Tag: Fantasy

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Movie Review

The Ash Lad (2017) Movie Review

The Ash Lad – Movie Review

The Ash Lad is an entertaining fantasy adventure about a farmer’s son rescuing a princess from a troll to save his family.

First Reaction – The Ash Lad is a fun fantasy adventure.

Watch The Ash Lad on Tubi.

Director: Mikkel Braenne Sandemose

Writer: Aleksander Kirkwood Brown, Aspen Enger (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Vebjorn Enger (Penthouse)
  • Mads Sjogard Pettersen
  • Elias Holmen Sorensen
  • Eili Harboe (The Wave)
  • Allan Hyde

Plot: Espen “Ash Lad”, a poor farmer’s son, embarks on a dangerous quest with his brothers to save the princess from a vile troll known as the Mountain King – in order to collect a reward and save his family’s farm from ruin.

Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Ash Lad starts when Prinsesse Kristin (Harboe) runs away from home on the eve of her 18th birthday. She refuses to marry the desired king, which could release the troll mountain king. Elsewhere, Espen (Enger) runs into her before his bumbling ways cause problems in his home.

Espen begins to head down a path to find the prinsesse before the king’s guards. However, the adventure he takes puts him through a series of fantasy nightmares.

Verdict on The Ash Lad

Recap

The movie follows a poor farmer who goes on a rescue mission to save a runaway prinsesse. However, it takes him through a fantasy-filled journey with enemies and a determined prince to save her. Can he rescue her before the curse takes over the kingdom?

Best Parts

The movie creates an entertaining Norwegian mythological fantasy world, featuring the beauty of its landscapes. It has different creatures which are excellently brought to life. The performances are strong throughout.

Worst Parts

It does feel like the overall world is much bigger, but it doesn’t do enough to make it feel like a bigger world. This felt contained to only the humans we meet.

Final Thoughts –The Ash Lad is a fun fantasy world.

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Movie Review

Dalia and the Red Book (2024) Movie Review

Dalia and the Red Book – Movie Review

"Dalia and the Red Book" explores a girl's journey into her late father's unfinished novel, blending fantasy and personal growth beautifully.

First Reaction – Dalia and the Red Book is beautiful and delightful.

Where to Watch

Dalia and the Red Book (OD Release 5/6/25)

Director: David Bisbano

Writer: David Bisbano (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Dalia, the daughter of a famous writer who recently passed away, inherits the mission of finishing her father’s novel. To do so, she must become part of the story and face its characters, all fighting to be the protagonist of the book.

Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Dalia and the Red Book starts when Dalia becomes interested in her late father’s book. He never finished his work, and her mother protected it. However, when Dalia unlocks the book, she releases the characters from the novel.

Dalia finds herself drawn into a fantasy world, where the characters seek a way out. However, her protective character Goat guides her against the evil Wolf. But deep down, Dalia learns more about her father’s vision.

Verdict on Dalia and the Red Book

Recap

The movie follows a young girl who finds herself dragged into her late father’s book. She must navigate the dangerous fantasy world to complete his work to escape. However, the characters in the novel want to escape and see her as a chance to gain freedom.

Best Parts

The movie uses a delightful fantasy adventure to let Dalia learn about her father’s work. It also addresses the loss she has faced that has changed her growing up. There is a lovely animation style which feels unique and full of life.

Worst Parts

While the movie has a younger target audience, it does feel a lot like Inkheart. Where book characters want to come into the real world.

Final Thoughts –Dalia and the Red Book is a delightful fantasy tale.

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Movie Review

Warcraft (2016) Movie Review

Warcraft – Movie Review

Experience the fantasy world of Warcraft through this detailed movie review. Find out how the orcs and humans fight for supremacy in Azeroth.

ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – W

Director: Duncan Jones (Moon)

Writer: Charles Leavitt, Duncan Jones (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: As an Orc horde invades the planet Azeroth using a magic portal, a few human heroes and dissenting Orcs must attempt to stop the true evil behind this war.

Runtime: 2 Hours 3 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Warcraft starts when an Orc horde moves toward a human portal. Anduin Lothar (Fimmel) is set to investigate the changes heading their way. He contacts the Guardian Medivh (Foster) to guide them in battle as they defeat the invading army.

However, they capture Garona (Patton) who also wants peace between the two sides. Anduin and Garona must put aside their differences as they learn who has been controlling them.

Verdict on Warcraft

Warcraft is a fantasy adventure movie based on the popular online video game. It follows Orcs and Humans who find themselves thrown into a war. They must learn to put their differences aside to overcome this without the bloodshed that could be unleashed on their kingdoms.

This movie brings to life the popular online video game which has massive fantasy world elements. The world-building is impressive, and you could easily return for another outing with the characters. However, if you don’t know much about the source material, it can be harder to follow. It ends up being an ambitious idea that doesn’t quite stick the landing, as many fantasy worlds will always live in the shadow of The Lord of the Rings.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Warcraft is an ambitious first enter for the fantasy world.

