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All rights reserved.Bionicle: Mask of Light (2003, DVD)
Unity, Duty, DestinyReview created: 02/16/04
by: skbreese-- a member of Epinions and Advisor in Movies
Pros:
Vivid coloring, creative 3-D animation
Vivid coloring, creative 3-D animation
Cons:
Plot is difficult to follow, Too many exotic characters
Plot is difficult to follow, Too many exotic characters
I don't know what I was expecting from a direct-to-video film based on Lego toys, but the luminous art work on the DVD caught my attention, and sparked my curiosity. What I discovered is that Bionicle: Mask Of Light is a visually stunning, fairly intriguing, children's fantasy action/adventure film that races along practically at the speed of light.
The rather complex plot in this 74 minute full- length computer generated animation film, is set in a mythological kingdom on the Island of Mata Nui, populated by the robot-like Matoran people. There are six villages on the island, represented by guardians called the Toa. The Matoran are caught in an on-going struggle with the dark spirit of the shadows, Makuta. Two of islanders, Jaller (the herald) and Takua (the chronicler) stumble upon the sacred Kanohi mask of light, which endows them with supernatural powers. This leads to an epic journey across the island as they battle Makuta and his forces of evil, to fulfill ancient prophecies.
The story is based on a rather elaborate mythological history that may sound foreign to anyone who is not familiar with the toys and Bionicle comic books. Although the history is revealed little by little during the film, it's easy to miss some of the components due to the rapid pace of the film. Furthermore, the exotic names of the characters can result in confusion, at times, without all of the background information. It may help to view some of the DVD special features before playing the film, if you are unfamiliar with the history.
The most appealing feature of the film is the state -of- the- art 3-D animations, using the plastic toy models who appear to be moving in live action, with complete range of motion. The lush island of Mata Nui is full of surprises and contradictions as the characters are seen in different scenes surfing on hot lava, gliding down snow covered mountains, and competing in a combative sporting event in a medieval style stadium.
The highlights of the film include the vivid colors consisting primarily of bright reds and yellows, and the exquisite art design, which includes a crab like creature that serves as a mode of transportation for the characters. The battle scenes are quite realistic, without resorting to graphic violence.
The vocal performances by a primarily unknown cast are all first rate, especially considering the fact that the characters are incapable of much facial expression, making the vocal inflections all the more important. The soundtrack is typical for an epic adventure film, featuring symphonic overtures that accentuate the action sequences.
Similar to Toy Story's, motto: to infinity and beyond," the main characters in Bionicle: The Mask Of Light, periodically repeat their motto: unity, duty, and destiny. The story is basically one of good vs evil, and emphasizes values such as discipline, team work, devotion, and friendship.
This film will primarily appeal to boys in the 7-11 age category who purchase the toys and are likely to be familiar with the comic books. Most adults will be impressed by the creative graphics, but will have a difficult time relating to what amounts to a somewhat intriguing 70 minute Lego products commercial.
DVD Extras
Making of The film featurette which includes a behind the scenes look at how the film was made and interviews with the producer and directors as well as a look at the storyboards.
Director's Commentary that includes information about the technical aspects of the film
A tour of the Island of Mata Nui
The Wall Of History that includes background information on the story
Storyboard to film comparison
Deleted scenes
Widescreen anamorphic format
Sneak Peaks
The rather complex plot in this 74 minute full- length computer generated animation film, is set in a mythological kingdom on the Island of Mata Nui, populated by the robot-like Matoran people. There are six villages on the island, represented by guardians called the Toa. The Matoran are caught in an on-going struggle with the dark spirit of the shadows, Makuta. Two of islanders, Jaller (the herald) and Takua (the chronicler) stumble upon the sacred Kanohi mask of light, which endows them with supernatural powers. This leads to an epic journey across the island as they battle Makuta and his forces of evil, to fulfill ancient prophecies.
The story is based on a rather elaborate mythological history that may sound foreign to anyone who is not familiar with the toys and Bionicle comic books. Although the history is revealed little by little during the film, it's easy to miss some of the components due to the rapid pace of the film. Furthermore, the exotic names of the characters can result in confusion, at times, without all of the background information. It may help to view some of the DVD special features before playing the film, if you are unfamiliar with the history.
The most appealing feature of the film is the state -of- the- art 3-D animations, using the plastic toy models who appear to be moving in live action, with complete range of motion. The lush island of Mata Nui is full of surprises and contradictions as the characters are seen in different scenes surfing on hot lava, gliding down snow covered mountains, and competing in a combative sporting event in a medieval style stadium.
The highlights of the film include the vivid colors consisting primarily of bright reds and yellows, and the exquisite art design, which includes a crab like creature that serves as a mode of transportation for the characters. The battle scenes are quite realistic, without resorting to graphic violence.
The vocal performances by a primarily unknown cast are all first rate, especially considering the fact that the characters are incapable of much facial expression, making the vocal inflections all the more important. The soundtrack is typical for an epic adventure film, featuring symphonic overtures that accentuate the action sequences.
Similar to Toy Story's, motto: to infinity and beyond," the main characters in Bionicle: The Mask Of Light, periodically repeat their motto: unity, duty, and destiny. The story is basically one of good vs evil, and emphasizes values such as discipline, team work, devotion, and friendship.
This film will primarily appeal to boys in the 7-11 age category who purchase the toys and are likely to be familiar with the comic books. Most adults will be impressed by the creative graphics, but will have a difficult time relating to what amounts to a somewhat intriguing 70 minute Lego products commercial.
DVD Extras
Making of The film featurette which includes a behind the scenes look at how the film was made and interviews with the producer and directors as well as a look at the storyboards.
Director's Commentary that includes information about the technical aspects of the film
A tour of the Island of Mata Nui
The Wall Of History that includes background information on the story
Storyboard to film comparison
Deleted scenes
Widescreen anamorphic format
Sneak Peaks
Review ID: 10000000000595428
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