Review: A delightful fun adventure movie for the whole family.
This movie provides us with just what we want to see from this type of movie and does it well. In other words this is a movie of pure and complete wish fulfillment. How many of us haven't as a kid dreamed of doing what Alexander (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) does here. We all wish we could be a hero saving the day in an incredible way. That we could not only stop our bullies (Tom Taylor, Rhianna Donnis) from picking on us, but show them that we have much power within us, thereby winning their respect and admiration. What makes this elements all work so well is that outside Alex is like so many of us were at his age. A nerd, a weakling and an outsider. The idea that the good qualities within him and not outward strength manage to make him a hero is something that inspires and speaks to us. Adding to this is just how likable the character is, how real his family situation feels and how talented the young actor playing him is. Speaking of such I was happy to see the talented child actors actually get first billing here, with how great they all were in there roles they certainty deserve it.
The story itself is simply but effectively told. There is no access weight or anything to bog down screen time. This keeps the movie moving at a brisk and highly entertaining pace. The movie never drags and never loses our attention.
If I had to point to the main problem with this movie, I would have to say we have a rather weak villain. Actress Rebecca Ferguson does a good job in the role, but that can't save that the character is boring and not as big of a threat as she should be. There is also that the action scenes while impressive are lacking in suspense or doubt.
This movie holds no pretentions about being anything groundbreaking, and that is honestly part of its charm. This is a simple story, simply told, that is simply good entertainment.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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