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Movie Review

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007) Movie Review

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale – ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – I – In the Name of the King – Movie Review

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale – ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – I – In the Name of the King - Movie Review

Director: Uwe Boll

Writer: Doug Taylor (Screenplay)

Writer: Jason Rappaport, Dan Stroncak, Doug Taylor (Story)

Cast

Plot: A man named Farmer sets out to rescue his kidnapped wife and avenge the death of his son, two acts committed by the Krugs, a race of animal-warriors who are controlled by the evil Gallian.

Runtime: 2 Hours 7 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale starts as we head to kingdom run by Gallian (Liotta). He runs with an iron fist killing anyone who gets in his way. Meanwhile, Farmer (Statham) operates his small farm with his wife Solana (Forlani) and son, despite being a fierce warrior.

When Gallian’s animal warriors invade the Farmer’s village, his son is killed and his wife vanishes. Now, the Farmer decides to return to a former life and build a team to battle back against Gallian.

Verdict on In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale is a fantasy adventure movie. It is based on the game Dungeon Siege and follows a farmer seeking revenge on an evil sorcerer who killed his loved ones. However, his journey sees him facing a host of different enemies.

This is one of the more critical panned video games, even though it seems to distance itself from the game series. It is the typical journey through a fantasy world that tried to recapture the magic of the Lord of the Rings franchise. While it fails to achieve this and largely become forgettable. This being said, the cast is fantastic that never gets to show their full potential.

Final Thoughts –In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale is a largely forgettable fantasy movie.

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Movie Review

In the Name of the King: Two Worlds (2011) Movie Review

In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds – ABC Film Challenge – Vide Game Movies – G (Granger) – In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds – Movie Review

In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds – ABC Film Challenge – Vide Game Movies – G (Granger) – In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds - Movie Review

Director: Uwe Boll

Writer: Michael Nachoff (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: An ex-Special Forces soldier gets thrown back to medieval times to fulfill an ancient prophecy and ends up finding redemption for his own battlefield experiences.

Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds starts when ex-special forces soldier Granger (Lundgren) gets taken from present day to the kingdom. Here, Granger meets The King (Munro) who requires him to complete a quest. While Granger wants to go alone, he is ordered to have a team including Manhatten (Malthe) join him.

As Granger goes on his quest, he learns not everything is what it seems. Now, he must decide who he should be fighting for to survive and save the kingdom.

Verdict on In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds

In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds is a sequel to the fantasy adventure movie. It has no real connection to the previous movie. In this movie, we follow a soldier from modern times being transported to the kingdom to fight the latest battle.

This is a sequel that doesn’t seem to bring much to the table. It has the fantasy battles, without bringing enough new to the table. Or offer very much of the same. While Lundgren gets to have fun in the leading role, it ends up feeling flat throughout.

Final Thoughts – In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds is an uninspiring sequel.

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Movie Review

Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken (2023) Movie Review

Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken – Movie Review

Watch Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken Movie, starring Lana Condor and directed by Faryn Pearl, as she learns her destiny lies in the depths of the waters.

ABC Film Challenge – Female Directors – Faryn Pearl

Director: Kirk DeMicco, Faryn Pearl

Writer: Pam Brady, Brian C Brown, Elliot DiGuiseppi, Meghan Malloy, Michael McCullers, Kirk DeMicco, Faryn Pearl (Screenplay)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: A shy adolescent learns that she comes from a fabled royal family of legendary sea krakens and that her destiny lies in the depths of the waters, which is bigger than she could have ever imagined.

Runtime: 1 hour 31 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The movie starts when teenager Kraken Ruby wants to go to a human prom. Her mother Agatha has raised the family on land to make them look like humans. Ruby is banned from entering the ocean, but after an accident, she does the right thing and saves someone. However, it releases her inner Kraken showing the monstrous side of her body.

The world sees her as evil and distant relatives come to show Ruby her new life she never knew about. She ends up befriending a mermaid Chelsea, who is the only person to show her friendship. However, Ruby doesn’t know everything about the greater battle between Krakens and Mermaids.

Verdict on Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken

Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken is an animated fantasy movie following a teenage Kraken who learns about her life in the ocean. She has lived her life on land, but once she touches the ocean, she learns her place in the world.

This is an enjoyable family-friendly movie which explores the legends behind Krakens and Mermaids. It shows an unknown battle which sees the teenager needing to discover the truth of her family history. While the bigger battle feels more like an introduction to many more in the future. We get a wonderful animation which you would expect from Dreamworks.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken is an enjoyable family movie.

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Movie Review

The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms (2024) Movie Review

The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms – Movie Review

Discover the mystical adventure of 'Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms' as a grandfather and granddaughter navigate a mystical land through a portal stone.

