward plot seemed to push it to the next storyline. No "ah ha" moments, but nothing to really sink the entire story universe either. Go see it, you won't get bored. Expand
  27. Feb 15, 2012
    8
    Awesome , Amazing , Legendary , Hot , Sexy Sexy Sexy Kate . I am sure she is the hottest & Sexiest Vampire ever . She seems unbelievably amazing every time ! Not gonna brag about story or Directing Cos Vampire , Kate(her the most sexiest dress) , Dark Weather , Lycan every single of these things tuners mo on unconditional ... so yeah I loved it So freaking much . Cant Cant wait to see another sequel !!!! Expand
  28. Feb 9, 2012
    7
    Finalement, c'est là où on attend le moins qu'il faut regarder. Et comme exemple, prenons ce Underwolrd : Nouvelle Ere qui, n'ayant pas peur des mots, surprend. Surtout qu'à part revoir la sexy Kate Beckinsale dans le rôle de Selene, cet opus n'avais aucune chance de réhausser la saga. Et pourtant, c'est bien le contraire qui se produit! En ce 8 février 2012 sort ce film, énergique et jouissif, divertissement de qualité qui use d'effets spéciaux réussis, et mis en scène avec savoir-faire. Bien entendu, le film ne compte pas sur son scénario (quoique que quelques idées ne sont pas à négliger pour une nouvelle trilogie), mais en même temps, ce n'est pas ce qu'on demande à un tel enternainement. En somme, Underworld : Nouvelle Ere arrive à la cheville du premier film, si ce n'est le meilleur opus de la saga. Chapeau aux réalisateurs qui prouvent qu'il y a encore de la fraîcheur à apporter à l'univers créé par Len Wiseman (scénariste sur ce coup)! Expand
  29. Mar 4, 2012
    6
    Underworld Awakening, the director and producers did a great job, bringing back Selene with a new partner to help her defeat the Lycans that are stronger and with a large helping of technology
  30. Jan 31, 2012
    7
    After reading a bunch of reviews on this movie I was a little leary of seeing it. I have been a die-hard fan of the Underworld movies since they've been released and I knew that this one was probably gonna be judged even harsher than the others. I was right. This is a very solid installment of the series and a pretty good action movie in it's own right. I will admit that the story is far from perfect, but what does one expect from the fourth installment to a genre film like Underworld? The 3D effects also were very nice without overdoing it. This is a very enjoyable film to see if you are a fan of the series and a pretty good reason to go to the movies in what can be called a pretty lean theatre season. Expand
  31. Jan 21, 2012
    4
    For the fans who've seen the previous Underworld movies, be ready for a shift of plot. The movie is 70% action with unnecessary violence and 30% flavorless screenplay. The consolation for the viewer is the undeniably eye-candy visual effects working with the 3D format. movienotesbook.blogspot.com
  32. Feb 10, 2012
    5
    Dawdling to cinema, hoping that vampire movies haven't died yet after Twilight abused them, I came across Underworld : Awakening, or more precisely I looked happily at Kate Beckinsale's poster. Underworld franchise isn't always that good, it does provide some form of entertainment of blood loving undead. Sadly this movie isn't forgiving to your eyes, literally. Just to prove no matter how cool your protagonist is, a movie doesn't depend on them alone. Underworld : Awakening is dark, I don't mean the vibe or atmosphere, but the whole movie is seemingly shot with dimmed lights, flickering lights, flashlights and unpaid electricity bill. I understand the need to get the theme gritty, but there is no reason why almost every light source in the movie is flickering. Some of the scenes are off putting due to the lack of clarity while being fast paced and 3D, and it's unfortunate because it has better action sequences that its predecessors. It also hampers the sense of uniqueness on most the settings, the set pieces aren't memorable and desperate for personality. And then there's the bane of 3D, the camera angle. Majority of the scenes are Selene pointing gun or throwing stuffs at the screen, werewolves jumping at the audience, all in so recently cliched "Ohh, grenades are coming at youuu..." fashion. I'm so over that **** It should be noted that sequences are better to unfold organically than being tossed at my face. Granted there are few good ones without forced 3D, but they didn't appear after half of the movie. Story is your typical humans versus vampires versus werewolves, if you've seen previous installments, you'd pretty much predict what's going to happen next. It's superficial and the relationships between characters could be portrayed better. Narrative isn't its strong suit, it kind of reminded me of Resident Evil frankly. Dialogues are not bad, with some childish taunts and remarks, not that witty but oddly fit the movie. If you're looking for action, it won't disappoint. This is the bloodiest of the series, honestly it's bordering on unnecessary yet gleefully gory. It has some of the best kills I've seen for a while. The hits, bites and shots have good brutality and creativity as well. It slowly builds up and gets better throughout, but the ending might leave you hanging. That being said, I rather have them add more choreography than CG, it's more fluid that way. Kate Beckinsale is a good choice for main protagonist. She has great physique, slender and also athletic in tightly wrapped black suit. It's quite impressive to see her in action and she also oozes calm confidence in her role. I think the directors made good use of her skinny body and seeming glittering suit to create elegant scene. While it's not a good movie, but at the very least, you can view Kate's lovely lithe body in 3D, that's gotta count for something. 5/10 Expand
