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Plot Summary
Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), the last Gunslinger, is locked in an eternal battle with Walter O'Dim (Matthew McConaughey), also known as the Man in Black. The Gunslinger must prevent the Man in Black from toppling the Dark Tower, the key that holds the universe together. With the fate of worlds at stake, two men collide in the ultimate battle between good and evil.
Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs!
The Dark Tower (2017) is inspired by, not adapted from, the Stephen King novels of the same name. Now, I have not read any of Stephan King’s novels, so I saw this movie completely new and ready to learn why so many people love the book franchise. From what I read up on the producers, director, and writers took a sweeping epic series that could have been stretched over several films and multiple genres, taking audiences on a ride that cannot be so easily forgotten. However, I don’t believe that the film suffers entirely because the main idea of the plot and the characters were the same. Also, the ending of the film gives room for this to be a one and done kind of film or we could delve back into the world of The Gunslinger, especially since there are other worlds out there that are protected by the Dark Tower.
In terms of whether this film deserves the negative or positive rating is based on how you view the film and if it lived up to your expectations. Sometimes I wonder if critics (professional and non-professional) see films with a negative expectation as their basis or if they actually view the film for the same reasons that most audiences do; to see something fun and entertaining with a good story line and acting. I mean let’s face it, book-to-movie adaptations are never 100% accurate, the film is either as close to book as possible (like Lord of the Rings) or so far from the books that it cannot even be considered a true adaptation (like Percy Jackson and the Olympians). In fact, the only real issue that this film has is that it was not done similarly to Lord of the Rings, in terms of carrying the story over multiple films which add for greater detail and depth. This could have made the film better or it could have not but regardless The Dark Tower is still an entertaining film to see even if you have not followed the book series like me.
The writing was good as well as the special effects and cinematography. And while the storyline is dark like many apocalyptic stories, it’s never ominous or disheartening. At a mere 94 minutes run time, I found it to be appropriate because it did not allow room for moments to be dragged out unnecessarily, which I feel would have dragged the film down. The acting was also pretty good. Idris Elba as The Gunslinger, Roland, was good and the fighting skills of his character were pretty cool to see. However, his character’s personality was not exactly something new; in fact, it reminds me of his character Stacker Pentecost in Pacific Rim (2013). From what I read many fans were displeased with Elba portraying Roland simply because in the books Roland is not African-American and that changing his race messes with the entire back-story of Roland as well as the plot line itself. Regardless I thought he was pretty good. Tom Taylor as Jack Chambers was good and although I am unfamiliar with his work, it was nice to see him portray a character with some depth. Mathew McConaughey (Sahara, Dallas Buyers Club) as The Man In Black was pretty intimidating and dark however there were times when he seemed almost like a background villain. I kind of wish that his character caused a little more destruction and mayhem, then what we saw. Katheryn Winnick (Vikings TV show) as Laurie Chambers was great despite having a small role. Winnick plays on one of my favorite TV shows ever, Vikings, so it was nice to see her play a different type of character.
Overall, The Dark Tower (201) was a pretty entertaining film with good acting that allowed for you to connect with the characters easily, there were some good emotional plot points, and the action was neither jittery nor hazy. Unless you were hoping for a true adaptation of the books, then I am sure you will enjoy this film. The film does what it said it would do and while it is not the best movie of 2017 neither is it the worst on yet.
“I do not aim with my hand, he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I do not shoot with my hand, I shoot with my mind. I do not kill with my gun... I kill with my heart.”
- Roland Deschain
Final Vote
Worth Seeing: 3 of 5 star
Worth Buying: 3 of 5 stars
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Cast & Crew
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