Looking to escape from his dying world, the orc shaman Gul’dan utilizes dark magic to open a portal to the human realm of Azeroth. Supported by the fierce fighter Blackhand, Gul’dan organizes the orc clans into a conquering army called the Horde.

Uniting to protect Azeroth from these hulking invaders are King Llane, the mighty warrior Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel) and the powerful wizard Medivh. As the two races collide, leaders from each side start to question if war is the only answer.

Reviews

“The Chairman” – Well, I am in a tough position here. On the one hand I predicted this movie would lack in plot and storyline, but I didn’t expect the visuals and sound effects to be so good. Does this mean i would give it a pass for “turn your brain off” action? No, I am sorry but for a budget of $160m you at least foresee that story would be somewhat coherent.Gods of Egypt was storytelling masterpiece in comparison to this (note that is the lowest rung of expectation).

I feel that an actor, with experience of Andy Serkis’ calibre, in working with motion-capture would’ve helped with the actors reaction to things around them given how heavily the film relies on CGI. The deaths and twists that were meant to be consequential have absolutely zero gravity and the “ham-fisted” love story (argh!), words can’t describe my utter confusion maybe one word, cringe-worthy!

For the viewer who never played the game (me), this isn’t something you should subject yourself to.  Visually, it was good enough to have me thinking of ways of fixing the story and plot points on the way home. Kinda like the way I feel when leaving a Transformer movie, not sure that would be a selling point. If it does well at the box office I don’t see them changing the formula at all (yes, that’s me you hear crying).

Great night out for gaming fans, otherwise no….just no! 4/10

“Storm” – Living up to my every expectation, Warcraft did not disappoint. The movie is visually amazing with imagery that only the IMAX could do justice to. Unfortunately, this is were the compliments end.

Had I watched this movie  without dialog it would have been better. The story line, or perhaps lack of actual exposition, is where this movie fails. The plot is so contrived that all major plot points fall flat.  The characters are so underdeveloped that it’s extremely difficult to find any sort of connection or attachment to their plight.

At one point I considered that if all characters were to die at that instant, it wouldn’t be such a bad way for this movie to end (if for no other reason than that would mark the END of the pitiful acting that I was forced to witness)…Disastrous start to the franchise. 2/10

Disclaimer: Had it not been for the visual effects, this movie would have received a negative scoring.

“El Proktor” – For DOOMHAMMER! Zug, Zug. Ready to work!

Ah a movie based on a Video Game. Hello Darkness my Old Friend…

I must admit, I went into Warcraft: The Beginning, with the same sense of trepidation that I go into all Video Game Movies with (Ever since that time Gomez Adams pretended to be a crazed technological powered Warlord/Dictator/Street Fighting guy).

#NotMyBison

Nomad Shad said it best, when he asked: “Video Game Movies…Y U NO WORK?!” (Even though, we all know that “You say it best, when you say nothing at all”).

It’s especially hard on any movie goers, who are also fans of the respective gaming franchise. That is the space I fill where it comes to Warcraft, originally introduced to the lore behind this gaming franchise in Warcraft 3 (now a 14 year old game, which makes me feel really old).

And so there I was, hoping only for an Awesome Dumb Movie from Warcraft: The Beginning. All Zowie Bowie had to do was tick that one, mindlessly entertaining, box to make me a happy fanboy.

And he did. So I was.

Warcraft: The Beginning is a very entertaining, pretty to look at, no brain required movie. It has a cool opening scene that immediately had me invested in the premise (but more the plight of Durotan). The movie kept me there, at least until the last 30-40 minutes, where the shine starts to wear thin.

Much like the Orcs that make up half of the ‘War’ part of the ‘Craft’, the movie is all Muscle, and no Brain…

Brawn won this time

The effects are amazing (especially the magic); The Orcs look like the hulking mass of warriors they should; The humans are all clad in the armour they should be. And the movie plays a lot of fan service to people who know a lil something about Azeroth and it’s denizens. I felt for the plight of Durotan. And thought that Ragnar Lothbrok , played a great Anduin Lothar (It’s pretty much the only kind role for Travis Fimmel).

The movie is not a great thought provoking affair with an amazing plot/script and flawless performances. I did not leave it with deep thoughts and questions. But after a long work day, of otherwise thinking deep thoughts and asking questions, I still enjoyed it.

My expectations were met. All I wanted was an Awesome Dumb Movie, and this is what I got to see. I give it 4 “Zug, Zugs” / “Ready to Work!”

On a side note: I guess it all comes down to Michael Fassbender to get Video Game movies to really work this year (no pressure buddy, you’re still my favourite Master of Magnetism).

Please share and let us have your thoughts.