Storm Crashers

I created an IMDb about just so I could tell you how terrible this movie is.

Was it written by AI? Did it make sense in another language, then sent through google translate with no editing? My husband thought it was created by someone with ADHD. It led me to defend my fellow neurodivergent populace. We may divert our attention occasionally, but we wouldn't produce such poor quality. We just wouldn't have finished creating it.

This bizarre fever dream of a movie made no sense. My son fell asleep and wanted to watch it again the next day. Upon my second viewing, I became more angry about how bananas this movie was. It's not even funny bad. It's baffling that someone allocated funds for this film to be made.

"Giants of La Mancha" is a cinematic masterpiece that dazzles with its captivating storytelling and impeccable execution. Directed with mastery by a talented team, this film transports us to a world of fantasy filled with adventures and discoveries.

The plot, inspired by the classic "Don Quixote of La Mancha", immerses us in an epic journey featuring endearing and vibrant characters. From the brave and dreamy Arthur to his loyal companion Pancho, and the intrepid Victoria, each character is masterfully portrayed, allowing us to deeply connect with their emotions and motivations.

The cinematography is simply spectacular, with breathtaking landscapes and thrilling action scenes that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat at all times. The visual and special effects are impressive and contribute to creating a vibrant world full of magic.

But what truly elevates "Giants of La Mancha" to another level is its inspiring message and its ability to touch the heart of the viewer. Through the exploits of Arthur, Pancho, and Victoria, the film reminds us of the importance of pursuing our dreams, even when the world seems to be against us. It's a powerful lesson on the power of imagination and courage, resonating in every frame.

Alfonso is Don Quixote's heir. He too has a wild imagination. He is excited to see that the coming storm is not a storm, but a monster. A storm can't be tamed but a monster can be defeated. He has his two friends, Pancho and Victoria, and various imaginary friends. They intend to stop the villagers from leaving the rain-soaked town and defeat the monster in turn. Carrasco is trying to sell homes to the villagers in his Carrascoland.

I like this for this European animation film. I like the Don Quixote connection and the animation style. I'm not sure if we should see the imaginary world right away. Alfonso should talk to no one and about nothing. Maybe the imaginary world would come alive with the climatic battle. This is interesting but not the best.

If I had a nickel for everytime a movie based on Don Quixote was released in the 2020's... I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it'd be weird that it happened twice.

Overall, this movie is not pleasing to the eyes, having a CGI style with unflattering character designs; the fact that the 2D concept art in the credits is so lively only makes this a bigger sin. If it has one redeeming quality, it's the depiction of Spain's mountains, which look gorgeous.

Some odd creative decisions include having the Panzas be scientists, one of the henchmen having a weirdly swolen neck, three imaginary rabbits that have no impact in the plot and a jittery rate frame that makes movements look bizarre and unnatural.

The villain is a generic cliché and the story doesn't seem consistent with how ruthless he is given a scene I won't spoil. This movie has an environmentalist message, though it's also anti-gentrification so kudos I guess.

Overall a disjointed mess.

"Giants of La Mancha" sweeps viewers into a whimsical world filled with adventure, heart, and imagination. Drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of Don Quixote, the film introduces us to the spirited Alfonso Quijote and his loyal companion, Pancho Panza, as they embark on a daring quest to save their village.

One of the film's standout qualities is its captivating animation, which brings the fantastical landscapes of La Mancha to life with stunning detail and vibrant colors. From rolling hills to towering windmills, each scene is beautifully crafted, immersing viewers in a visually stunning experience.

But it's not just the visuals that shine in "Giants of La Mancha." The film's charming characters and heartfelt story are equally captivating. Alfonso, Pancho, and their friends are endearing and relatable, each with their own strengths and flaws that make them feel authentic and relatable.

"Giants of La Mancha" also introduces us to Victoria, a character who adds depth and emotion to the story. As Alfonso's secret crush, Victoria is not just a love interest but a strong and independent character in her own right. With her cool demeanor and unwavering determination, she becomes an integral part of the adventure, proving that courage knows no bounds.

Throughout the film, Victoria's presence serves as a source of inspiration for Alfonso and his friends. Her unwavering support and belief in their mission fuel their determination to overcome obstacles and face their fears. Victoria's character development adds layers of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the importance of friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity.

As the story reaches its emotive ending, viewers are treated to a heartwarming conclusion that celebrates the power of hope and resilience. Without giving away spoilers, the climax of "Giants of La Mancha" is both poignant and uplifting, leaving audiences with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. It's a testament to the film's masterful storytelling and character development, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.