Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Warcraft (Warcraft: The Beginning)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!
If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

This film is based of the Warcraft video game series and novels. Dreanor, the orc home world is dying. Durotan/Antonidas and his family join the horde that travels through a portal generated by fel magic to Azeroth. The horde begins pillaging nearby towns and kidnapping people. Anduin Lothar, King Llane Wrynn's son, enlists the aid of Garona, Khadgar, and Medivh to rescue the people of Azeroth and defeat the horde army.

This film was directed by Duncan Jones. Okay, this is definitely made for the fans of the Warcraft games. There are several references mentioned in the film that newcomers won't understand, or catch. It is also a treat for gamers of this franchise to see their characters brought to life on the big screen. However, there is enough story and explanation so that you won't be lost if you aren't a gamer. That being said, this film does take place in a world full of its own mythologies that it can't take the time to fully explain or present everything. So, there are some races that fall to the wayside until needed. The story is decent enough to be appreciated for fans of fantasy adventure films. There are appropriate moments for humor that balance out the dramatic tension. However, the love story fells highly forced and unneeded. Their are some moments where the story falters, but it does amend itself a little. I cannot say how truthful this film remains to the source material, because I have not played the game. The character's are enjoyable to watch on screen. Even if their names are a mouthful that no one will remember (except for gamers). There's some unique imagery and camerawork used to help progress the story. There is a lot of computer animation in this film. Most of it works except for a few small mistakes.

Travis Fimmel plays the role of Anduin Lothar. It is good to see this actor on the big screen. However, I am strongly reminded of his character on the small screen (Vikings). He creates a unique character that is both humorously playful and dramatically serious. Paula Patton plays the role Garona. Even though they put too much emphasizes on her enslavement and her unnatural beauty, she is enjoyable to watch. Toby Kebbel played the role of Durotan and Archmage Antonidas. His performance was the best of the cast, because it really brought an understanding to the orc characters. Ben Schnetzer played the role of Khadgar. He was the comedic relief for the film. It worked even if it did become kinda of tiring. Ben Foster played the role of Medivh. His performance suited the character well, but it could've been a little more heartfelt. Daniel Wu played the role of Gul'dan. He made an impressive villain that the film really didn't take time to develop.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent fantasy film created for fans of the game franchise.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Director Lenny Abrahamson, Room, directed the film Frank.

Que: What character does Travis Fimmel portray in the television show Vikings?

Athelstan
Ragnar Lothbrok
Floki
Bjorn Lothbrok