Underworld (2003)

In tepid anticipation for the new Underworld movie that hits UK next week, I've decided to go back and revisit the rest of the series. So here's the first film that kicked it all off, released in 2003 and inspired by the likes of Blade and The Matrix, Underworld is a leather-clad, gun toting action 'horror' pitting Vampires against Lycans(werewolves). Now I really enjoyed this film as a kid and having watched it again after a good few years, I still quite enjoy it, though not nearly as much as I used to.
First I want to talk about the Positives films strongest element which is its visuals, from its minimal colour palette to it's great set design the filmmakers did a great job of crafting the films world so it all looks good and nicely sets the films tone. It also got some good visual effects that still hold up quite well with a nice amount of practical effects that are utilised including for the transformed Lycans which look fantastic. Some of performances are also pretty good particularly  Kate Beckinsale, Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen, though there are a few that aren't so good but not flat-out bad. Finally the story is pretty standard but works well enough and I like the detailed mythology that's included within it.
So that's pretty much the positives, so what about its flaws?, well its biggest problems, is the lack of attachment to anything happening as the films is a little too superficial and shallow and it's only really towards the end of the film that they start to add in any character depth which is just too late, especially considering the films run time. Now it was the extended cut that I watched which clocks in at 2 hours 13 minutes, but the normal version is still 2 hours which is just too long for this movie and it really would have benefited alot just being 90 minutes, maybe 100 at a push. The film just drags at times and should have been more concise, also the action is decent enough but the gunplay does get a little boring at times.
Overall the movie is pretty fun and there's enough there to keep your attention throughout but it's certainly nothing stand out or great. A pretty decent first entry. ***

The Man in White (2003)

The Man in White is one of Takashi Miike's obscure and rare films that exist in his vast oeuvre. The best version I found to watch, was of particular low quality (above image is a screenshot of said version), especially the night time scenes that were barely watchable. Having said that those who have not been able to see this film aren't really missing out on much anyway, as this is just another standard Yakuza thriller, that has many familiar generic elements and conventions, as well as familiar actors that pop up in many of Miike's films (Ken'ichi Endo, Renji Ishibashi, etc.).
While it may not be that unique or different, the film is still has it's moment and is quite entertaining overall, I particularly enjoyed some of the ways it used a handheld camera. I would really only recommend this though to fans who love obscure Yakuza flicks and Hardcore Miike fans that want to see as much of his work as possible (like myself). Everyone else can just leave it alone.
The film also has a sequel which I shall also be watching at some point in the future, but for now the first Man in White stands merely as an enjoyable if average Yakuza thriller, it's just a shame a better quality version isn't available.
***

X2 (2003)

Now here's a great superhero/comic book movie. The story is really good and within it quite a few characters have their own little things going on, which could have easily turned it messy and overwrought (x-men last stand anyone?) but it's all kept together really well and brings out  alot of good performances. There's a nice amount of action, a strong dramatic core and a good layer of humour, leading to a thoroughly enjoyable film and one the best films of its type.
****

Kikoku AKA Yakuza Demon (2003)

Another solid Yakuza flick from Takashi Miike. Reminded me of Deadly Outlaw Rekka with the whole hot headed Yakuza being played by Riki Takeuchi, who is his usual bad ass self,
Though this movie seem a bit more grounded than that Rekka.
It's executed well with some intriguing camerawork and the usual familiar faces you see in Miike and yakuza films. And though it brings nothing new to the table, it's still a very enjoyable watch.
There's also an the alternate ending which was basically an hilarious allusion to the Dead Or Alive ending, which I loved.
***1/2