Review of Pathfinder (2007) by Wassim S — 16 Oct 2010

Pathfinder is a niche film in so far that it sets itself in the North Americas during the 800 A.D. era, something you rarely find in a film.

Why? Well becasue nothing of interest was here other than animals and Indians...unless you subscribe to the Viking theory.

Therein lies the premise. Indians being stalked by ruthless Vikings hell bent on death to all.

This film is part First Blood and Apocalypto perhaps.

I could just 'see', as I was watching the film, the 'critics' comments on a film that has no equal for comparison, and no English actors with the status quo 'epic' voices that make any really film 'good'. Doesn't any real period piece NEED English accents??

11% fresh...surprise, surprise.

I guess the Icelandic and American accents didn't make par here?

In fact what you have here if you actually care to look is firt off, superb cinematography. The natural scenes and settings are top tier for such a film. Every bit of the $45 million dollar budget is at least shown throught the lens in both breath taking scenic pans of frozen tundra and rain forest lush views or, frightening Viking wardrobe that is exactly what it is supposed to be...over the top comic book type horrific beast of men, savagely cutting down anything that isn't 'their kind'. All scenes were first rendered and in "the extras" on BluRay disc, the discussions are superb.

Good cast, decent dialogue, I mean what was there to say in 800 A.D. in general for crying out loud.

Too many movies have too much pompous dialogue that some deem 'required' to make the ethos and pathos manifest but, this movie is about visceral hell on Earth early and often.

Superb wardrobe for the Indians and the Vikings. Solid weaponry and usage thereof, good use of lighting and mist to maximize effect of the Vikings presence.

The BluRay picture quality is superb with grain ala 300, etc giving it a surreal element about it. Great audio as well with alot of cold steel being clunked around from all sides.

This movie to me, is an under rated, under the radar fun vehicle for the guys who enjoy Viking lore and it gives you a sense of what the ancient peoples of Europe saw comming onto their shores for many years bringing the hammer of the gods down on skulls.

After watching this snow bound wonderland, you will feel cold and likely turn up your heater.

11%? Really? I'm not even bothering to check some of these 'critics' dossier on their highly rated films because typically, they over rate some real stinkers.

Not trying to slam all critics but...11%, lol. Riiiight.