Ok, so supposedly this is Vampires/Werewolves For Morons.
And in a lot of ways, it is. The story is often cliche and never really surprising in any way. Aside from Kate Beckinsale and (to a lesser extent) Scott Speedman, and maybe a coupla others with bit parts so who gives a sh1t, the acting is pretentious, cliche, and dull.
The “romance” is pretty predictable, but it’s still kinda fun to watch because it involves the only two relevant characters that aren’t pretentious, cliche, and dull.
The FX are good and it’s very stylish and dark in a smooth, seemingly effortless way. Which is great during action scenes, but useless when something has to be acted out, explained, or discussed.
Based on her acrobatic ability, deadliness, funky black outfit and taste for blood I dub Beckinsale’s character ‘Aeon Sux’. She speaks with a British accent so that makes her more interesting, of course. And what she says by definition has more meaning, as well.
So yeah, it’s pretty fcken dumb. But it’s well-made enough that it’s a bit of fun if you like this sort of thing. Vampires, werewolves, forbidden romances, dark gothiness, extreme pretension…stuff like that.
Further installments promise to suck.
As for sides, how can you take one? I mean, what do the vampires and werewolves both do? They try to kill each other. Isn’t that what different groups of humans do?
Extreme power, same base unevolved morality.
I’ll take the guard dogs any day. If only the vampires hadn’t imitated humans yet again, and taught them to be vicious when they’re born to be loving.
Grade: D+