If you loved the first Underworld, then sink your teeth into this:

Underworld: Evolution begins right where the original ended with vampire bad girl, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and her vampire/werewolf hybrid love interest, Michael (Scott Speedman) caught between a centuries-long war between vampires and werewolves.

Marcus (Tony Curran), the first and eldest vampire, is reawakened and on the prowl for Selene and Michael. To find out why Marcus is out for their blood, the two fugitives must fight their way amidst the present war among father and sons -- with elaborate fight scenes and super-size guns.

Unlike the last film, Selene's past proves to be the key in stopping Marcus and the war. The question lies in whether she and Michael are strong enough to defeat the power-hungry Marcus who intends to rule and reek havoc on the world.

The plot-driven film delves deeper into the mystery and darkness of its predecessor, but with no secrets left unturned.

The audience learns more about Selene's past and the origins of the two fighting sides. Although fairly easy to comprehend for those who may have missed the original, the added narration and flashbacks do subtract from the film's bite.

The beginning scene, which goes back in time to the start of qualms between the vampires and werewolves, is not well integrated.

The original film's success did not lay in the ability of the film to replay the death and mayhem of centuries before, but instead in the hazy and minimal storytelling.

The cinematography is not as strong as the last movie either. The team does quite a bit of backpacking through Europe -- escaping to Transylvania and then to France's sea waters with a pick-up truck and eventually a Jeep.

But this time around, Selene and Michael's characters are drawn more, returning to their once human qualities.

The subtle chemistry between both characters goes one step further. Their love story does make for a compelling ending. And the steamy sex-scene between the two, with carefully selected camera angles of course, has me wondering how Beckinsale's husband, Len Wiseman was able to direct the film.

And even with all the but-kicking action, these characters show the occasional sense of humor with all the hard-hitting one-liners.

There are far more monsters this time around, reinforcing the Evolution as a fantasy film. The league of vampires, werewolves and hybrids is a difficult one to explain.

Although the added monsters do add to the film's unpredictable powers -- you are never quite sure what each character is capable of. And you are never quite sure who will win each fight.

For those left thirsty for more blood and gore from the first film, Underworld: Evolution appears to be fixated with head wounds -- whether it be exploding, severed, or sliced by a helicopter propeller. Also there is the high-tech weaponry, which is perfect for explosions and fire. So, if you can't stomach the violence, then you're at the wrong movie.

Underworld: Evolution is about feuding werewolves and vampires, and you can't have vampires without a little blood.

Grade: B+