Paul Cozens

Based on the retro arcade game of the same name which I'm old enough to remember playing first time around! I watched this film with already low expectations but I did hope the charismatic Dwayne Johnson could lift some character plot from the wreckage. In the early half of the movie it seemed to do this as Johnsons character and George a huge but loveable albino ape communicate via sign language which gives way to some humourous but also serious buddy moments between the two. However as the film progresses it worries too much about boring the audience, the man and ape bond is pushed aside as it descends into one action set piece after another. Introduces characters, only to quickly forget about them and has bland villains responsible for the whole thing, the film does little to make you care about any of the characters. Its clear its the monsters that are the main highlight. On the monster effects front the film does impress, especially with Ralph a giant wolf hybrid. However I was left underwhelmed by the action scenes and as monster movies go there was very little suspense. Overall a dumb fun movie that feels empty and forgettable.