A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja, courageous Lucian leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor. Determined to break the king's enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is surprisingly campy fun, mostly succeeding through the power of its lead performances.
– Claudia Puig,
USA Today,
26 Jan 2009
rotten:
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is as unnecessary as it is uninvolving. Only fans desperate to learn how the whole vampire-werewolf conflict began are likely to get anything out of this viewing experience.
– Jason Anderson,
Toronto Star,
26 Jan 2009
rotten:
The storyline essentially replicates that of Underworld and Underworld: Evolution, meaning that if you've seen one or both of them, there's no compelling reason to spend your hard earned dollars on the third.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
26 Jan 2009
rotten:
It is not necessary to have seen the first two Underworld films to fully enjoy the third. It might be helpful, however, to first see a bartender.
– Stephen Whitty,
Newark Star-Ledger,
26 Jan 2009
rotten:
Take our advice: Buy a rubber mallet and strike yourself repeatedly until you start to black out. Same basic feeling.