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8

seenshFeb 24, 2019

the film is very enjoyable and the visuals are great and the acting was very good. I know it could be better it should be very long series so the details of the very complicated world can be shown better. The fast pace of the film kill itsthe film is very enjoyable and the visuals are great and the acting was very good. I know it could be better it should be very long series so the details of the very complicated world can be shown better. The fast pace of the film kill its very creative idea.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

SchroederRockMar 13, 2019

Visually awesome with all kinds of creativity and epic settings that are a blast to watch characters explore but Mortal Engines lacks a lot of soul that other post-apocalyptic films tend to have. This could have been an amazing film if theVisually awesome with all kinds of creativity and epic settings that are a blast to watch characters explore but Mortal Engines lacks a lot of soul that other post-apocalyptic films tend to have. This could have been an amazing film if the cast were given better direction and the script was stronger. Because I believe that both of those elements were rushed the film just didn't come off as well as I had expected. Hugo Weaving is a great actor and you could tell that because of the writing and mediocre direction that a lot of quality was left untapped. The movie is entertaining enough but it's constantly fighting its lack of explanation and drumming around a lot of unknown places. Often I found myself wondering why any of the issues in this fictional world matter? Why are certain places important? Why is this major location that gets referenced once or twice so important and what's the beef between some of these rival factions? Because the film gets setup so poorly and there's little effort put into diving into the details I just had a hard time loving this movie, and I really wanted to love it.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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6

DubeauJan 31, 2019

Mortal Engines is a hit and miss kind of thing. The flashbacks were very detrimental to the movie. Put in order, the story would have benefit from the steady rise in tension and made more sens. The FX are amazing. You won't get bored lookingMortal Engines is a hit and miss kind of thing. The flashbacks were very detrimental to the movie. Put in order, the story would have benefit from the steady rise in tension and made more sens. The FX are amazing. You won't get bored looking at this movie. The action isn't always great. Sometimes it's very cool, some just plainly generic. The main actors are fine, but all the secondaries are pretty bad. And the dialogues are just poor all the way around especially with the loving part, there is no magic in it (in words). The music is horrible. Doesn't always match what you see on screen. I give it a 62%. It's not a bad film but the only seller are the visuals.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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6

RalfbergsMar 8, 2019

The idea of the movie was good, but I think it missed something in the story and also the fact that it focused only on London while they marketed the story like a fight between many cities was quite misleading. Anyway, it's a decent movie,The idea of the movie was good, but I think it missed something in the story and also the fact that it focused only on London while they marketed the story like a fight between many cities was quite misleading. Anyway, it's a decent movie, but a bit forgettable for me to give it a higher rating.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

RONSAIDITMar 5, 2019

this could have been so much more than it was, just felt like there was something missing, the acting was good but something just wasn't right, maybe if they used the robot guy more, he was cool.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

BigDegs29Dec 17, 2018

I'm giving this a 7 because, despite it's many flaws, I found it thoroughly entertaining. Starting with the positives:
• The movie is a visual treat, as was expected
• The lead actress does an incredible job IMO. I've never seen her before,I'm giving this a 7 because, despite it's many flaws, I found it thoroughly entertaining. Starting with the positives:
• The movie is a visual treat, as was expected
• The lead actress does an incredible job IMO. I've never seen her before, but hope to see her again! Her male co-star does a passable job; no complaints. In fact, I think the acting was all above average.
• I know some found the story boring, but I liked it, aside from some predictable moments.
• The pacing was spot on. Gave the movie room to breathe without getting bogged down.

The negatives:
• Dumb or overused lines. Hugo Weaving actually rips a couple lines direct from The Lord of the Rings, which is jarring to hear in another world. • Plot holes and non-sensical (or non-existent) character motivations.
• We don't learn enough about the world.
• Terminator in the second act. Felt like filler. Plus, we're supposed to feel some emotion at one moment, and I simply didn't. • Speaking of emotion, I didn't buy the connection between the two leads. There simply wasn't enough groundwork laid for it.

