★★★½ Watched 29 Sep, 2021
Surprisingly compelling fantasy action based on the popular RTS and MMORPG video game franchise.
It took me a bit to get into it because it takes itself quite seriously and at the same time commits to the world in every department. There is nothing half done about it. From scenography, costumes, and VFX, to the actors, makeup, and prosthetics. What should look ridiculous out of context (namely the oversized Orcs) simply works in the movie as soon as one gets used to the world one has been dropped into. I’m not claiming the dialogues rival Shakespeare, but they stay true to the fantasy genre and the game up to a fault since if you are not intimately familiar with the names, it is sometimes hard to follow. This is fine because hardcore fans should feel right at home.
From the way it ends, it is clear this was meant as the start of a movie franchise, which has not happened, but I’ve read there is a new one in the works. It is not clear though if it will be a reboot or a sequel.
Source: Letterboxd
Info: IMDb
Life of Uri 
The serious tone surprises me too. (I have seen the trailer). But I’m sure I will get used to it and become immersed in the world and story, as I do with most fantasy!
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Yeah, it was interesting because I played the early RTS version of the game and I’ve only seen a friend play the later MMO version of it. I’m also unfamiliar with the lore and characters (apart from amazing cinematic trailers for the game), so it was mostly new to me. I actually started to watch this movie years ago, but could not get into it. Then I decided to give it another chance when I more in a mood for it.
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I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore fan but I enjoyed the simplicity of the film/story far more than expected. I’m in for a second instalment. Sequel or not.
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