Ah shucks, Netflix found a way to merge Middle Earth with modern day Los Angeles. An enigma I've been pondering for a while. As a plus, they infused some star power with Will Smith and David Ayer as director, after Ayer's work on Suicide Squad. Will Smith's string of sci-fi hit roles makes him a welcome presence!
Ayer simplifies it into street culture, and that's why it works, logging record views, in case too many people didn't understand J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson. After the War of 9 Armies, all these fantasy Tolkienesque races have learned to live together after thousands of years. Orcs swagger in gangs, dragons dwell in the shadows, Elves are the elite of course, and to keep the peace, magic users (Brights) are illegal. LAPD Officer Ward (Smith) and his Orc partner Nick (Joel Edgerton) discover an Elf, Tikka (Lucy Fry), in possession of a magic wand. Magic is a rare power that everyone lustily pursues these cops for it, including their corrupt beat Sergeant (Margaret Cho). The main hunters for the wand are a band of Dark Elf Infernis led by Leila (Noomi Rapace). They aim to prepare the return of their Dark Lord. 'Chosen one' prophecies, anachronistic props, feuding races, and exotic Middle Earth ambiences emerge.
Screenwriter Max Landis is souring this excellent form with sociopolitical tangents. L.A. is a good choice due to its historic multiculturalism. Police abuse and urban blight are central themes in the film, having deep roots in L.A. Yet, killing pesky fairies and barking, "Fairy lives don't matter," from an African-American off duty officer Ward, rings too close to home. Also, the overlords are fair-complexioned Elves both in government, society, and the Inferni villains..hellooo!
You still have to admit, that this L.A. fantasy is a creative breakthrough in the rough. Fortunately, Landis is being cut from the expected sequel, and roughing over of the strong ethnic overtones can begin. This brims with potential. Will Smith shines as his usual maverick self and some more Hollywood brass would add more luster. Continue the social commentary strain that it began. A little truth doesn't hurt us, but don't let it polarize. Due to my own hopeful elation, I have to push it up to the Winning 25 yard Line.
No comments:
Post a Comment