All in all, definitely worth a watch. I think the critics have been a little too harsh here (as they usually are for fantasy-like movies).… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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5

JoeCoolFeb 10, 2019

While I like steampunk, this movie is an over-budgeted misguided attempt at something novel. However the storyline is so far out there that it totally failed to get, much less keep, me interested beyond the first few minutes. It's just not aWhile I like steampunk, this movie is an over-budgeted misguided attempt at something novel. However the storyline is so far out there that it totally failed to get, much less keep, me interested beyond the first few minutes. It's just not a good movie, I don't care who the makers are, it's just not good.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

EgeBerkDec 18, 2018

When I watched the trailer was one of the curious films but somehow I couldn't love the movie much.
The first heads of the film came to me very confused ,continuous war scenes makes people tired.Okay they created a new world, walking cities,When I watched the trailer was one of the curious films but somehow I couldn't love the movie much.
The first heads of the film came to me very confused ,continuous war scenes makes people tired.Okay they created a new world, walking cities, but the people were exhausting.
Mad Max also had a similar subject in the room action scenes were plenty of movies, but we were not too tired in the scenes
the scenes in the mortal engines began to improve a little bit towards the end of the very mixed film, as we watched the scenes in the star wars.
as if i saw a combination of several films in this film
I liked the shrike character and it looked like a Terminator.I liked it all, but his scenes seemed as if they were unnecessary.So the shrink was good, but the subject was a bit unnecessary as if to complete the story.

The story is fine, I like the universe and idea created.I can't say anything about the director.Player found the elections very successful, every player has given the film the right so acting is good.Especially jihae mom and i loved her so much that she will be a very big player in the future.
I didn't like the film in general but it can be watched.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

kman5473Dec 17, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Have you seen Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope? Then you already know the plot of this movie. It's a Star Wars rip-off, re-wrapped with steam punk and it's done ok with an enormous budget, but offers nothing new, compelling, or interesting. This is a 2-hour long chase scene with 30 minutes of exposition and no character development that makes anyone feel unique or interesting--except Shrike and Anna Fang. These are the only two characters that are interesting. However, both of these characters are killed so--not that there will be--if there is a sequel, I have no reason to see it.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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3

The3AcademySinsNov 13, 2019

I really disliked Mortal Engines. I thought the story, production, and even a lot of the acting performances to be bland, cliche, or derivative. The lengthy and numerous flashback and exposition scenes did nothing but drag the movie down. TheI really disliked Mortal Engines. I thought the story, production, and even a lot of the acting performances to be bland, cliche, or derivative. The lengthy and numerous flashback and exposition scenes did nothing but drag the movie down. The film itself feels very rushed and loud. I didn't find anything of substance here.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

Lonewolf63Mar 15, 2019

Went into this movie cold. My wife and I wanted to try a new theater and this was playing at the right time. We both loved the movie. Yes, it did have some plot holes, but it was fun and was actually very well acted. Go see it, enjoy.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

TomtagApr 14, 2019

This movie had great special effects and kept the scenes as paradise for viewers, even though the story isn't that good

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

andre27Feb 25, 2019

Filme que não me deslumbrou e que achei mal explorado. A ideia do filme prometia mas não foi bem explorada. Os personagens não tinham o carisma necessário e a história foi mal contado e abordada talvez na necessidade de colocar tudo num sóFilme que não me deslumbrou e que achei mal explorado. A ideia do filme prometia mas não foi bem explorada. Os personagens não tinham o carisma necessário e a história foi mal contado e abordada talvez na necessidade de colocar tudo num só filme. Resumindo filme que se vê mas que ficamos com a sensação de querer mais e de que muita coisa não foi bem explorada e que os actores não ajudaram a melhorar a trama.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

