Review of The Dark Tower (2017) by Stella Q — 07 Aug 2017

Perhaps it is simply the fact that I have no knowledge at all of Stephen King?s Dark Tower, but I seem to be going against the popular opinion with this movie. I found it to be a blast. The action was exciting, the world was well-defined, and the sci-fi elements were right up my alley. Idris Elba was spectacular as the gunslinger. He plays a tough and skilled character with a world-weariness that feels so authentic. I was also impressed with Tom Taylor as the young protagonist. He has some strong scenes that show he brings emotional depth and a quirky personality. I'm sure the complexity of the Dark Tower mythos is through the roof, but I felt they broke it down and simplified it so well. Also they managed to do all that world-building without a lot of exposition. The plot might have been a tad predictable since it follows a familiar story template, and there were a few moments I was afraid the pace started to drag, but then it would get back to some action and I was back on board. A handful of scenes stood out as particularly awesome and the theater reacted with the excitement you'd expect. I'm just surprised how unanimously this movie has been panned by critics because it worked for me, big time. In fact, I wish I could get another movie in this universe with these characters.

Wins against X-Men.

Wins against Django Unchained.

Loses to Wreck-It Ralph.

Loses to Joe Versus the Volcano.

Wins against The Crow.

Loses to The Lady Vanishes.

Wins against Insomnia.

Loses to Star Trek Beyond.

Wins against Split.

Loses to Star Trek Beyond.

The Dark Tower ranked 238 out of 1149.