The storyline follows a group of middle aged friends playing a game in one of their home's basements. The game unfolds while they decide every move the characters can make. There are animated maps that show the path to the castle, where they intend to defeat a dragon.
I like the parallel storyline between the group of friends playing the game, and deciding on the plot, and the actual game or story they play and make decisions for. I also like how we see them "teleport" into the time and place they are discussing. I like how it looks like visual storytelling. The quality of this film is great; it's a combination of animation and real live action. The animated segments are very cool. I really like how realistic the monsters look when the characters are battling them. There is use of low camera angles and some high camera angles that show off the medieval creatures - for example, the fighting the monster at the bridge. The costumes are pretty cool, especially the medieval costumes and weapons. The location in the basement suits the storyline, and for the animated parts, the castle and bridge suit the story. The medieval songs are lovely and go with the medieval story. There is also suspenseful music that plays when the characters are fighting the monster. The electric guitar music in the battle scene with the dragon also stands out. It's a great contrast and suits the video game experience. As for special effects - towards the end of the film, while fighting the dragon, two of the characters show special powers in their hands. Lighting comes out of their hands, and we also see fireworks coming out of the wand of one of the characters. It looks realistic and believable. I think the green screens are little bit obvious at times, but overall it looks pretty realistic. The monsters are very defined and that really stands out. My favorite part has to be the introduction to the characters with the stop motion and cool backgrounds. It really intrigued me to watch because of the interactive experience and video game effect.
The film's message is to never give up and fight to the end. Be aware that there are some scenes of violence. When the characters are battling the monster, they are throwing arrows at it, and in the end they slay the Dragon.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Neo M., KIDS FIRST!
The storyline follows a group of middle aged friends playing a game in one of their home's basements. The game unfolds while they decide every move the characters can make. There are animated maps that show the path to the castle, where they intend to defeat a dragon.
I like the parallel storyline between the group of friends playing the game, and deciding on the plot, and the actual game or story they play and make decisions for. I also like how we see them "teleport" into the time and place they are discussing. I like how it looks like visual storytelling. The quality of this film is great; it's a combination of animation and real live action. The animated segments are very cool. I really like how realistic the monsters look when the characters are battling them. There is use of low camera angles and some high camera angles that show off the medieval creatures - for example, the fighting the monster at the bridge. The costumes are pretty cool, especially the medieval costumes and weapons. The location in the basement suits the storyline, and for the animated parts, the castle and bridge suit the story. The medieval songs are lovely and go with the medieval story. There is also suspenseful music that plays when the characters are fighting the monster. The electric guitar music in the battle scene with the dragon also stands out. It's a great contrast and suits the video game experience. As for special effects - towards the end of the film, while fighting the dragon, two of the characters show special powers in their hands. Lighting comes out of their hands, and we also see fireworks coming out of the wand of one of the characters. It looks realistic and believable. I think the green screens are little bit obvious at times, but overall it looks pretty realistic. The monsters are very defined and that really stands out. My favorite part has to be the introduction to the characters with the stop motion and cool backgrounds. It really intrigued me to watch because of the interactive experience and video game effect.
The film's message is to never give up and fight to the end. Be aware that there are some scenes of violence. When the characters are battling the monster, they are throwing arrows at it, and in the end they slay the Dragon.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Neo M., KIDS FIRST!
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