MasadaSep 20, 2019

Despite some stunning (and sometimes not so stunning) visuals, this movie never lifts me up to really be enthralled into the setting and story. I think it has an amazing setting, but I miss it being drenched in lore. It could have used a dashDespite some stunning (and sometimes not so stunning) visuals, this movie never lifts me up to really be enthralled into the setting and story. I think it has an amazing setting, but I miss it being drenched in lore. It could have used a dash of mystery, wonder and soul.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

BeeradMar 7, 2020

It had potential. But imagine if all three lotr were packed into one 2 hour film. You wouldn’t care about the characters. You wouldn’t care about the ring. You wouldn’t care about middle earth. Nothing would really matter cuz you’re justIt had potential. But imagine if all three lotr were packed into one 2 hour film. You wouldn’t care about the characters. You wouldn’t care about the ring. You wouldn’t care about middle earth. Nothing would really matter cuz you’re just getting cliff notes. That’s how Mortal engines feels.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

NightReviewsDec 26, 2018

The latest contrivance from Peter Jackson, Mortal Engines is a post-apocalyptic action thriller on wheels. The film was penned and produced by Jackson with newcomer Christian Rivers making his feature film directorial debut under Jackson’sThe latest contrivance from Peter Jackson, Mortal Engines is a post-apocalyptic action thriller on wheels. The film was penned and produced by Jackson with newcomer Christian Rivers making his feature film directorial debut under Jackson’s wing. The concept of Mortal Engines is set thousands of years ahead of our time. After what was known of the “Sixty Minute War”, the Earth’s crust has shattered resulting in a large loss of the earth’s surface area and natural resources. The loss of resources is the main motivating factor behind entire cities transforming their societies into moving war machines. Their only goal; strategizing towards conquering one another for resources. These concepts do not stray far from our own political climate in its current state. The amped up and glamorized special effects make these concepts of moving beasts of cities a fantastic steam-punk fuelled spectacle that gets your gears going. The story of Mortal Engines centres around a young apprenticing historian Tom Natsworthy played by Robert Sheehan. The young aspiring aviator unwillingly becomes involved in the attempted murder of the main monopolizing figure of London and Head of Guild of Historians, Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving). The would-be assassin, Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), is a masked and mysterious femme fatale figure with some of the new world’s darkest and deepest secrets. After being mostly unsuccessful with her assassination attempt, no thanks to Tom, Hester and Tom find themselves exiled off of London and into the Great Hunting Ground. Left to face the bleak landscape of the new destructed world alone, a world that director Rivers and the set designer Rosie Guthrie decorate with numerous memorable cinematic set pieces, including a southern bayou style encampment vehicle that rolls and crawls through the landscape with clay formations on its back resembling armour similar to something you would see on an ancient dinosaur or armadillo.

After being captured and sold as slaves, Hester and Tom are lucky enough to be saved by top world assassin Anna Fang. Korean pop star and actress Jihae plays Fang, pilot and leader of the anti-establishment force known as the “anti-tractionists” who oppose the mobilization of cities and subsequent warfare that comes with the capitalist nature of it all. Opposing the idea of what the predator cities adopt as “Municipal Darwinism”, Fang steals Hester and Tom as well as the slave market scene from the movie commanding attention. Donning a red leather trench coat tat resembles something out of a colourful parallel world Matrix, Fang saves our main protagonists without a hair falling out-of-place from her Presley style pompadour. this among many others scenes in the film are hard to ignore for its blatent yet often times crazy imitation type scenes. Typically, while films with this type of budget and nature, tend to pay great tribute and homage to some of the films it get inspiration film, Mortal Engine tends to spill a little too much grease on its mirroring scenes.

In addition to this array of fresh new faces of actors, the supporting cast also includes Leila George D’Onofrio, playing Katherine Valentine, Thaddeus Valentine’s daughter and at least in portions of the film seeming love interest to Tom. Stephen Lang plays the role of Shrike, a Metal Gear Solid styled undead soldier from a battalion called The Stalkers. While Shrike is made mostly of metal and being undead, Shrike and Hester provide the film with the most emotional parts of the film and perhaps the film’s best subplot, Lang and Hilmar give the majority of the film its beating heart, no matter ow cold the subject material really is.

