The new Underworld instalment is being touted as the prequel the die-hard fans were demanding. That's super-secret Hollywood code for: “Kate Beckinsale refused to appear no matter how much money was offered!”

After the abysmal Underworld: Evolution from 2006, the prospect of another go-around with werewolves and vampires wasn't welcome, though I have to hand it to the producers for having the sheer balls to replace Beckinsale with Rhona Mitra and hiring Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen, perhaps hoping acting expertise will pull this pointless prequel out of the gutter. The risk pays off for the rickety franchise, with Rise of the Lycans a swell, if profoundly trivial return to form for the creaky Underworld universe.

In the beginning, the Vampires ruled the land, using the mysterious Lycans as slaves to build and protect their empire. Now with the creatures entertaining plans to revolt, Vampire leader Viktor (Bill Nighy) struggles to keep control, finding powerful Lycan rebel Lucian (Michael Sheen) gathering a makeshift army to fight back, using his undying love for Viktor's daughter Sonja (Rhona Mitra) to soothe his tortured soul. Now with hope for Lycan freedom within his grasp, Lucian declares war on the Vampires, setting up a ferocious feud that will last for centuries to come.