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Mekkin B. (122 KP) rated The Dark Tower (2017) in Movies

Oct 9, 2017

The Dark Tower (2017)

2017 | Horror, Sci-Fi, Western

5.6

(68 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Boring male power fantasy with little to no character development

It's hard to tell who is meant to be the protagonist of this film, the young boy, Jake, or the Gunslinger. Sure, we're introduced to Jake first, and only really meet the Gunslinger towards the end of Act 1, which should signal that it's Jake.

But Jake is boring. SO BORING. He doesn't really have any character flaws. Oh sure, he has problems, expositionally convenient plot device "visions", but no real, tangible character elements. He reacts violently towards another kid at school, but this isn't treated as a flaw and this isn't a movie where Jake is going to learn that there's a better solution than violence. At best he's going to learn that it's bad to use your fists to solve problems - guns are much more efficient.

The Gunslinger is presented with all the hallmarks of a protagonist. He's got a defined past and a defined character flaw. He's consumed with thoughts of revenge and will let the world burn around him to get it. The problem is, the story never gives him a point where he actually has to make a choice between revenge and something better.

The villain, while fun, seems to have no internal motivation whatsoever. Why does he want to destroy the universe? Because that's what semi-omnipotent bad guys want to do, I guess.

And I get it, he's called the Gunslinger, he shoots guns. It's all very straightforward. But that doesn't mean it's not still kind of boring to watch EVERY problem they encounter get solved by just shooting at it enough while every single woman in the movie exists to be murdered, assaulted, and grossly sexualized by the villain.

It used every trope in the book, it used them badly, and the script was just...not good.

Kudos

Andy K (10823 KP) rated Prophecy (1979) in Movies

Oct 27, 2019

Prophecy (1979)

1979 | Horror, Sci-Fi

6.0

(3 Ratings)

Movie Rating

The best rabid pig cat bear movie I've seen in a while!

Within the wilderness of Maine, local Native Americans are having trouble with a large logging over the destruction of their forests and some recent crimes which have gone unsolved. The Environmental Protection Agency is brought in to assess the situation and provide a possible solution.

As the people get to know each other, it is revealed the natives are also having problems including random sicknesses and abnormal births. It is also discovered wildlife in the area is erratic including an extremely large salmon and a tadpole as big as a full grown frog. The plant operator insists all protocols are being followed and no harmful chemicals are being released by the plant.

Further study reveals mercury is the culprit for all the local problems including the animal and human deformities and the mysterious ailment sweeping the village. There has always been local legend of the Katahdin which the natives also believe is possessing the spirit of a mutated bear which roams the forest.

The two opposing forces must band together and try and stop the mutant beast before it is too late!

I wasn't expecting much from this film I found on Prime, but was pleasantly surprised. You can certainly tell it is low budget, but that did not take away from the suspense, the creature effects and the bloody kills. The pacing was even throughout with few dull spots or stalls in the action. The sprawling Maine tree filled landscapes as well as the gorgeous river beltway added majesty to the look of the film and provided a remarkable setting.

Very entertaining.