While Mortal Engines will be a hard sell in a jam-packed holiday schedule of films, this dystopian future feature film does some provide audiences with amusing portrayals of the future. Both Rivers and Jackson create a world that is both terrifying to imagine, yet fascinating and hard to look away from. Although the film tries a little too hard on being a Mad Max imitation the film is peppered with popular culture references touching on everything from minions, to Apple products (specifically iPhones) and toasters; displayed and spoken about as if they were ancient relics that providing us humans with some essential and crucial nourishment. One of my favourite and probably the most humorous scenes in the film was when we see Esther pull out a Twinkie to eat. Tom makes a remark at how old the Twinkie is and in a cheeky jab towards the food industry, she diffuses his worries by claiming food from the past even if it is a thousand years old in their case of story and time, “never goes bad”.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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7

GrachechkovskiDec 15, 2018

This is spectacular movie where you can feel all enormity of city and landscape size, especially in 3D vision. Also I saw the small niceness of the actions and history, because of the book is bigger I suggest. However, it's a great movie forThis is spectacular movie where you can feel all enormity of city and landscape size, especially in 3D vision. Also I saw the small niceness of the actions and history, because of the book is bigger I suggest. However, it's a great movie for evening time… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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9

JanGasserJan 14, 2019

The story of the movie is for sure not the best, but the rest of the movie is great. The steampunk-world looks stunning and and the movie is full of epic scenes. The best fantasy movie i saw this year.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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1

XerokaDec 14, 2018

I can't recommend anyone see this movie. Even ignoring the source material, it is simply bad as a movie. I had high hopes seeing Peter Jackson attached to the movie, but it seems it did not help it outside the general visuals, which is reallyI can't recommend anyone see this movie. Even ignoring the source material, it is simply bad as a movie. I had high hopes seeing Peter Jackson attached to the movie, but it seems it did not help it outside the general visuals, which is really the only positive thing I can attribute to this movie. The general plot gave the impression they were just trying to rush me along from one pretty action scene to the next, while failing to actually make me care about, or be invested in, the characters, their motivations, or the world the story takes place in.

After going back and reviewing the plot of the book, I found that many of the central themes and events that made it interesting were also glossed over and prettied up in the movie. They managed to take a very interesting character in Shaw and reduce her to a basic pretty girl with generic motivations and personality. With the personalities of the main characters stripped away, the love story they attempt to shoe-in comes across as forced as I am left wondering why these people who just met look like they are already in love.… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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7

Just1nsaneDec 15, 2018

Not sure why the critics are giving this movie such bad reviews sometimes I ask my self did we see the same movie? Well to each their own. This movie is not bad at all. It's only problem is the character are not fully fleshed out.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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7

Davrosdaleks1Dec 17, 2018

I'm afraid I'm basically mimicking the general opinion on this, but Mortal Engines is more style than substance.

Visually this one of those rare visual masterpieces. Director Christian Rivers was a storyboard artist/visual effects guy on theI'm afraid I'm basically mimicking the general opinion on this, but Mortal Engines is more style than substance.

Visually this one of those rare visual masterpieces. Director Christian Rivers was a storyboard artist/visual effects guy on the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit films, and he knows how build a world. The film contains a sort of cyberpunk-ish reality that combines the old and new. Everything from the technology to the clothing to even the natural environment feels completely distinctive. The giant tank-like city of London is something to behold. The opening where we're introduced to the place is such a breathtaking scene.

The film also has an impressively designed secondary antagonist in the form of the disturbing and relentless Shrike, a cyber-zombie with a piercing voice

Before I get into the plot, understand that the story and actors are decent, just not strong enough to sustain the 2 hour, 8 minute run time. The script is by Peter Jackson and his regular co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Like King Kong and the Hobbit films, they don't realize less is more. Dialogue and some action scenes just go on a little too long. In fairness, the length gives the writers ample time to explain how this busy world works. Even then there are a couple script holes: a character figures out a plot point too quickly without enough plausible context and a supporting character just sort of vanishes once he served his purpose.

