Warcraft (2016) is the most and least Blizzard movie possible


I'm a long-time Blizzard fanboy and put off watching this film because of the mediocre reviews. Have just watched I can completely see how it earned them; It has all the hallmarks of Blizz, both good and the bad.Blizzard is known for ground-breaking cinematics. Amazing story telling in 5-minute blocks. And in the film we got incredible CGI for the Orcs (notably Gul'dan), dire wolves, griffins, and mages. Sound design was on point too.Unfortunately Blizzard is also known for convoluted plots spread over multiple games and even comics. Having played most of the Warcraft games I was expecting an adaption of WCII; Orcs have already invaded Azeroth, and Human's are forced to fight back. Instead we get probably the weakest story of the series, the first WC game. Even if Blizzard were dying to kick-start a franchise from the beginning, why not get some of the Blizzard cinematic writing/storyboard staff to have input on the script that make it compelling?The plot constantly jumps from one beat to another and back in jarring fashion. I know there is 40 mins missing for which the production couldn't afford CGI, but that leads to another puzzling element. Orcs scenes looked ever bit and more like they should. On the other hand human casting, sets, actors and costumes were all like a stage show. Humans looked weak and pathetic next to the Orcs. Why didn't they just commit to a fully CGI film? In-universe WC Human soldiers are bold, hulking men who are able to take on orcs consistently.The casting was just bizarre. Orcs are again beautifully portrayed, whereas Human characters all looked so youthful it was like the opposite of a 'teen drama'- everyone looked way too young. None of them had presence or felt wise.Lastly the soundtrack never hits the stunning orchestral beats from the game. Here is A Tenuous Pact by Eminence Symphonic Orchestra. I kept expecting to hear this during peak moments and instead we got a bland, passable fantasy score.Overall I didn't dislike the movie, being a fan I was able to keep up with most of the names and locations, but it just felt like it was trying to do too much. And with Blizzard's resources I'm pretty shocked they didn't get it right first time they same way they do with cinematics.TLDR: A half spectacular, half terrible movie. Questionable source material choice, poor story-telling, orcs looks amazing and humans look the opposite. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3aYMNQx
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