The Dark Tower Review!
The Dark Tower is an adaptation, pseudo-sequel, to Stephen King's series of books of the same name. I have only read the first, of eight, in the series so I know a bit of background, but otherwise I went into this film mostly blind. That said, this was an entertaining popcorn film, but the more I thought of it the more problems were popping up.
The Dark Tower starts off in New York City with a boy who has visions of a dastardly plan that'll wipe out reality, or the universe, or something. I wasn't entirely clear on what it was going to destroy other than the Tower, and gosh darn it that Tower is important! The film tries to explain the tower, and it's importance, but like most of the movie it felt very simplified. It also wasn't brought up more than once, because the movie likes to move away from scenes that actually help the viewer understand their world.
Fans of the books may not enjoy this adaptation, and from what I hear they certainly do not, but I also don't think many other people will either. I mean, it's a perfectly acceptable film, but there's so much mythology that isn't explained, or done very simply, that the regular movie going audience may be confused. Now, there's plenty in this film to distract viewers from making those questions like the numerous Stephen King references in this. There are about three huge nods to Stephen King's other books in the film that everyone will understand, and even more easter eggs in the background. But again, that acts like a double edged sword because on one hand people who don't know the books might feel this is unnecessary and strange, while on the other hand it could enhance their viewing experience because they'll be thinking of those easter eggs and not the film.
The other part of this film that I thought they did well is the action. There's a lot of modern cuts to make it generic, but I can watch Idris Elba shoot bad guys all day long. There are small scenes that makes his character awesome for the screen, like how he loads his bullets, and a few trick shots near the end. Unfortunately that didn't stretch to other actors, particularly the bad guys, and that's mostly all that I liked of the film.
Most of the actors were okay, but none of them, nor their writing, should have been used for a potential summer blockbuster. The mom looked bored, the stereotypical douche of a boyfriend was annoying, and while the kid was alright you could tell that he went through puberty during production. The only reason to watch this film is for Idris Elba and Mathew McConaughey. Both of them give off a great pressence that'll just put a smile on your face. McConaughey plays the big bad of the film, and you can tell that he's enjoying every minute of it. If anything you'll leave with good scenes, but not a particularly great movie, or you're so confused you decide to pick up the books.
C+
