Imagine yourself at a party. Across the room walks in a vision that you can't turn away from. You slide up to become better acquainted, and the first impression is wonderful. Making an evening of this, you find that the beauty is as superficial as anyone else in the room, and not the dream you wished for.
That gleaming sight married with the average is this movie. It really has the looks. The special effects are convincing enough. The scenery might just be enough of a reason to watch this film. However, the biggest miss was the story following along the formulaic path that Hollywood has already set in stone.
The character building in the beginning backfired on me. The main character didn't come of as a friendly prankster, but rather like a school yard bully. After we find out the purpose of his 'quest', we see his actions become defensive as he runs from his newly found troubles. These troubles wind up being the whole purpose of the story.
As others have commented, the beginning bests the end. That leaves many feeling good overall rather than great. I did enjoyed the film for what it was. I admit, the criticism I offer doesn't balance enough positive against the negative. Let me point plainly in saying: It's a good action fantasy film which pits the bad guys versus the good guys (yet again) -- but in a visually appealing way.
Of the hundreds of films I own, this one will never make it to my collection. It is a flash in the pan that will dim when the novelty of its splendor fades.
That gleaming sight married with the average is this movie. It really has the looks. The special effects are convincing enough. The scenery might just be enough of a reason to watch this film. However, the biggest miss was the story following along the formulaic path that Hollywood has already set in stone.
The character building in the beginning backfired on me. The main character didn't come of as a friendly prankster, but rather like a school yard bully. After we find out the purpose of his 'quest', we see his actions become defensive as he runs from his newly found troubles. These troubles wind up being the whole purpose of the story.
As others have commented, the beginning bests the end. That leaves many feeling good overall rather than great. I did enjoyed the film for what it was. I admit, the criticism I offer doesn't balance enough positive against the negative. Let me point plainly in saying: It's a good action fantasy film which pits the bad guys versus the good guys (yet again) -- but in a visually appealing way.
Of the hundreds of films I own, this one will never make it to my collection. It is a flash in the pan that will dim when the novelty of its splendor fades.