I’ll start with, very very unnecessary 3 and half hours. Felt like a big production of empty fillers with some really good engagement scenes. Naturally, although a sequel you’d still have to somewhat treat it as a reboot due to a whole generation now being present. It’s a movie in which you don’t really need to have seen the previous but I still recommend it. This story is similar to the first. Heavy emphasis on family, war, protecting the land, boy discovers new world, engages with new species, makes unlikely friend with the most dangerous and biggest animal, slotted with your classic hunt and revenge mission.
Due to the magic plot point they now have they are able to bring back the whole cast and actually choose to use the same cast all through out because similar to the comic world… no one has to stay dead. It was good to see Quaritch return, mean and gritty as ever. Sam and Zoe took a back seat this time round as the story focused on their now developing orphanage they seem to be running. Great new additions Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, and the new young bucks, which i hope will eventually get their own story arcs where we can learn more.
As per the title, main story is focused around the sea life and there’s a huge focus on the new found aquatic life forms which for me were a big highlight of the movie. Think of Free Willy but on full blown crud, greeze and steroids ??. I do feel there was a missed opportunity here. I caught the whole Moby Dick reference but I do feel it could have been really developed and fleshed out. Been made more impactful.
Our favourite sis who wields the giant bow and arrow absolutely stole the finale. Zoe had minimal lines in this whole movie but owned the climax. Filled with drama, emotion and most importantly action! She was utilised effectively. Her presentation of a mothers rage is astonishing. When her quest flips to revenge mode the action goes into overdrive. With every kill you feel her grief and with all that she wins kill of the movie ☺️ so splendid and satisfying.
Overall a good movie not as impactful as the first but the new generation now will appreciate it and hop aboard. The technology has clearly upgraded and is chronicle. A new bar has been set. Hoping we don’t wait another 10+ years for a sequel. We also don’t need 3+ hours of fillers. Create a mini series for Disney plus if need be so there is no rush to cram so much together. With it this long I can only imagine how much was cut out and left on the editors floor. Franchise has huge potential to meet the lengths of Star Wars etc. so here’s to hoping James pushes it on. I watched it in 3D and it was executed well but for those hoping this will be the relaunch of the 3D gimmick, go back to bed lol. I’ll still say do the 3D viewing, it’s the only franchise I know that benefits from it.
In the words of Quaritch “Why So Blue” but do stay true IN THE COMMENTS!!
