The Legends of Nethiah

I watched this film at the Phoenix Comicon Festival and it was very well done. From the acting (great job to Robert Picardo for playing a dual role, and to the 10 year old Jared Young who played a very challenging role of a kid whose parents are getting divorced and he must choose whom to live with) to the music (a score by the director's choice of composer Neil Argo) to the camera work (the RED camera looks great), it worked. The film was similar to "The Princess of Bride" but there was more of an emphasis on the here and now rather than the fantastical story that was told.

The dialogue was sometimes wordy but maybe that was because of the emotional content (divorce is a central theme in this film and you can tell when the estranged husband and wife argue - and do they argue!). All in all, I would recommend this film.

Where to start? While obviously a passionate personal project for some of those involved I regret this film fails on every level. I don't understand the positive review sitting on its IMDb page. The effects made us cringe,the plot is lame and the acting is generally unconvincing, though Picardo and Young do what they can with a clunky script.

The sci-fi fantasy sequences just don't work, they have an amateurish look that suggests the budget was too modest for the undertaking. Sayys is very watchable as a basketball mentor type, but falls to a plot twist that left us bewildered. Maybe Picardo (and Theresa Russell no less!) did this as a favour, maybe they needed the work. Even they can't rescue it.

Our main complaint is that the marketing on the DVD box proclaims it to be something it isn't, a sci-fi fantasy epic (with clear hints at NeverEnding Story in the artwork). Epics need scale - this was a miniature. Avoid.

I was entertained by this movie. I like to watch what the independent producers are making.

Like many of these films, there are some rough spots but overall it was well constructed and told its story.

I though the dialoque could have had moe punch but overall I saw a lot of creative work was put into this projects.

The Legends of Nethiah is a surprisingly touching independent film that blends real-world struggles with a thoughtful fantasy adventure. We meet young Gabriel (Jared Young), a boy caught in the middle of his parents' crumbling marriage, but the story soon finds its rhythm once his grandfather (Robert Picardo) begins sharing the tale of Nethiah - a young hero who must overcome hardship and fear to free his people from an evil king.

What really stands out is the sincerity behind the story. The film doesn't rely on big effects or flashy action, but instead focuses on its message about courage, choices, and the power of stories to heal. Jared Young gives a strong performance for such a young actor, and Robert Picardo brings real warmth and gravitas to his role as the wise grandfather.

Yes, some of the dialogue scenes go on a bit long, and you can feel the limitations of a small budget, but the heart behind the film more than makes up for it. It's a movie that works best when parents watch it with their kids - it opens the door to some great conversations about growing up, family, and finding your own strength.

The Legends of Nethiah is a quiet gem of an indie movie with an uplifting spirit.

A terrible movie.

By 5 minutes in, I was groaning after each line of dialogue. You can tell that the actors memorized every word of the script and are reciting it, verbatim.

The dialogue is very generic and uninspired. It really is painful to get through.

Another reviewer compared this movie to The Princess Bride, which I feel is obscene. The Princess Bride is a true classic, and the Legend of Norath (whatever) will be forgotten tomorrow.

Don't even bother watching it.