The June release date for Duncan Jones’ Warcraft is fast approaching, and with that inevitably comes preview screenings, which to this point have been quite mixed.
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According to Rotten Tomatoes, the critic score is sitting at a pretty low 38%, but that is only among 8 different reviews to be fair. They range from delightfully positive to overwhelmingly negative, but most seem to reside right in the middle, and that is the overall impression that one leaves with after consuming a few of the most worthwhile reviews of the movie.
The features that seem to stand out include the standout visual effects work from Industrial Light & Magic. In fact, the consensus is that the characters who are largely made up of effects are way more believable and interesting than any of the human characters in the film. Also of note is Paula Patton’s performance as Garona, an outsider orc who has an interest in both sides.
As for what disappoints, it seems to be unanimous that the story suffers from it’s simplicity and attempts at trying to please everyone. While there are plenty of character turns, nothing seems to rise above general fantasy fiction, and many of the characters seem underdeveloped by movies end. With such a huge world to introduce into one film, the movie could’ve used another hour or so to get some of that much-needed character development in.
There are more characters involved than time allows for, and many reviews make mention that while Duncan clearly loves this world, the movie doesn’t do enough to separate itself from other fantasy films of its ilk.
Warcraft releases on June 10th.
