"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans"

O (R)

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following is a capsule review of a movie recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Relentlessly violent horror action prequel in which a part-human, part-werewolf Lycan (Michael Sheen) leads a slave revolt against a cruel vampire king (Bill Nighy) while romancing the sovereign's daughter (Rhona Mitra). Director Patrick Tatopoulos' grim feature debut uses the slaves' longing for freedom as an excuse for mindless bloodletting.

Pervasive violence, much of it with gore, torture and nongraphic premarital sexual activity.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.