Director: Zack Ward

Writer: Zack Ward (Screenplay)

Writer: James Hong, Ace Underhill (Story)

Cast

Plot: A grandfather and curio shop owner in a small town in Arizona and his granddaughter are transported to a mystical land through a portal stone and have to find their way back.

Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms starts when high school student Patsy Lee (Mao) accidentally find themselves in possession of an ancient box. She turns to her grandfather Chuck Lee (Hong) to learn what it is about. However, Hank (Sheridan) and Frank (Basco) want it back.

When Patsy and Chuck class with the hapless henchmen, they are transported to a mythical land. Patsy’s friends Squirrel (Harr) and Hopper (Sato) get trapped with them in a world they never imagined. However, the mythical world is filled with dangers they must overcome to return home.

Verdict on The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms

The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms is a fantasy adventure following a group of high school students who find themselves taken to a mystical kingdom. They must use their newly discovered knowledge to survive the threats and escape the land. It is filled with challenges that must be overcome.

This movie takes us to a new fantasy world with many different problems. Each threat could bring bigger issues to the group and learning to deal with a fantasy world works extremely well. It is told in a fun way, without unleashing every possible threat, teasing plenty for a potential return adventure. This is a good 2 hours of entertainment and you can enjoy the characters’ adventure.

Where to Watch

The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms (VOD Release 6/18/24)

Final Thoughts – The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms is an enjoyable adventure movie.

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Movie Review

Lost in Tomorrow (2024) Movie Review

Lost in Tomorrow Movie Review

Read our Lost in Tomorrow movie review and discover the intriguing story of a young girl who wakes up as a different person every day.

Director: Kellen Gibbs

Writer: Kellen Gibbs (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Charity Rose
  • Zachary Ray Sherman
  • Jordan Knapp
  • Jane Edwina Seymour (Ahsoka)
  • Arthur Roberts (American Satan)

Plot: A young girl struggles to get back home when she starts inexplicably waking up as a different person everyday.

Runtime: 1 Hour 19 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Lost in Tomorrow starts when a young girl Harper (Rose) struggles with school and growing up. However, she believes her dreams are causing her problems. One day, she goes to sleep and wakes up in a different person’s body. She is confused and worried, as she tries to figure out what is happening.

Each night she falls asleep and wakes up in another person’s life. It causes her great pain, and she hopes to find her way home to her normal body. However, the journey takes her through many different lives with different problems.

Verdict on Lost in Tomorrow

Lost in Tomorrow is a fantasy movie following a young girl who is transported through different bodies. She ends up living a day in these people’s lives and learns about different life struggles.

This movie provides a thought-provoking story that shows you never know somebody else’s life until you have spent a day in their shoes. The different lives provide different challenges and one’s people would never consider. This elevates the story as the different struggles are more everyday problems. It does leave you asking questions about life and how each chapter could be considered different. This is an interesting story you could easily find yourself losing yourself in and related to different chapters. Even if we could have spent a little bit more time in certain ones.

Where to Watch

Lost in Tomorrow (VOD Release 6/11/24)

Final Thoughts –Lost in Tomorrow is a thought-provoking journey.

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Movie Review

The Present (2024) Movie Review

The Present – Movie Review

Read our review of the movie 'The Present' directed by Christian Ditter. Discover a story about a brilliant boy who can manipulate time and his journey to change the outcome of his parents' separation.

Director: Christian Ditter

Writer: Jay Martel (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A brilliant boy discovers that he can manipulate time using a family heirloom. He soon team up his siblings in returning to the time of their parents’ separation from their in hopes of changing the outcome.

Runtime: 1 Hour 26 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Present starts when Jennifer (Fisher) and Eric (Kinnear) prepare to separate. They have planned the day to tell their children Emma (Rudolph), Max (Joyce) and brilliant, but troubled youngster member Taylor (Sweda). However, Taylor has fixed a family heirloom that lets him travel back in time.

Taylor recruits Emma to help find a solution to stop the event from happening. However, deep down, he must learn to deal with what might happen in the future.

Verdict on The Present

The Present is a fantasy comedy following a gifted child trying to stop his parents from getting divorced. He has fixed a clock which lets him travel back in time 12 hours and he turns to his siblings to assist him.

This movie tackles a difficult situation children can go through when their parents get separated. The idea of three siblings coming together to find a solution dives into the doubts children have if their parents separate. It has a nice motivation behind what is happening as no child would want it to happen to them. However, it seems to miss some of the stronger points that reality would offer. Life isn’t something you can just rewind and try again with and that is important for people to learn. Outside of the bigger concept, everything is told nicely and coming together as a family is important.

Where to Watch

THE PRESENT will be coming to UK & Irish cinemas on 24th May.

Final Thoughts – The Present is a sweet family-friendly movie.