The majority of video game inspired films have left a lot to be desired over the years. The best ones were probably the first Mortal Kombat, the Resident Evil franchise and Lara Croft. While not a great film by any stretch, Warcraft is certainly closer to the positive side of the spectrum than the negative. Warning, spoilers ahead…
The problem that plagues most if not all the films based on popular video games or genre specific in particular is that they don’t always transcend pass their target audience. The most successful comic book films appeal to a wider audience when movie goers couldn’t tell you the difference between the Avengers and the Justice League. And that’s exactly how it should be. You can give the fan base what they deserve and still make it appealing enough to draw in new fans.
The premise behind Warcraft is rather simple, the orc world of Draenor is dying and their shaman leader, Gul’dan (Daniel Wu) finds a way to open a portal to escape Draenor and enter the human realm of Azeroth. As the orcs prepare for war against the humans led by King Llane (Dominic Cooper) and warrior Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel), loyalties on both sides are tested and the question of whether war is the only option or where the real threat lie begins to surface. Despite all the wizardry, spells and realms showcased here in great abundance, this action fantasy is neither Harry Potter nor Lord of the Rings. I do think however there is enough here to satisfy the hardcore gamer this film was intended for.
Although the story is lacking anything cohesive, what Warcraft does have going for it is that it is a visual feast with one of the better 3D effects to have come in a long time. The 3D works very well and serves to enhance the game like feeling director and co-writer Duncan Jones was obviously going for. As far as video game films go, this is one of the more entertaining ones but still not on the level of the game that inspired it.
Directed by: Duncan Jones
Starring: Daniel Wu, Dominic Cooper, Travis Fimmel, Ben Foster, Toby Kebbell, Clancy Brown and Paula Patton
PG13 123 min
WARCRAFT: **1/2 (out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
