leo-s-pitt

A masterclass in parody. The hilariously erratic accents of the cast are so over-the-top that they add an element of comedy to what should be intense scenes. Accompanying this is the po-faced dialogue, delivered with such earnestness that it's hard not to chuckle. The special effects, reminiscent of a B-movie, further contribute to the spoof-like atmosphere. One can't help but feel that the inclusion of an actor like Liam Neeson would have been the cherry on top of this comedic sundae. The blend of these elements creates an experience so far removed from its intended (?) seriousness that it becomes an accidental comedic gem.

How much you enjoy this film is going to depend upon how easy you find it to suspend your disbelief.

I'm quite forgiving of plot holes and storytelling inconsistency, but the frequency with which I found my immersion in the film being broken by a "wtf?" was some way beyond anything else I've seen in the cinema in recent years.

From an aesthetic point of view it's very well made. The visual FX and the design are powerful, beautifully realised. It looks and sounds great.

But the motivations and actions of characters, the overall tone, and the logic of major and minor storylines, are very erratic. There are many plot holes, and some of them are gargantuan.

I'm not talking about pedantic questions of realism here: I mean the consistency of the Universe the film is set in and the logic of major plot points. Things which jump out as being obviously problematic as soon as they occur on-screen.

Despite that, it's still possible to enjoy the film as a purely visual spectacle; but lower your expectations accordingly.