by Ben Bussey

I swear to you, I don’t deliberately seek out 3-D news to report. It seems like every other story I post here relates to comin’ atcha flicks – Piranha, Gremlins, Friday the 13th. This particular incoming 3-D flick may be of particular interest, however, as it promises to showcase the rubber clad figure of Kate Beckinsale. Yes, as Variety reports – and we reported back in August – there’s a fourth Underworld film on the way, to be directed again by Len Wiseman. Nothing is known other than it’s going to be in 3-D. And ultimately what else needs to be said? I don’t know if this is going to hurt my ‘hardcore horror cred’ (assuming I have any), but I must confess to quite enjoying the Underworld series. They may be prosaic, derivative, and take themselves way too seriously, but there’s still a degree of fun to be had. I like movies that create their own pulpy, comic book mythology the way these films do. And of course, they look nice, thanks in no small part to Ms Beckinsale and the aforementioned rubber.

In related news, CHUD reports that Patrick Tatapolous – FX wizard and director of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans – is to direct I, Frankenstein, a comic book adaptation which “finds the Monster a private eye and Dracula a crime boss.” A curious concept, but not a disagreeable one. Having not seen the comic in question I can only guess as to the tone they’re going for, but if it’s Sin City with monsters then count me in. It’s also worth noting that I, Frankenstein is set to be produced by Ryan Rotten of Shock Till You Drop and executive produced by Robert Sanchez of IESB; two men who surely know what makes film geeks happy. Cause for optimism, I feel.

As ever, more on these as we get it.