Pathfinder (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
'Pathfinder' is a historical action/adventure flick directed by Marcus Nispel. A Viking child is left behind after his savage clan battles a Native American tribe. Brought up by this tribe, the boy (named Ghost) is destined to be their savior in vengeful warfare against the European Norsemen. You get the impression that the actors in this film care about the story. But the overall dialogue, execution, & meaning of the film is lost in a sea of gory limbs & wretched plot exposition.
Set in the era (600 yrs. before Columbus sails on in) when Norwegian Vikings tried to conquer North America, this film 'attempts' to tell the heroic tale of Ghost (Karl Urban, of the Lord of the Rings films), the Pathfinder for the Native Americans. Although he's Norse, he's raised with a caring Indian tribe & wants to defend their honor. After they've raided his village, Ghost wages a personal, epic battle to halt the destructive, barbarous attacks by the enemy. Can Ghost single-handedly send the Vikings packing for home? Can he save his love, Starfire (Moon Bloodgood) in the process? Can he survive the murderous onslaught?
There ARE some redeeming qualities to this misfire of a film, believe it or not. The filmmakers depict Native American imagery & icons quite well. I also like 'how' the film looks. It's shot with the dark, moody, cool starkness that one would think of the times (though the palette 'could' bring upon a brief slumber). After all, this IS uncivilized America. Also, although it's confusing to follow, I appreciate the climax scene atop a perilous, snowy cliff. Honestly, the first 5 min. of the film intrigued me, & the last 10 are solid. Everything in-between is a putrid, far-fetched, highly stylized train wreck.
Other than showing the obvious historical facts such as: Indians were brave; Vikings ('dragon men') were monsters, etc., nothing else resonates. There's no emotional depth to any part of this film, or to its characters. There's virtually no story. It's one ugly cavalcade of blood-spurting beheadings, impalements, and the like. The Vikings look like mythical tree creatures (I'm sure this wasn't the desired look). Karl Urban's physical presence is menacing. His heart is in the right place and he's doing what's right for his people. But I wouldn't say he stretched in this role. 10 minutes in, I knew I'd be in for a trying afternoon of movie-watching.
Set in the era (600 yrs. before Columbus sails on in) when Norwegian Vikings tried to conquer North America, this film 'attempts' to tell the heroic tale of Ghost (Karl Urban, of the Lord of the Rings films), the Pathfinder for the Native Americans. Although he's Norse, he's raised with a caring Indian tribe & wants to defend their honor. After they've raided his village, Ghost wages a personal, epic battle to halt the destructive, barbarous attacks by the enemy. Can Ghost single-handedly send the Vikings packing for home? Can he save his love, Starfire (Moon Bloodgood) in the process? Can he survive the murderous onslaught?
There ARE some redeeming qualities to this misfire of a film, believe it or not. The filmmakers depict Native American imagery & icons quite well. I also like 'how' the film looks. It's shot with the dark, moody, cool starkness that one would think of the times (though the palette 'could' bring upon a brief slumber). After all, this IS uncivilized America. Also, although it's confusing to follow, I appreciate the climax scene atop a perilous, snowy cliff. Honestly, the first 5 min. of the film intrigued me, & the last 10 are solid. Everything in-between is a putrid, far-fetched, highly stylized train wreck.
Other than showing the obvious historical facts such as: Indians were brave; Vikings ('dragon men') were monsters, etc., nothing else resonates. There's no emotional depth to any part of this film, or to its characters. There's virtually no story. It's one ugly cavalcade of blood-spurting beheadings, impalements, and the like. The Vikings look like mythical tree creatures (I'm sure this wasn't the desired look). Karl Urban's physical presence is menacing. His heart is in the right place and he's doing what's right for his people. But I wouldn't say he stretched in this role. 10 minutes in, I knew I'd be in for a trying afternoon of movie-watching.