Review of The Last Face (2017) by Thequietgamer — 02 Feb 2016

Certainly better than the average CGI, fantasy flick. While falling into some similar plotting traps we've seen to often from films of the like, the movie as a whole succeeds thanks to a cast made up of likable, talented actors. The impressive visuals and stylized world help as well.

Plenty of fantasy mumbo-jumbo is floating around. With plenty of lore and magic flying around there are occasional moments that get jumbled and confused. For the most part though it's all pretty easy to follow. Especially since the core plot hits some familiar notes.

We've seen this before. Powerful guy who lost his family deals with a returning evil. Heck, even the immortality part rings a few bells. That's a death sentence for most movies. For some reason though it feels like slipping into a well worn glove with this one. Comfortable and familiar.

The cast all play their familiar character types with a lot of charisma and talent. But what else could one expect with talent from the likes of Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Nolan's Batman trilogy, and Diesel himself making up the main cast? Obviously we are going to be treated to more fantastic performances.

A lot of great special effects bring the magic to life. The world is vibrant and often colorful. The action is a little lacking, but overall very entertaining. This is an all around pleasant film to look at, and not just because of Rose Leslie.

But what's the real saving grace of the film? What sets it above the average fantasy shlock? Simply put, it's not cheesy. There's no sense of camp, overacting, or inherent goofiness to take all of this into the painful, eye-rolling territory that it otherwise could have landed in. The lack of stupid one liners cannot be under appreciated.

So despite having a very familiar premise there's enough good here to make it worth a watch. A talented cast and attractive world breath new life into it's recycled elements. While still not perfect it's an enjoyable dark fantasy action movie that somehow manages to defy the odds and elevate above the likes of say "Seventh Son.".

I give the movie a 7.