Seventh Son: A Fantasy Adventure Worth the Watch?
While it may not reach the epic heights of “The Lord of the Rings,” Seventh son is a visually appealing fantasy film complemented by an engaging cast and a straightforward plot that prioritizes entertainment and minimizes overly complex explanations. Overall, it is a decent cinematic escape which can be enjoyed!
The story centers on Tom, an unassuming shepherd whose life is thrust into turmoil when he discovers his extraordinary destiny. As the seventh son of a seventh son, he is presented with an opportunity to become a Witcher’s apprentice – a knight and monster hunter. The existence of witches is confirmed when the most dangerous of them breaks free from her prison and threatens mankind. It now falls on Master Gregory, an aging Witcher, and Tom, to confront the ancient sorceress and her legion of demons, werewolves and monsters, with Tom only having a week to learn the necessary skills, a tutelage that normally lasts ten years!
A New Fantasy Contender Emerges?
Following the huge success of “The Lord of the Rings,” any new fantasy adventure seems to face a difficult comparison. How can one compare? Although the echoes of Tolkien’s famous world still resonate, new contenders are arising for the audience’s imagination, armed with dragons, castles, magic, swords and the unavoidable artifacts of power. Directed by Sergei Bodrov, “Seventh Son” has all these key elements. Can it possibly challenge for the throne?
From Page to Screen: The Inspiration Behind the Story
Author Joseph Delaney was inspired to write “The Spook’s Apprentice” following encounters with poltergeist activities in old houses and a church close to his residence.
Bodrov’s Transition into Studio Filmmaking
Despite his background in Russian cinema, with works such as Mongol, Sergei Bodrov directs a studio project in Seventh Son. As is common with studio productions, the producer’s influence can frequently override the director and this can be seen. It is difficult to see the rich visual effects, highly detailed action which fills “Seventh Son” and relate it to the measured scenes and slower pace of Prisoner of the Mountains or the sprawling narrative of Mongol. Bodrov showcases a different direction in Seventh Son, something which is simultaneously curious and admirable - Not every director in their mid-sixties would undertake such an ambitious adventure.
A Calculated Risk That Works?
However, this gamble looks to have paid off. The film is visually engaging, dynamic and steers clear from simplicity in plotting. The film also avoids drowning the audience in complicated philosophy. Knights, dragons and monsters are really all you need! Aimed at teenagers, Seventh Son contains violence appropriate for young viewers and mostly chaste relationships. Furthermore, the moral lessons follow a simple, direct path and are easily understood. Ultimately, what else would you want from a good fairytale?
A Familiar Tale with a Modern Twist
“Seventh Son” is a simple tale, reminiscent of “Maleficent” whereby a witch, robbed of love by deceitful men, unleashes mayhem. It is then only the treacherous knight who wronged her that can prevent it. However, this backdrop is merely the beginning as “Seventh Son” excels in its impressive array of fantastic action sequences, enhanced with CGI. Although CGI may be flawed, slightly resembling the ‘claymation battles’ of Ray Harryhausen, these defects aren’t particularly noticeable. Ultimately, the film is visually amazing and ought to be enjoyed on the big screen, in best quality.
Performances Amidst the Spectacle
The cast’s ability to shine amidst the action is commendable. Julianne Moore delivers, stunningly beautiful as she is in incredible costumes, an unusually terrifying interpretation of a villain. Alongside her, Jeff Bridges delivers, and is more lively as he delivers grumpy remarks in a Don Quixote-esque performance! Similarly, Ben Barnes and Alicia Vikander are wonderful, displaying a mix of confidence and fragility to attract male and female audiences.
A Derivative Plot, but a Fun Ride
The most serious piece of criticism which can be attributed to Seventh Son is the derivation of sources. The writing lacks the ability to entirely surprise or dazzle even the most casual fan of fantasy, with plot that can be uncaptivating. Nonetheless, the author of the novel, Joseph Delaney, is responsible for the origins of the story. Ultimately, compared to the closely released, earlier picture, 47 Ronin, Bodrov’s film is full of energy and delivers an action-filled adventure to create a good mood surrounding the expected, happy ending.