The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Mitra), in his battle against the Death Dealer and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

I found it weird to watch an "Underworld" film without the presence of Kate Beckinsale in it (who also acted in the previous two films) and then to have actress Rhona Mitra whom eerily resembles her, in a physical manner.

Here's the thing, Mitra isn't playing Beckinsale's character and Mitra's character, Sonja is vital to understanding Beckinsale's character, Selene. Let me explain, "Rise of the lycans" is the prequel to "Underworld", so the good thing about it is that you don't have to watch its predecessors to understand this third instalment. It will still clarify the meanings behind Corvinus blood, lycans, death dealers, Lucian-Viktor enmity and all that, so newbies would not fall victim to 'blurriness'.

Plot-wise, it is as good as any "Underworld" movie goes, and this one is all about Lucian. The only hiccup is in terms of continuity, as sometimes you wonder about things like, "Why are the other lycans not tortured to death?" You may sometimes miss all the interesting weaponry, but the costumes will make up for it due to the brilliant design. The gothic visualisation is still maintained, although at certain times it may become too dark to see anything.

Unfortunately, Michael Sheen still looks too nice to be playing a terrifying werewolf and I still believe Nighy has a better career opportunity than to play his character, Victor. On the other hand, Rhona Mitra is the thief who manages to steal the limelight from everyone, everytime. However, for the Malaysian guys who want to see Rhona Mitra and Michael Sheen getting hot and heavy? Ha-ha, you can't! All thanks to the Censorship Board.

Watch this if you love anything that has to do with the "Underworld" - and I mean the mythology, not the organised crime world.