Thoroughly entertaining with real depth

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2016)

I've never played the game, I don't 'do' fantasy movies (never seen LOTR, and couldn't get past the first 30 minutes of Avatar, and almost slept through The Dark Knight), but I loved "Moon" and "Source Code". So it was a no-brainer to see Warcraft. And I am so glad I did. There's a lot more depth to the film than I expected.
The story is simple enough on the surface, but with layers to keep you interested. And it retains Jones' underlying theme of shifting perspectives that was so central to his earlier movies. This lack of a 'can't-miss pinned-down focal point' may be what floored the critics (simple souls that they are). The plot develops and shifts, and the obvious linearity of (for example) so many super-hero movies is transmuted into something much more circumspect, much more challenging and less certain. The plot ripples, and has real sensitivity among the wonderfully presented bash and blast.
Yes, it's a film that takes a bit of work and concentration to 'get', but it amply repays the effort and in any event this is mediated by amazing CGI and imaging. Visually it's an absolute treat, with some wonderful battle sequences and great magical duels. And the Orcs are fab! You won't get bored, and you will be thoroughly entertained.
As for the gaming aspects, even as a non-gamer I could get a number of the jokes (I'm sure there are many I missed), and Warcraft does need to stay true to its roots. It's not Superman, it's not LOTR or Harry Potter. It's Warcraft... The Beginning, and I for one want more.
Well worth seeing. Engaging and entertaining from start to finish. I loved it.