Films based on computer games have had a chequered history. Some
have worked while others have left lasting stains. For every ‘Resident
Evil’ or ‘Tomb Raider’, there are disasters like ‘Streetfighter’ and ‘Super
Mario Brothers’ with ‘Warcraft’ sliding somewhere in the middle. Neither
fish nor fowl, it utilises the CGI to the limits to tell its ‘Game of
Thrones’-style story. It doesn’t tax any brain-cells with its visual
imagery lingering a little longer than previous game-to-screen adaptations.
Azeroth is a peaceful kingdom under threat from a race of
orcs fleeing their wrecked home. Travelling through a portal, their
presence quickly puts Azeroth on a terrible collision course. Determined
to prevent their own world from being destroyed, its citizens bring forth their
army to defeat the orcs. Among the warriors are Llane (Dominic Cooper)
and Anduin (Travis Fimmel) who battle to save their turf from extinction.
‘Warcraft’ is a film of two halves. One features CGI
beasts rampaging lands while the other has humans battling their new
aggressors. This mix of animation and live action performances almost
works in spite of itself. Although the human actors give decent renditions of
virtuous characters, it’s difficult becoming invested with the CGI ones.
There’s a sense of unreality about those characters making you care
little. Whilst this is meant to be pure fantasy, creating engaging
characters whether real or otherwise enables enjoyment for the overall product.
‘Warcraft’ occasionally feels predictable as presumably
certain moments from the game are realised. Another issue is the script’s
over-earnestness. A movie/game adaptation shouldn’t be so serious with
everyone looking like they are attending a funeral. The long run-time
doesn’t help although director Duncan Jones makes some brave artistic choices.
He excels at the battle sequences and puts some interesting twists within the
elongated plot ensuring ‘Warcraft’ isn’t too much of an unwatchable mess.
Despite being nowhere near as atrocious as previous
game-to-screen adaptations, ‘Warcraft’ barely leaves any lasting
impression. It’s ok without being remarkable with such criticisms sure to
be ignored by film-makers eager to target eager cash-spending gamers.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 5
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the
comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
releases in Australia.
TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
No comments:
Post a Comment