Warcraft is a 2016 American action fantasy film based on the video game series of the same name.
Synopsis
Warcraft , the film portrays the initial encounters between the humans and the orcs and takes place in a variety of locations established in the video game series. The film is co-written and directed by Duncan Jones and stars Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Dominic Cooper, Toby Kebbell, Ben Schnetzer, Robert Kazinsky and Daniel Wu.
Strengths
Despite being essentially an introduction to the Warcraft franchise, its characters and background, the movie still manages to engage even a non-gaming viewer with an emotional resonance that pays off powerfully in the third act. The first quarter may be hard going for neophytes trying to figure the various characters and locations but for those with a fair grasp of fantasy tropes, the narrative should be easy to appreciate. What helps certainly is the fact that the movie is a visual spectacle with the Orcs especially looking very natural and distinctive throughout. The writers are to be lauded for ‘humanising’ the Orcs and for portraying members of different species as equally good and bad. Duncan Jones has succeeded in establishing the world of Warcraft sufficiently to justify a trilogy and beyond.
Highlights
Top notch CGI that maintains the suspension of disbelief effortlessly. High stakes that require sacrifice keep the attentive viewer engaged.
Bottom Line
A fantasy movie and video game adaptation that works! A rarity in itself. And yet another cinematic triumph for Duncan Jones!!
Now showing in Singapore cinemas.