Fans of the hit series Warcraft have been waiting in anticipation for the new Warcraft movie, first announced in 2006. That hasn't stopped critics putting a dampener on peoples spirits. Some critics have ignored the review embargo and put out their reviews on to the world wide web. The consensus, not good! Currently, there are 5 reviews out on Rotten Tomatoes with 3 of them being negative leaving the film with a 40% score. A few of the critics have said
The final product brings to mind those animated advertisements for iPhone app games.” – Variety
“Imagine Battlefield Earth without the verve, or the unintentional comedy.” – TheWrap
“Unconvincing and generic, with nothing to compare to either the dramatic heft of Lord of the Rings trilogy or the raunch and gore of Game of Thrones.” – Screen International
Harsh words said, but none of these are gamers who have experienced the game. Spending a multitude of hours playing, farming and learning the lore of the fantasy world. Unfortunately, Kotaku's Jason Schreier, a games journalist had this to say
“The fundamental flaw in Warcraft is the same flaw we find in most video game movies: It takes itself too seriously. These games are set in a world full of in-jokes and surreal humor, one that’s inhabited by a race of giant panda bears because the developers at Blizzard really liked one of their own April Fool’s jokes. Even when the Warcraft games get dark, and they do get dark, they’ve always been adept at having fun with their players. The film does no such thing. If only this movie had the charm of a Warcraft unit who’s been clicked too many times.”
Fans of the game series who have seen the film are fighting back stating the film is actually good and that the critics should not be listened to. This gives us hope that the film follows the source material, not pandering to the bigger market. A film more loyal to its fans than attempting to gain new ones by changing storyline or cutting out content. This is surely a good sign for us fans, only time will tell.
Though there has been negative reviews, there have been some positives on twitter. Duncan Jones, the director of the Warcraft movie has taken it upon himself to retweet some.
“MG expectations met and exceeded!! Thank you so much for bringing it to life!!! 12 years I’ve waited! THE FEELS !”
“I loved every second of it, blew my expectations away. [Duncan Jones] has created something very special. TONS of easter eggs.”
“ok you have to made a sequel now! :D, im a long-time hardcore warcraft lore fan and you simply nailed it, Bravo! I want more!”
There have also been a couple of positive critic reviews
“Dramatically and technically, Warcraft gives the concept of “hybrid” new punch.” – Hollywood Reporter
“A flawed but likable adventure that I would happily go on again.” – Crave
We at Merch Distributor are still excited about the upcoming movie, set to release in UK on May 30th.
Credit For images: Legendary