Amber Mitchell

It feels like this movie wanted to be a hit more than anything and took a lot of elements from Pirates of the Caribbean (though not always successfully). You can especially hear it in the score a lot. It takes elements from kind of everywhere, including and oddly placed steampunk-ish element that comes into play at random times and then suddenly it’s everything driving the last 15minutes. I wouldn’t call it a faith based film necessarily, it does have a redemption that includes faith and God is brought up maybe just enough that a strict Christian mother may add this to her collection with a thought of “wholesome and a little inspiring”, but I think religion gets used here as a lazy explanation for why the main character wants to 180 in his redemption plans. Which doesn’t even really quite happen? All that being said, I did like it. Seems like the sort of thing young women who like watching rogue men in a mask save the day would love. The romance is kind of so-so; the plot idea is wonderful in theory, but I believe they could have executed it much better as some of the performances are quite wooden and odd. (Leading lady is pretty bland honestly and the leading man has his moments) but surprisingly it’s the supporting cast that bring it more to life. When the leads are acting alone together it’s honestly pretty passable, but whenever the side characters step in there is more life and feeling! So, I would recommend this movie, Hamilton and the Pirates of the Golden Compass, but to a select few. Mostly women who like handsome masked rogues. (But even that is for only on screen a short time) Best part of the movie was Ben Franklin, hands down. He is the sole reason I say 4 stars instead of 3.