Review of 10,000 BC (2008) by Chad D — 11 Mar 2012

Despite bad acting from the leading man and woman combined with some poor CGFX here and there, this story of love, friendship and faith is interesting and, more importantly, touching. As a big-budget history of man, the portrayal of primitive Arctic tribes allied with ancient Africans to combat prehistoric Egyptians is done with opulence and grandiosity.

Through it we experience a world of shamanistic powers and life reverence, in an era when the peoples of this planet had faith in legendary magics and herbal visions. These warriors faught men and beasts alike to protect their women, children and villages.

Overall, this is a polished production with an interesting story at the heart of a historical fiction, but low-budget acting is its problem. Cliff Curtis, Joel Virgel, Affif Ben Badra and, really, the rest of the cast do a good job bringing their characters to life.

Nevertheless, two casting mistakes make the difference, particularly when talking about lead roles. One or two stars would've gone a long way in matching up the characters with their surroundings.

It's a little hard to believe that adding actors like Orlando Bloom and/or Keira Knightley can elevate a movie, but this one proves it. Unfortunately, Steven Strait and Camilla Belle just needed more experience and acting lessons to pull off a movie of this scope.

As is, although it could've been better, it works.