GODS OF EGYPT (2016) Review
Directed by Alex Proyas
Alex Proyas is known for directing Will Smith’s sci-fi thriller I, Robot and the disaster apocalypse film starring Nicolas Cage, Knowing. So he’s not new in action sequences and with Gerard Butler (300, Olympus Has Fallen) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) as his stars, executing these action sequences will be easier. And yes, the film has plenty of that in both hand on hand and CGI battles from the various settings of the film.
Gods of Egypt is ambitious to a fault. Its larger-than-life scale is admirably cinematic and its spectacular visuals feed the eyes with amazement but all of these can’t fully satisfy the viewers. The film lacks a fresh take on mythological gods and a story that goes with its huge production that doesn’t complicate things and overdoes its entirety. It’s superficial and predictable but the film goes all out with its presentation.The visual effects from CGI characters to its settings are unnoticeably the problem of the film which is a good for a film that pushes its visual effects as its selling point.
The film hugely benefits from Gerard Butler’s antagonistic approach that even though he’s the the biggest star of the film and he’s playing the bad guy, it helps that he does his character so well, the whitewashing can actually be disregarded. The actors actually works as their respective roles, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is effective as the spoiled and naive god who Brenton Thwaites character looks up to.
The dynamics between Coster-Waldau and Thwaites are enjoyable at times but feels overlong and forced for the visual effects to be used in their journey. But as a popcorn flick, Gods of Egypt offers enough adventures, visually stunning sequences and action fight scenes that will quench the thirst of audiences who likes epic blockbuster films.
2.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Gods of Egypt” is now showing in Philippines cinemas nationwide from Pioneer Films. Also available in 3D, 3D/4Dx and IMAX 3D. Rated PG by the MTRCB.
I almost saw this. Good thing I saw your review first.