astwilightonme Review of Garm Wars: The Last Druid

Garm Wars: The Last Druid (2014)

A great fantasy movie that doesn't come together at all

[6/10 · 13 January 2019]

There are some amazing designs here (costumes, props, many CG machines), reminiscent of Japanese "classics" such as Zeiram and some of the dark, convoluted, dystopian and cyberpunk flavors that were popular in the 80s and haven't really seen enough appreciation internationally then or since, despite cult followings. Unfortunately the heavy filtering maims the characters and the visuals in equal measure. The acting is very uneven, with at least one decent actor and one terrible. The plot has no beginning or an actual ending despite having a strong premise. Most of the camera shots are wasted marred by filtering, attempting to replicate anime visuals, or creating symbolic moments that don't really add enough, given the plot is already so fragmentary. A potentially great work that got ruined in more than one category. Turns out you can't put together so many "greats" of various industries (Mamoru Oshii, Toshio Suzuki,the Urobutcher), and expect a great work. Visionary creatives work better alone rather than in a group with each other.