Warcraft (2016)

Based on the video game, Warcraft is an epic story about the war between humans and orcs - both of whom are manipulated by cunning mages. It's a dazzling light-show filled with magic and fantasy elements and backed with a swathe of characters that are familiar for fans of the video game series. The soundtrack is orchestral but unfortunately forgettable as it does not use the original game music (although it does try to emulate it). The plot is adequate and the film moves along well yet there's nothing particularly deep going on here. But that's not the point. While the story would hold up for newcomers to the series, this is meant for fans of its two decades worth of gaming lore. Guilty as charged and worth a repeat viewing or two even if only for the brilliant Blizzard production values that are second to none.

8/10