The film unsuccessfully romantically pairs the two main characters Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar) and Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan). It does a wonderful job of building a friendship and why they'd trust each other, but the love aspect is unbelievable. It happens too quickly, and they have no chemistry.

Plot-wise the standout character is again Shrike. He has the most sympathetic story-line. In the pantheon of good villains from weak films, I hope Shrike ends up being remembered like the Darkness from Legend and not forgotten like Maximillian from the Black Hole.

Despite it's clunkiness, I highly recommend you see this just for this experience. You just may want to watch it at home while your washing the dishes or working on a project.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

nicohoffiDec 17, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very Good Movie, one of the best i´ve seen this Year.
Go and watch it yourself and u´ll be surprised… Expand

9 of 24 users found this helpful915

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7

ohnomrbillDec 15, 2018

this is a very unconventional movie with conventional values. mostly great fun to watch yet you may find, in the end, convention sort of eats up the unconventional. still, a mostly fun movie to watch.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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6

MakorDec 14, 2018

Not anything too special to be honest, but it does do a few things quite well. The movie is certainly best when it is just a bunch of cool action in its interesting world. The action scenes are well edited and keep you engaged. Sadly theNot anything too special to be honest, but it does do a few things quite well. The movie is certainly best when it is just a bunch of cool action in its interesting world. The action scenes are well edited and keep you engaged. Sadly the movie also attempts a love story, and i can only say those scenes are boring and cringy, definitely the worst parts of the movie are between the two main characters. The world of mortal engines though is interesting enough to keep the movie going, and those talking/flirting scenes dont last too long. Some of the storylines in the movie are better than others, and a few things dont make sense, but i think it is acceptable just because it has its good action, and i was not expecting much more than that. If a sequal comes out i would probably watch it, just because i find the world of mortal engines interesting enough to follow another mediocre story, just to see more interesting locations and vehicles. 6/10 good enough… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

BennyCKChiaDec 17, 2018

Detailed production design provide a visually stunning sci-fi, reminiscing Kerry Conran's 2004 classic bomb SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW. Plot is twisted far from the original novel, expect sci-fi of this nature to be bomb in USDetailed production design provide a visually stunning sci-fi, reminiscing Kerry Conran's 2004 classic bomb SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW. Plot is twisted far from the original novel, expect sci-fi of this nature to be bomb in US boxoffice since it has no big names in the cast and not a well-known entity that can create a splash. One of my best of 2018.… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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8

mrgfisherApr 15, 2019

Enjoyable, non-stop, loud, huge 'world'. Makes me want to read the books. Will watch it again.

Downside - the action and pace sometimes gets in the way of the acting and human side of the story telling.

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

0401616Dec 29, 2018

Mortal Engines feels fresh: many of the elements have been seen before, but rarely have any of them felt as well done. Watching the movie for the first time, you feel like there are many layers of depth (moving cities not withstanding), andMortal Engines feels fresh: many of the elements have been seen before, but rarely have any of them felt as well done. Watching the movie for the first time, you feel like there are many layers of depth (moving cities not withstanding), and you are only scratching the surface. It is occasionally quirky without becoming too excentric to appeal to a mainstream audience. The visiual style is at times remeniscent of the Lord of the Rings, though there are moments that seem inspired by Star Wars (in a good way).

