QUITE the oddity in that Brit actor of the moment Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, The Damned United) turns up here as a greasy werewolf kept at bay, even more bizarrely, by Bill Nighy. Both were in the first two Underworld films as well, but considering Sheen’s recent pedigree, it’s perhaps surprising he reprised the role.

A prequel that takes itself far too seriously, Rise of the Lycans isn’t half bad compared with like-minded features.

The script is fine and the action sequences tight.

But the special effects are ropey (thankfully the night shrouds the worst of it) and Nighy looks laughable in those luminous blue contact lenses.