  33. Feb 6, 2012
    8
    Angels: so I wanted to see a film that was just a visually stunning adrenaline rush, with a gorgeous mega destructo heroine, who is eye candy, and takes no prisoners. (Honestly, I have seen too many 'thinking' movies lately.) I figured that my choices were 'Haywire' and "Underworld Awakening'(UWA). As is my habit, I checked the M..E..T..A..C..R..I..T..I..C (big M) and I got some interesting feed back. The 3Ns (my honey calls them the nattering nabobs of negativism-used before but appropriate-loved Haywire, and hated UWA. You my angels flipped the script. Now when it came to UWA, the angels loved it, the 3Ns hated it. So, Angels, I followed your lead. Look, UWA is what it is. It is all action, 'on steroids' as my angel Khunter4382 says. There is gore, violence, great special effects, and minimum plot and dialog. The costumes are stylish, and the scenes dark and edgy. I Loved it. and right in the middle, is the Kate. Slinky, blue ice for eyes, ruthless, fiercely loyal, deadly, oh, and did I forget to say eye candy. This is my first UWA, so for me it was an exciting eyeopener. Perhaps, it is not as good as the first, (so my angel Khunter4382 says) but I had a ball. My honey was not so impressed. Too much Gore. Yes Angels, there was a lot of gore-but done just right. Sing Beautifully Angels. Expand
  34. Feb 9, 2012
    10
    Brutally pulchritudinous . Lives up to the rest of the Underworld movies. It stands for everything the others have and more. It has a very stylish, Gothic nature just like the others with some other new elements added to give this one its own place among the rest of the movies. Kate Beckinsale is as awesome as ever, its very dark, the fighting is over the top enough to be fantasy but down to earth enough to be brutal, and this one and the rest of the series are most likely the baddest ass vampire/werewolf movies out there. This one like all the others is just beautifully bloody . And to make things even more awesome; there was an Evanescence song during the credits. People have been relating Underworld to Evanescence for almost a decade and its finally been done officially. Its just awesome. If you hate vampire movies and action movies you will most likely hate this. But if you love a good story and hardcore action you will most likely love it. Critics bash it mainly because there is this unwritten rule that states in order to sound intelligent you must blatantly insult something. I don't buy it. I went to this movie on opening night and didn't want to sleep when I walked out. I find the critics score of this movie to be appallingly fallacious . Trust the user score. Not the critics. Its a very fun movie that is sure to entertain especially if you are a fan of the other movies. Trust me, they didn't let you down with this one. Expand
  35. Jan 21, 2012
    10
    I was not disappointed. Battles in the film were very good. Kate Beckinsale once again showed that it is the best and that Selene is her embodiment of strength and beauty. I look forward to seeing how Michael will return.
  36. Jan 23, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just a general warning, this post may contain spoilers. It’s also entirely possible that it won’t. I make no promises either way. Anyway, Ellen and I went to see Underworld: Awakening last night with our friends Nikki and Alex. We did the full dirty, going for 3D and IMAX and spending $18.50 each and getting loaned giant ridiculous moron glasses that made us look like… Well, morons. And I was surprised by something I heard coming out of it: many patrons thought it was the best one yet in the series. Others tied it with #1. What’s also surprising is I agreed. That’s actually quite impressive. I mean, how many good fourth films are there? Usually a franchise has begun to crumble under its own weight by then. Look at the Burton/Shaumancer Batman franchise. Hell, the current Batman franchise director was so aware of the “bad franchise” rule he wasn’t even going to make a third one for a while, citing: “How many good third movies are there?” Which is why Underworld: Awakening is still impressive even if you count it as the third (with Rise as a prequel its some people call it the third and some simply call it 0). But that’s not while you’re here. You wanna know what the movie’s like. It was very good. Exceptional, actually. The movie moves very quickly and the pacing is incredible. It moves at a quick trot and takes you on a ride, forcing even the most jaded critic to check their brain at the door whether they like it or not. Which is good, because there are one or two plot points that would be aggravating if you thought of them. The first is that Selene and her daughter (spoilers!) can “see” through each others’s eyes. There’s really no explanation for this, we’re just supposed to buy it as part of the vampire / werewolf lore. Plot wise it just serves as a way to have Selene find her daughter, even if she wasn’t looking for her… Go watch the movie for that plot point. And I did find that distracting. It’s like if they suddenly decided in this movie that Selene could fly simply because they realized the plot would need it. But this isn’t too distracting, and this type of logic has always been part of the Underworld mythos. So it’s passable. The second issue isn’t. Things keep happening while Selene is asleep. At the beginning of the movie she’s been asleep 12 years. Then in the middle she gets knocked unconscious in a giant battle. While down, an important plot point