Reviews by:
@the_owlseyes
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"One thing we can do better than any creature in all Middle-earth – we stay true to each other, with our hearts even bigger than our feet.”
PLOT
"Epic drama set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth" or "A LOTR Prequel Series"
SCRIPT
This is the weakest aspect of this show, which affects the enjoyment of the series. That's because the show feels disjointed, rushed and unfocused.
In my opinion there's a lot of filler which shoud be cut and characters which aren't explored well. I like the Sauron's twist but this series is too much plot and not enough character.
Sure, Galadriel has an arch but it's underwhelming, especially considering what could've been.
The narration at first is sluggish and then too fast, the pacing is an issue which needs to be fixed in the next seasons.
I think that this series serves just for worldbuilding and to lay the ground for what will come next.
The intriguing, fascinating and complex lore of Tolkien is there.
The showrunners just need to find a way to adapt it in a better way.
Overall it isn't bad but it's surely underwhelming.
Script: 6/10
ACTING
The acting seems good but I don't find the performers particularly remarkable. Sure, Morfyyd Clark and Robert Aramayo are well casted as Galadriel and Elrond but, considering the fact that most of the actors are newcomers, I've expected more because I'm used to the top-notch level of LOTR and The Hobbit. Nonetheless the acting is effective and the actors do what they can with what they have.
I think that there's a lot of potential there.
Acting: 7/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
Wow. This series is just wonderful to look at. A true eye pleasing experience, which surpasses the movies. Every shot is beautiful and fascinating.
This show is just beautiful and its hard to describe it.
You have to experience it.
Not only that but all the colors have a deep meaning and light and shadows are masterfully used by the directors.
Photography: 9/10
EDITING
This is one of the weakest aspect of this show, because it seems boring and derivative, without anything remarkable about it.
Sure, a lot of shots are shot in interesting ways but I've expected much more to be honest.
It's mediocre, just that.
Editing: 6/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Considering the budget, this series goes above and beyond expections in terms of CGI, VFX and SFX, to the point that these are so smooth that its hard to differentiate what is CGI and what isn't.
It's a different approach than the LOTR Trilogy but it's very effective. This is one of the few series where the CGI is used to its full potential.
Special Effects: 8/10
SOUNDTRACK
The soundtrack has a lot of influences from the LOTR Trilogy and it fits this series to perfection, because it gives it a continuity with the overall universe, even though this isn't canon.
I think that the theme is superlative as it was composed by Howard Shore, the composer of the Jackson's Trilogy.
The score is able to generate feeling of awe, wonder, dread and create a light mood when its necessary.
Well done.
I don't consider it memorable yet, but it will be.
Soundtrack: 8/10
COSTUMES
This series features costumes which are on the same level as the LOTR trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy. There's a maniacal attention to detail for each costume. Every species gets his own style and colors.
The ones I've liked the most are the Orcs and Harfoot's costumes, which are in line with their lifestyle and goals.
I also think that the Orcs makeup is outrageously good.
This is one of the few shows which manages to get an high score in this section. It's rare.
Costumes: 9/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Photography: 9/10
Editing: 6/10
Special Effects: 8/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
Costumes: 9/10
AVERAGE: 7,57
A good looking series which is technically and visually good but lacks a better script. Watch it if you're a LOTR fan. I think that it will get better and better with each season.
Director: J. A. Bayona
Screenplay: J. D. Payne & Patrick McKay
Cast: Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Sara Zwangobani, Daniel Weyman, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Lenny Henry, Lloyd Owen, Nazanin Boniadi, Dylan Smith, Alex Tarrant, Tyroe Muhafidin, Robert Aramayo, Geoff Morrell, Thusitha Jayasundera, Maxine Cunliffe
Soundtrack: Bear McCreary
Running Time: 70 min
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