TF:
Based on an – apparently genuine – series of events that occurred in feudal Japan (presumably without dragons), but shot in London and Bulgaria, in 3D, newcomer Carl Rinsch's vacuum-packed epic is a strange, strange film.
Although inspired by a true story, the film's frequently interrupted by the appearance of CG creatures from Japanese folklore (ogres, bird warriors, a magic fox that looks like David Bowie).
Presumably this is intended to lend proceedings a magical, TLOTR-style sheen, but the FX look so dated, and the backdrops so shiny and fake, they feel like cast-offs from The Last Airbender, or some godforsaken forgotten planet in George Lucas' prequel-verse.
While die-hard fantasy fans might find something to salvage from the well-staged final battle, and the sequences involving Rinko Kikuchi’s (Pacific Rim) slinky witch (who can spin herself through space like an unravelling kimono) show some visual flair, this is much too pedestrian for a multi-multi-million dollar movie.
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer walked into the 96th Academy Awards and blew everyone away, winning seven Oscars on the night. But is it Nolan's best film yet?
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Ouch. It's too bad they didn't just stick to the original story, it would have been a lot more interesting.
I'm honestly not that surprised.
This movie was excellent, just shows if you dont like a style of movie dont review it. For any kung-foo sword fighting action lover this film will amaze. 4/5
I would assume this reviewer would rather have seen The Golden Pond with his mother than see a good film like this. THis was not made to be a true story, it was made to entertain the mind and eyes. Its a action movie not a documentary.
That's a shame, I was really hoping this would be a lot of fun, not necessarily 5 stars but at least not a shambles. - Still going to watch it though, love the setting.
The reviewer does mention the backdrops to The Last Airbender...now that was a horrible film but I thought the backdrops and effects were pretty good. Oh well