boe_dye sez: If the powers that be ever decided to make "Legend Of Zelda" a movie...

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2008)

Then this is the director to do it.
(I know that had nothing to do with anything, I just wanted to plug that for a moment...) Having never actually read the Dark Horse comics, I have the advantage of being non prejudicial in my report of this film. As it stands, the more I watch these comics made movies, the more interested in the comic I become.
Those of you familiar with del Toro's work will quickly recognize the "Pan's Labyrinth" styling. In fact, I believe that that styling is really what makes this movie good.
Aside from the dialogue, which is mediocre at best, the visual aspects to this film are quite beautiful.
Some of those other companies who make movies based on large green cgi hulks ought to take a lesson and realize that you can do a lot with talented costume designers who can actually make something look believable with foam and prosthetic...
There were some very good laugh moments, there were some very good groan moments. Thankfully, the characters had shown a bit of growth from the last one, and were now more comfortable with one another.
The story was a simple one. It was a mix of Labyrinth (The Jim Henson/David Bowie one), Stardust, 5th element, Return to Oz, and a few other types of movies that those into this genre can easily relate to, humbly melded together to create this quaint little tale.
All and all a slightly more sophisticated popcorn film then the usual fare. I say more sophisticated because of the care and beauty that goes into del Toro's films that you rarely see anywhere else.
Of course, the critics complain and the the "true" fans hate, but my wife and I had a very nice time.