While there is a message about our use of the planet's resources, the movie is never overbearing, and does not lecture. In short: Mortal Engines is an entertaining movie to watch, with a high level of immersion, and the kind of scenery that would not have looked out of place in Lord of the Rings.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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3

ViolettNov 3, 2019

This is probably the very first movie I decided to stop and not to watch almost at the end. The beginning was fine, the idea of ther movie itself was quite fine too, but the end is just atrocious. There was just so many crucial flaws makingThis is probably the very first movie I decided to stop and not to watch almost at the end. The beginning was fine, the idea of ther movie itself was quite fine too, but the end is just atrocious. There was just so many crucial flaws making the movie totally unbelivable. The usual mistake of action movies - where army fails few heroes prevail, but here it was just completely unbelivable. Love strories and fatherdaughter stories are awful and unbelivable too. The only good are city views - thats why I didnt put zero. Id like to recommend this movie, but if I do Id also will have to reccomend to stop the video until the "happy end".… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

RobFeightJul 8, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What an under-the-radar treat! And a big THANKS to the random writer who made a list of movies that, "If You Liked, Alita: Battle Angel..." Amazing that both of these movies garnered such modest fan-fare. But, my running theory is that Mortal Engines crossed boldly into the political realm. The Governor came off as an obvious symbol of the Dalai Lama. Even the city behind the wall--the statics--was an expanded spitting image of Dharamshala. The Mudusa? One look at that futuristic USB thumbdrive with the "USA" imprinted onto it and suspicions are only further assured. London representing the United Kingdom; the kamikaze move by the Asian woman fighting for the good guys; there is certainly an abundance of evidence to further the theory. In any case, if this movie didn't drum-up the PR band this could certainly be a reason why.

Okay, onto the review.

Another metacritic reviewer had the same thought as myself: That Star Wars vibe. It felt as though I was being drawn into a franchise universe--albeit with a MUCH bigger catalog of set-pieces--sorry Death Star. Should go without saying, the CGI was captivating. To be expected with WETA behind the helm, and Peter Jackson's own dedicated art department manager taking the reins on his first big-budget directing role.

Yes, there were some questionable writing decisions made. Lazarus cyborg dying from a scissor kick? The blonde daughter--the protagonist's half-sister--and Tom's friend disappearing from the story for no apparent reason just as they could had stepped-in and stopped the Medusa from wreaking havoc? The villain--a writer with honorary political power--suddenly knew how to wield a sword better than a trained warrior? These were three of the biggest offenders that jerked me abruptly from my immersion.

Perhaps the production ran short on funding and had to rush something out the door.

But, most importantly, I was largely more-so-than-not, immersed.

Eight stars, because Mortal Engines took a well-known plot and turned it into an original cinematic experience that deserves a Twinkies' lifetime of praise.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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3

syundMar 24, 2019

awful movie,there were so many holes in the story and o course was too predictable

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

LamontRaymondDec 20, 2018

It's MUCH more fun an emotionally engaging than the critics lead me to believe. Loved the lead actor and actress, but the breakout star from this film is the the bad-ass Asian actress from the "Mars" series on Nat Geo. She's stellar andIt's MUCH more fun an emotionally engaging than the critics lead me to believe. Loved the lead actor and actress, but the breakout star from this film is the the bad-ass Asian actress from the "Mars" series on Nat Geo. She's stellar and should be a big star in the coming years.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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9

LBXZeroDec 17, 2018

I find this movie as underrated. The story is great, and the scenario is well executed. I believe the real problem isn't the film but the marketting. This film is more relatable to a Steampunk Star Wars handled by a competent director.

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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7

JokohamaDec 16, 2018

This movie has cool steampunk vibe, stunning visual, b-rated story and NPC-like characters.

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

DanielGWDec 21, 2018

Mortal Engines: Rise - The World of the Traction Cities. Mortal Engines is a different kind of movie, one that brings you closer to the truth.

Everyone says don’t believe the hype except of course if the hype is for something to fail. TheMortal Engines: Rise - The World of the Traction Cities. Mortal Engines is a different kind of movie, one that brings you closer to the truth.

Everyone says don’t believe the hype except of course if the hype is for something to fail. The movie Mortal Engines will be a cult classic – guaranteed. The only question is did you experience it on the big screen when you had the chance? What is the movie about? The real question is how far do you want to go?

