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Netflix is perfecting its ability to adapt videogames and Castlevania is the best example. It works because of the decision to let people who cares about the source material to produce and direct the shows. It's interesting because we're used to mediocre or below average videogame adaptations like Mortal Kombat. The main issue with this kind of content is the fact that it's hard to translate the player experience, which is active, to a viewer one, which is more passive. The other problem is the temptation to indulge in blind fan service which hurts plot and characters development. There're a lot of risks.
PLOT
"After encounters with a dragon and a princess on her own mission, a Dragon Knight becomes embroiled in events larger than he could have ever imagined" or "How to honor a videogame without being cheesy".
SCRIPT
The series has an half baked story, which is more interested in teasing the next season rather than concluding this one in a satisfying way. I like the dragons lore and the dynamics between them and the dragonknights but the main plot is a bit convoluted, because the main villain appears only in the last episode and reduces the importance of the other villain. Yes, he's teased in the first episode and he's implicitly present in another one, but his roled is put aside for a long time. The contrast between the parties who revolve the plot, isn't done in the best possible way, because it tries to mantain the point of view of the protagonist, who is thrown in this narrative. Even though the plot is imperfect, the main characters are well defined and likeable. Davion, whose backstory is only hinted at, has an interesting arch because he's able to find his place again in the end, by embrscing what he considered a curse, which is a cool concept. The princess has a similar journey and she finds her way to be relevant again. I liked also ho the elves are characterized and how monsters, like demons, are integrate into the society. I'm pretty conflicted because it's good but it isn't able, as one season, to stand up by himself.
Script: 7/10
ACTING
I liked it because every voice actor fits his character. I think that Troy Baker emerges as the best performer, by giving a charming and cool appearence to the Invoker, a mysterious and fascinating character. I liked how the dragon and Davion voices overlapped, to underline their struggle. The villain has a strong and imposing voice but it's nothing exceptional.
Acting: 7/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
There're some good shots, where magic is masterfully represented. It's a bright show with a chromatic cornucopia and that's a delight. Color is used in a symbolic way, which is reflected in the artifacts. The show isn't visually stunning as Castlevania but it works. The best part are the flashbacks, which differ a lot from the show usual style.
Photography: 6/10
EDITING
This is where to show shines more, because the fight scenes are well choreographed and the dynamism of the character is well conveyed. Slow motion isn't used in the show, which make it refreshing. I liked the tracking shots of arrows and blades.
Editing: 6/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
The show wasn't able to stick the landing here. Even though the animation is awesome, the scene which involves vfx are clunky and not always well done. The dragons and the main villain are too slow and the effects are off putting. I don't know why the producers chose to use vfx rather than digital drawings but the result isn't good enough.
Special Effects: 5/10
SOUNDTRACK
Just background music. There's nothing interesting about that. I've hoped for more. I won't say more because I don't have much to praise.
Soundtrack: 5/10
COSTUMES
The best section in the bunch. I liked Devion's armour and the Elves outfits, which fits their characters. I liked also the suit who wears the villain, because it's imaginative and function as a contrast to Devion's armour. I liked all the series costumes, even though some weren't as original as other shows. Like Castlevania, this show pays homage to the videogame characters and their appearance. This is what happens when people who cares about a project are allowed to do it.
Costumes: 8/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 7/10
Acting: 7/10
Photography: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Special Effects: 5/10
Soundtrack: 5/10
Costumes: 8/10
AVERAGE: 6.28
A flawed series which pays homage to its source material and craft a story with well written characters and an unfinished plot, which is why it has been hard to write about it. I liked the concepts on display and the visuals, where cgi wasn't involved, and I fell in love with costumes. I think that it's an interesting show which will satisfy the fans and attract people who haven't heard of the game before. Not bad but it could've been better.
Director: Ashley Edward Miller, Bryan Konietzko
Screenplay: Ashley Edward Miller, Steven Melching
Cast: Yuri Lowenthal, Lara Pulver, Tony Todd, Troy Baker
Soundtrack: Dino Meneghin
Running Time: 27 minutes
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