involving a vampire elder selling Selene’s daughter to the Lycans happens, and we don’t see it. The mission to save her in then the entire driving force of the movie, so we miss that it was cut out. And I mean cut out, because I firmly believe it was filmed and then cropped for time by studio mandate or something. Hopefully DVD will bring it back. So what was good? Everything else. The new Lycan threat is amazing. It surprises and thrills you when it first shows up and there a giant wtf moment where the whole franchise takes you by surprise. The human threat is also decent. Best though is Eve, Selene’s daughter. I’ve been going to horror movies for some time hoping for a thrill I used to get as a child. Apparently I was looking in the wrong place, because Eve (though a protagonist) is exceptionally creepy in a “little girl from the Ring” sort of way. Minor agitation: I’ve only been to two IMAX movies, and both left me feeling nauseous. Is this common? I felt like I had a hard time standing afterward. A great sequel. See it. A definite “A,” 90% good. Expand
  37. Jan 23, 2012
    6
    Underworld: Awakening picks up 12 years after Evolution. The war between the Vampires and Lycans has changed. For the worse. The human race has caught on to these warring factions and, like the annoying white blood cells we are, seek to eradicate both sides leaving us the lone victor. Our dear Selene wakes up only to find the world around her has changed and her darling Michael is absent. She begins her journey to find answers and to try and do what she can...survive. U:A went into a correct direction for the series, yet, does not provide enough story and character development to make it work. The action, as always, is entertaining and delivers a visceral attack to the senses making you smile. Yet, with the absence of strong supporting character Michael (Scott Speedman sat this one out...it is a body double) it is as if Selene (played once again by the wonderful Kate Beckinsale) wonders around with a purpose but a script that provides little to no support of that purpose. With out giving spoilers this can be said, while not the best of the series, it is not the worst. A good addition and hopefully the next installment will take a lesson from this one and do better. Thanks again for another addition to a great series, keep them coming. Expand
  38. Jan 27, 2012
    7
    I enjoy the Underworld take on Vampires vs. Werewolves mythology. The previous 3 kept in line with each other telling a complete story. Underworld begins a whole new story, but with the same core concept; fight between vampires and werewolves; capture the hybrid. This may have slightly made the movie all too repetitive for many and I understand but it does not remove what is loved about the series. This movie was more of a set-up for a new set of Underworld movies if they choose to continue. Was it action packed? Yes. Was it entertaining? Yes. Was the story good? Yes, but repetitive. Did it keep in line with the Underworld mythology? To an extent. I suggest this for does who have seen the previous films not for newcomers because they might be completely lost. Expand
  39. Jan 30, 2012
    7
    Great action and plausible plot combine to make this latest Underworld a highly enjoyable flick to watch. A release in two parts would have been more fitting as we are left wondering where the rest of the movie is gone to after the end scene.
  40. Feb 2, 2012
    8
    I think that film very interesting , but not best film I ever watched. The best in this film is plot and special Effects and in my oppinion it is the best Underworld's film !
  41. Feb 3, 2012
    8
    A dumb fun action film made better by the return of Kate Beckinsale as a bad-ass 600 yr old vampire with Matrix-like moves. This movie has everything you could want in a brainless action film - things blow up, people run up the sides of buildings, huge fights erupt, the villains are despicable and there is tons of blood, gore and fire. The story line remains the same as other underworld films and this movie clocks at barely over 90 min and setup the next film... All in all very entertaining if you're not digging too deep Expand
  42. Feb 4, 2012
    9
    2Wwweeeeefgrrffrddgtsfgffhrgfdhcyhfffddssssssdgyujjhfddxdsssssderrttyuuioopiuyrredfvvvvgvgghggghhggfffffhhjioiyyteewwegjgfrfdrtykunvfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffftffffftffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff i thought it vwas great
  43. Feb 4, 2012
    5
    At 88 minutes “Underworld: Awakening” is rather underdeveloped. I am not really sure why the makers of this film decided to go with such a short time. There seems to be a lot of the story left out, and the character development just isn’t there, why didn’t they use the extra half hour to build the plot and the characters? WHY? WHY? For full review go to: http://badmovielover.blogspot.com/2012/01/underworld-awakening-or-and.html Expand
  44. Feb 12, 2012
    1
    SUCKED. Plenty of money for budget, yet poor plot. Poor characters. Poor job of relating to timeline of past, present or future (except to keep it open for options), poor writing as a whole. Worse one of the series. So disappointing after last one "UNDERWORLD Rise of the Lycans" which may have been the best or at least tied with the first. Obviously made to take franchise name and make a quick buck with no thought of quality. A ruse played on the loyal fan base. Expand
  45. Feb 13, 2012
    8
    If you're into the franchise, you'll love it. I found this greatly entertaining and was very happy with the execution. I am hoping for more installments on this franchise.
