Netflix Originals latest sci-fi thriller is the apocalyptic "How It Ends". The film is directed by David M. Rosenthal and stars a notable and recognizable cast that consists of Forest Whitaker, Theo James, Kat Graham, Nicole Ari Parker and Kerry Bische. The story is a straightforward, dark-toned action adventure told in a dystopic manner.
When a mysterious disaster turns the country into a war zone, a young lawyer heads west with his future father-in-law to find his pregnant fiancée.
The story that Brooks McLaren offers is a doomsday situation, fueled by family drama and total upheaval of social norms, that is full of bluster and low on substance. The characters are developed and relatable, only the archetypes are structured on somewhat obsolete ideals. Luckily the performances are put together by some seasoned talent who manage to give life to this group of "survivors". Basically "How It Ends" plays out as a mismatched buddy roadtrip, but a dark, intense cross country trip through Armageddon.
Special effects, both CGI and practical, are worthy and well done examples of quality. The scene after scene moments of - "just how screwed life just got" - are blockbuster level and really give "How It Ends" one of its few good elements. The backgrounds and scenic aspects are cenamatic tablous. I even found no flaws with the music score.
The downfall for this one is the simple fact of writer and director choice. The lack of information that sets the scene for what and why we are in the apocalypse is absent. The relationships of these characters seem like intentional cliches with no real grasp on motivation or emotional investment in one another on a level that shows true understanding of objective. It kinda looks as if you get like storyboard in motion but not the substance that puts them all together. And the non-ending thing is annoying. Overall "How It Ends" is a mediocre movie that has as much wrong as it gets right. (2.5/5)
No comments:
Post a Comment