Movie Review: The Dark Tower (2017)

The Dark Tower (2017)

Aug 4, 2017

Rating: PG-13 (for thematic material including sequences of gun violence and action)
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Western
Directed By: Nikolaj Arcel
Written By: Nikolaj Arcel, Akiva Goldsman, Anders Thomas Jensen, Jeff Pinkner
Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor

Studio: Sony Pictures

There are other worlds than these. Stephen King's The Dark Tower, the ambitious and expansive story from one of the world's most celebrated authors, makes its launch to the big screen. The last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O'Dim, also known as the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

I went to see The Dark Tower with my 16 year-old-daughter. I've read the whole series, the last book in 2004, so it's been a while. Holly hasn't read the books.

We both enjoyed the movie. I don't know why everyone is hating on it. They made it clear that this movie isn't based on the book series. They take a lot of elements from it, and it was a lot of fun to see the book easter eggs. But it was a different take on the story...and honestly there is no way anyone could capture Stephen King's world...so this was kind of a tribute to the story more than anything.

The star of the movie was Tom Taylor as Jake. The writers/director did a great job with him.  He was a convincing representation of the Jake from the books. Matthew McConaughey was a perfect fit for Walter, and the writers/director got the character right.

Holly made this connection...and she's right.

I love Idris Elba...but he didn't represent the Roland from the books, and I think this is more the writers/director's fault...there are traits that are very "Roland", especially his speech and mannerisms, and those were missing. But I was willing to overlook this and appreciate the story they wanted to tell.

I'm not sure what kind of music score I would have picked, but for the big "Gunslinger powers-activated" scene, the music didn't fit.

In spite of the small things, we both had a great time. I would like to see it again...this time paying more attention to the background and all the Stephen King novel references. Holly even caught one about Pennywise. And the movie made her want to check out the first book in the series!

If you love the movie experience and like fantasy action movies, you won't be disappointed. But you can still appreciate the film on the small screen too.

I hope they make the TV version. I'm always up for more Idris and would love it if they cast Tom Taylor as Jake.

Holly gives it 4 1/2 Sheep

I give it 4 "I kill with my heart" Sheep

SharonS

Winning the Internet this Week...Swimteam shenanigans, hamster nightmares and Roland Deschain

Swim team teamwork

Thanks to Gef Fox for this find...Hamster nightmare

Can't wait for this! Dark Tower

http://www.justjared.com/2016/07/02/idris-elba-spotted-as-the-gunslinger-on-dark-tower-nyc-set/

Sheep Movie Review 'Ghost Rider: Sprit of Vengeance'

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, stars Nicolas Cage, Violante Placido, Idris Elba and and Fergus Riordan. This movie is exactly what you'd expect. Fun. Flames. Snark. Cheesy acting. CGlishous.

Plot:

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance. In this gritty new vision for the character, directed by Neveldine/Taylor (Crank), Johnny is still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter - but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks (Idris Elba) to save a young boy from the devil... and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

Johnny Blaze is back and carrying the flaming torch is mad-man extraordinaire Nick Cage. It may have been fifteen years since Nick has done an Oscar-worthy performance, but Nick brings it home with the cheese factor time and time again. He radiates cheese and I love him for it! Setting out to save his soul and that of a young boy, Johnny Blaze teams up with some Holy helpers to cast away a demon trying to take over our earthly realm in all his baddy glory. Boo to mean demons! *makes thumbs down hands* Can Johnny Blaze come to the rescue or will the devil in him take over? You'll have to watch it and find out.

Backed up with a fun secondary cast Johnny brings it home with some over-the-top stunts and blazing fire action sequences. It's a little crazy and a little wild but only adds to the overall feel of the film. This movie isn't about changing lives or selling a political point, it's about fun. If you enjoy a mindless flick then you'll be satisfied with this one, but if you need something a little deeper in your film experience then pass on this one. For those that want to kick back and get in some good laughs prepare yourself for the entertaining Cage and company.

Action effects were pretty decent throughout, though I could have done without the shaky camera syndrome in the beginning and the under-the-table booger in your nose angles. But those issues aside the overall CGI for the film is pretty decent and cleverly done. Add to that some fire piss and you have yourself a good old-fashioned story straight out of the pages of Hell. Pure sin and I loved it.

Getting 3 'my jacket smells kinda burnt' Sheep

KD