  46. Feb 27, 2012
    10
    Personally, I feel this was a great movie. Thought it didn't have much of a plot it made up for it with all the action. I think the Underworld series needed this movie and I hope it continues to go on especially because I want to see if the vampires can fight back and what would happen to Michael. Will he end up getting killed? Will he be able to see his daughter? or how many even the daughter turn out? Just a good movie in my opinion. It was a great movie to watch. Expand
  47. Mar 9, 2012
    6
    A good movie, but how humans found out about the supernatural is never explained. Overall it seemed more than anything to be rushed, or maybe its just in my opinion the pacing was off. Anyway the good things about this movie were some pretty cool fight sequences and Selene is being the BA she normally is. Bad things about this movie are the pacing seems off and the plot a little cliche. I would recommend it for rental. Expand
  48. Mar 10, 2012
    7
    Great action but I hate that werewolfs look like giant rats. A big minus for that!
  49. Mar 20, 2012
    6
    See this movie if you love the Underworld universe. It is a fun romp, but it was my least favorite of the series so far. If you see it in theaters you may be left a little wanting, however it is a great movie to target as a renter.
  50. Mar 24, 2012
    10
    All I really have to say is that it is just a wonderful movie and I really just want them to like add a little more to the movie but overall it was just FANTASTIC!
  51. Apr 7, 2012
    1
    This movie could easily be one of the worst films of 2012. Both the plot and characters are boring and generic and the action scenes quickly lose their appeal. Do not subject your senses to this uncreative, generic mess and save yourself some money and time.
  52. Apr 30, 2012
    3
    I really enjoyed the first couple movies of this series, but after this one, they should maybe consider stopping it. Why? Well, it felt like there was no scenario anymore, just some lines a kid wrote to justify the actors talking. Action was boring and reminded me of some mediocre PC action games : Lycan vs. vampire, play again and again... until big boss round.... Game over !!
  53. Apr 28, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Taken from my review posted on the SAFATFILMBITES site: Selene Is Back! But does she have enough ammo to shoot her way through this adventure? WARNING: This review may contain spoilers! Kate Beckinsale returns as Selene for the fourth film in the action packed franchise. Awakening follows Selene as she battles the humans as they try to exterminate the vampires and the lycans. Not only does she have to battle them, she also must save her hybrid daughter from the lycans as well. This film is no doubt THE best film in the series, it’s got more action than the previous films and I certainly enjoyed this more than the others. Although, I must complain that the film is just too short! I left the theatre wanting more! But, the film is also quite fast-paced and was never boring. Awakening certainly is the biggest and most advanced of the films, the VFX were pretty good, especcially from the CGI lycans. But what was better than the VFX was the 3D! The 3D was great and it was REALLY in-your-face without being gimmicky, sometimes I even flinched when something came flying out at the audience. The film is one of the more brutal films in the series, although not as gory as Evolution, it was quite bloody and some of the deaths were quite painful. The film is also quite violent, the fight scenes were also well choreographed and it sometimes had me say “WOAH!” in some scenes. The film’s sound design was great, you could hear every word of dialogue and every sound effect. Although, the film was quite loud and noisy, but that suited the action that was taking place on screen. Like always, Kate Beckinsale was great as Selene and the other actors also did a great job at their roles as well. Even through sometimes the dialogue seemed a bit silly, the actors still gave it their best. I really hope that there will be fifth Underworld film, and not just because the film set it up for one. It’s because this film is just really good and visually and audioly (Yay! I just made up a word!) and it’s the best out of all the films. Even fans and non-fans will like it. This is definately worth watching! Expand
Metascore

Generally unfavorable - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 17
  2. Negative: 7 out of 17
  1. Reviewed by: Kimberley Jones
    Jan 25, 2012
    20
    There is running, hiding, fighting, shooting, bleeding, biting, slicing, dicing, and damnably little entertainment value in any of it.
  2. Reviewed by: Glenn Whipp
    Jan 21, 2012
    60
    A brisk creature-feature that ditches the series' dreary mythology in favor of a more direct, action-oriented approach.
  3. Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    Jan 21, 2012
    63
    There's not much to this movie beyond a slick procession of dark, gleaming violence. But Selene lovers would pay good 3D money to see her fight a parking ticket.