Dan Lewis

This film should have been a below average b movie. A fairly formulaic plot, a monster film, and several character actors but no one who is considered a 'name'. It should have been. Yet it just wasn't. The score isn't incredible but it gets out of the way while still doing the job. The cinematography isn't a vast departure for the media that amounts to revelation but it does build tension well. The performances are largely first rate and the dialogue feels believable. The monster isn't shown a million times, the circumstances feel believable and the reveal doesn't disappoint. I didn't think I would like it. But I did.

Suppose someone invented a form of time travel so specific as to seem, to the untrained mind, useless? This time travel, though groundbreaking and revolutionary would also be laughed at! Seem strange? Of course! But it is real. Somewhere. A child: a boy or a girl, the information was lost in the time war. Before the uprising, before so many heros died. Somewhere there is a sandbox. In that sand box a child plays with their toys. This child is religious, with a strong sense of justice. He understands that God can never go to china. He understands that Ninjas and China are inexorably linked. Bonded by truth as undeniable as the hunger of the dinosaurs who hold them at bay. He understands that life is hard in the street. Pimp'n ain't easy. Medical/Law school is expensive and the kill bots descend quickly on anyone who removes their head band or sunglasses or looks at explosions. This child brings these truths to life in that sandbox. On the other side? Here: in the bleak hellish nightmare of our disgusting dust covered weirdly blue tinted fight for survival? We see those dreams. They are written in the Time Bible. It's name? Velocipastor!!!!!

Outstanding work here. Despite the questions raised regarding the cast of the series by fans of the games and the short stories I decided to check out the show myself. At first I was overwhelmed. The show packed so much information into it's first episode I decided to put subtitles on to make sure I could catch everything that was going on. However. Though the world of The Witcher requires a great deal of exposition and though the series had only 8 episodes with which to weave their first pass at telling this story I found myself captivated by the richness of what was unfolding onscreen. Henry Cavill plays the central character of Geralt of Rivia and he plays him very well. Yennifer of Vengeberg and her journey.... I recommend you simply watch the show, it speaks for itself. The show has it's flaws; the bard can be irritating, the pace of the shows narrative can be swift and complex, the decision to interweave the timeline of events will b a off-putting to some. Triss Marrigold, barely in the show and cast to look completely different from her original character. A main love interest for many fans. I am telling you these things and I still gave this show full marks. I stand by that. Yes it has flaws; every show does. It shines despite them and remains the only other swords and sorcery epic to hit the small screen (other than Game of Thrones) to be worthy of our time. It is well written, beautifully shot, excellent performances resound throughout and the stunts and effects work are top notch. The score is unique and beautiful and Ciri? It will break your heart. Give this a chance.

Production: 3.5 (solid and workmanlike) Sound design: 3.5 (not incredible but accomplished) Performance: 4.5 (only one performer in the main cast, Sam Daerwood is the character's name, was even slightly wooden) Story/Plot: 4.9 (unpredictable, arresting and emotional) Direction/ Editing (visual storytelling means these are linked and they are in fine form here, the cinematography, production and set/ locations are all excellent) Overall: 4.0 Scifi with a twist that rarely shows it's budgetary limitations, a nimble and tightly wound pace and plot with a detective story and subdued romance blended seamlessly with a scifi thriller (which is pressive on its own), don't miss this one if you can take a good suspenseful slow burn ride. Go in expecting action packed jokey marvel stuff and be disappointed. Go in with an episode of the Twilight Zone without the narrative to distance you from the material? You will enjoy yourself. Looking forward to more from the cast and crew! Thanks!