Saturday, November 24, 2007

Zathura (2005), Directed by Jon Favreau

Summary: Two bickering children stumble upon a vintage science fiction board game and must learn to get along if they are to have any hope of surviving the game's magical effects. Based upon the book by Chris Van Allsburg.

Things I Liked: The casting, as well as the performances of the children. The emotional punch and resonance of the film's theme. The direction. The filmmakers' decision to use practical effects (miniatures, motion control and traditional visual effects) rather than computer-generated effects. This not only looks better, but gives the film a nostalgic charm which would have been otherwise unachievable.

Things I Didn't Like: The clumsy story reversal near the end, as well as the somewhat abrupt climax.

Three Stars out of Five Stars

FilmWatch Ratings Legend:

One Star: Hated it

Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it

Four Stars: Really liked it

Five Stars: Loved it

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