Review of The Dark Tower (2017) by Rjmacready — 20 Apr 2020

As someone who hasn't read the King books - and someone who gave up on Marvel movies several years ago - I have absolutely no idea why this film is so maligned in an era where the stock-standard superhero movie reigns so supreme. Nothing here is terribly "new", but it's a successful mish-mash of various genres (mostly fantasy and Western) that does what a good blockbuster should: entertain. Furthermore, as someone who hasn't read the King books, I can't say I felt that anything was "missing"...but I guess it's inevitable that condensing eight beloved books into a single movie is gonna tick SOME people off.

As for claims that it's "incomprehensible" to newcomers: I'm pretty sure I understood every second of it, no problemo. It's fairly basic stuff, to be sure, but has enough flair to keep one easily engaged for a smidgen over ninety minutes. Methinks you people have gotten just a wee bit spoiled if you find this inadequate; especially given how indiscriminately you all rush off to catch the latest Marvel movie in the cinemas (several times a year, no less)! Oh: and McConaughey's delectable depiction of the villainous Man in Black is simply to die for, and well worth the price of admission alone.