Mutant Chronicles

2

mutant chronicles

fyp

Sometimes, seemingly simple movies, panned by most of the critics, just grab me. This was one of them. It takes place in the future, but I was gripped from the get-go with World War II trench-like warfare going on at the start. It feels very much like a good war movie at this point with a compassionate officer going up against some kind of Nazis, but things are not really that especially with the steampunk machines and unconventional firearms. It goes even crazier when some long-dormant evil is awakened. After that strong opening, we delve summarily into that society and some kind of prophecy that involves a desperate quest to save the world by a small group of heroes. It sounds pretty cliché, right, but weirdly it works here and the characters are compelling despite not being characterized much. It's the type of suicide mission story where the "heroes" get killed of one by one, and not always in the most heroic manner. However, you kinda grow attached to the multi-ethnic group, want to learn more about them (some intriguing snippets but not much) and their sometimes noble self-sacrificial acts make them likable. I truly enjoyed the heroism on display, but can't say I was particularly emotionally moved by any of the deaths. I also liked very much how the plot sometimes played with our expectations (witness the mother and child trying to evacuate) despite some logical flaws that bugged me a little. The mutants in question are not super-heroes (like X-Men) or standard "zombies", and the title is misleading because it's not really "their" chronicles. Thee mutants are antagonists and besides attacking and being killed, they don't do much. The movie is apparently low-budget (at 25 millions, I'd say medium-budget) but it really doesn't show. You have stunning special effects, decors and vehicles that don't really look computer-generated (and sometimes actually weren't). It's not to say everything is realistic, it's a bit stylized and otherwordly like 300 for example. There were some really spectacular scenes and vistas. The action scenes were exciting and overall I thought the directing was very good. The movie was paced well, and I was never bored. One thing I didn't really care much for was the religious claptrap, but I've seen worse. Please note however that I didn't watch the shorter (by around 10 minutes) director's cut that cuts some of the religious stuff but also a few nice character moments. I did check the differences and suggest watching the theatrical non director's cut version if you can. Before I forget, you do have some bad-ass heroes kicking major butt in satisfying ways (less and less guns and more sword fighting as it goes), and some enjoyable b-movie one-liners by Thomas Jane's character. So it's certainly not the type of movie you haven't seen before, but it's masterfully executed, beautiful in a post-apocalyptic way, but most of all it feels right. A rental is definitely recommended and myself, I'm even thinking of buying it. Rating: 8 out of 10 (Very good).

I wont give this a standing ovation but I will give it a well deserved 'good job' It was a good film, visually it was good, different than normal(nowadays that's a good thing in my book) had a very big sci-fi feel but that is good. The eight out of ten was for two reasons. One it was very choppy at times, which means it didn't run smoothly, at points you wonder 'why such a jump'. The second reason is because it really didn't let the characters grow, which makes hard to have any connection with any of them. Over all it was a really good film, I would recommend people to watch it at least once to see if you like it, personally I liked it and I would love to have this in my movie collection.

I didn't expect much when I saw the title, the name mutant in the title is never a good sign, but I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was really great, being a historian I really enjoyed the weird mix of Great War, cyberpunk and post-WWII United States. Reminded me of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, just not that shiny. The feeling of hopelessness and despair was clearly visible. The characters were typical, no big thumbs up for this one, but not shallow. People who watch movies for the little things like the tone of blood and the color of guts might be disappointed, but for an average movie-goer like me, who goes to the movies for entertainment, not slaughterhouse atmosphere, the special effects were nice. For everyone who still hasn't seen it, the atmosphere is the key in this movie.

I can only imagine that the actors here had nothing better to do for a few weeks. A straight to video movie that managed to get a cinema release on the strength of the actors involved. I gave it 4 stars because I like the style of the movie, computer noirish. It starts out quite interesting but as soon as the real plot starts up it all goes to hell in a hand-basket. The plot is full of logic holes so big you could march the Capitol army through it. Wait for the DVD, wait till it comes out on budget DVD, wait till your mate buys it and then borrow it.. wait till it comes out on TV. In response to some posters who said they see no plot holes.. We are talking about one machine up the mountains, it spews out mutants, who can only walk or run, they can only replicate by dragging their victims back to the machine (at dragging pace) and yet they take over the world in a matter of weeks! There's one scene where the hero's are attacked in the air by a mutant controlled craft, but you can tell by the surprise on the captains face that this was a first so the mutants didn't use aircraft very often. The crown on the illogic head was the hero's going back to the machine after what, a week? a month? a year? how long does a marching mutant horde take to conquer the world? anyway who do they find, still being dragged to his doom but a character (Mr Pertwee) who was one of the first to meet the mutants when they attacked, what a blatant and dumb plot device to get the main hero away from the rest of gang. And of course there is the fact that the first time the mutants arrived they were repelled by sword wielding knights. After 2,000 years of military evolution it seems nothing really beats a good old sword.

Yep its derivative, full of clichés, underdeveloped characters, but its still great fun and full of B movie goodness. Visually stunning and imaginative production design and great special effects combine to create what will no doubt become a minor cult classic over time. I thought I was watching a video game after 5 Min's, partly due to the filming process (100% digital) and the colours (or lack there of). The blood is almost scarlet which give it an almost erotic feel. Tension is used effectively and the film moves quickly enough, Thomas Jane is still good to watch (cant forget his performance in The Mist). Also Sean Pertwee puts in a solid performance as well. There is plenty of action, some great fight scenes, and some creepy moments - but that's your lot! Keep your expectations low and you'll enjoy it for what its! The whole retro mix of world war I and future technology is truly worth watching alone, and cant wait to see this in HD.

So, going into this film, I was not expecting to much. However, after watching this film, I can say I was impressed. There were good actors with Okay rolls. I also have to say, this is what CG effects and backdrops were used for, to give low budget films the interesting environments and effects without killing the budget. To say the least about this film, it ranks as a top notch SyFy Channel movie. Yes, there are a couple movies on that channel that were good films, and this would be comparable, at the least, to them. Admittedly, you don't really "feel" for many of the characters, other than Sgt. Hunter. His character, of course, was the primary of the bunch, so that makes sense. The remainder of the cast is just for support, and add for drama. I have to say, I would like to see a sequel, considering how the film ended. I won't go into that as not to spoil anything.

As a long time fan of Mutant Chronicles universe I've been quite excited when I heard about making of this movie. A few days ago I watched it - and can't say I'm excited anymore. The movie's plot is very cliché-ish and pretty much all the characters are flat and predictable, most of them the lead character Mitch Hunter. Throughout the movie you'll find numerous illogical things - but in this kind of movies it's not so uncommon. Something that deserves credit is the atmosphere, which describes in a very true way the industrial-war spirit of the Mutant Chronicles universe, similar to the WWI movies from the front lines. The special effects (even though clearly digital) are okay and are used well enough to complete the dark smoky atmosphere. One thing that made me very sad is the movie has almost NO connection to the story of Mutant Chronicles universe. The history is totally different, the makers only took names of several MCH heroes - and the names are the only thing left from those, completely bypassed the presence of magic in MCH universe and changed the enemy of mankind to something else. No costumes whatsoever - glorious armors of the Brotherhood warriors were replaced by simple robes and mighty heroes you'll only find in standard boring uniforms. So all in all - If you don't know the MCH universe, you'll probably watch an average B movie and walk away untouched, if you know it however, you'll be disappointed for the movie is something else than it says, nothing but a borrowed name.