Warcraft, which comes out June 10, is a whirlwind of CGI effects and snazzy costumes that never quite coalesces into a watchable film. Longtime fans of the series might get a kick out of seeing the likes of Medivh (Ben Foster) and Durotan (Tony Kebbell) played by Hollywood actors, but its tough to get invested in a movie that feels so soulless. Warcraft has very few redeeming qualities. The performances are mediocre, the writing is full of cliches, and the cinematography is confusing when its trying to be clever. [BLACKOUT](Both the orcs and humans speak real-life English, but the movie attempts to persuade us, by means of a clumsy transition halfway through the film, that the orcs are actually speaking their own language. Its not very good.)
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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 thats inhabited by a race of giant panda bears because the developers at Blizzard really liked one of their own April Fools jokes. Even when the Warcraft games get dark, and they do get dark, theyve 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 whos been clicked too many times.