If we could literally see what our combined actions looked like as a species then it would look like something akin to Mortal Engines. Yes, it is that kind of movie.
Even the name ‘Mortal Engines’ signifies that nothing we create lasts forever. If the whole concept of mobile predator cities seems outlandish then remember it was intentionally meant to be so. The mobile cities are a powerful metaphor for the ridiculousness of our human engineered systems and how far we will go to protect them. This movie poses some of the most profound questions of our age. Such as how far will we go as a species in the fight for limited resources?

How far will we go to sustain the unsustainable?… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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2

DominArsenOct 27, 2019

An idea that creates an interesting universe, but lacks something that could make us dream.

Une idée qui crée un univers intéressant, mais qui manque de quelque chose qui pourrait nous faire rêver.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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6

Happy-KJun 9, 2019

Truly disappointing. The first half was fantastic. The world was really interesting. Also there are small details that make the world fell more alive. The Action was entertaining and the CGI was Amazing. I thought that Blockbuster MoviesTruly disappointing. The first half was fantastic. The world was really interesting. Also there are small details that make the world fell more alive. The Action was entertaining and the CGI was Amazing. I thought that Blockbuster Movies should be exactly like that. But than the Second half comes around and its feels like they changed the director and writers. Because than the Movie feels like a bad Star wars rip-off, And the Story becomes pretty predictable. The dialogs also were getting more uncreative and bland. They also managed to make the characters more like puppets in the second half. Overall the fantastic first half gets destroyed by an boring, uncreative and bland second half. Also the Final was a too long, it felt like it was never ending. This Movie had so much potential but it didn't managed to use it.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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0

TriPoloskiFeb 15, 2020

This film is a disgrace and I cannot bear to watch it,
In fact I walked out of the cinema early because I needed to take a break for the crap this film pulls. They ripped of terminator for the villain, and when the villain tries to kill themThis film is a disgrace and I cannot bear to watch it,
In fact I walked out of the cinema early because I needed to take a break for the crap this film pulls. They ripped of terminator for the villain, and when the villain tries to kill them horribly they immediately feel bad and want them to not die.

Additionally, it just yada yadas through %9000 of everything, like the auction when "hey look a blimp n stuff yeayaeyaeyaey"!¬… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

ProteusJan 1, 2019

Marketing Fail of the Century! Good movie y'all. Better than about any other in the genre. Very interesting world which is both fantastic and seems real. Design, execution, story, everybody gets an A except the publicity folks need to beMarketing Fail of the Century! Good movie y'all. Better than about any other in the genre. Very interesting world which is both fantastic and seems real. Design, execution, story, everybody gets an A except the publicity folks need to be fired, and barred from working in the industry ever again.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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7

EludiumQ36Oct 26, 2019

"Mortal Engines" is an entirely watchable film, it's a good cohesive plot with a villain AND an anti-villain along with some amazing large-scale visuals so the larger your 4K/HDR tv the better. Along those lines, there's a lot of dark scenes"Mortal Engines" is an entirely watchable film, it's a good cohesive plot with a villain AND an anti-villain along with some amazing large-scale visuals so the larger your 4K/HDR tv the better. Along those lines, there's a lot of dark scenes so those with OLED or other true-black tvs will be better served. (originally posted on IMDB 10/12/19)… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

kiwijinxterDec 26, 2018

Steampunk Star Wars. That's what I thought when I watched this movie. Mortal Engines is a little bit like Star Wars in that it creates an entire (steampunk) world from scratch and introduces us to a whole bunch of new, nuanced characters whomSteampunk Star Wars. That's what I thought when I watched this movie. Mortal Engines is a little bit like Star Wars in that it creates an entire (steampunk) world from scratch and introduces us to a whole bunch of new, nuanced characters whom we are unfamiliar with, all of them with some backstory, which makes things interesting. It's a whole new world. What I really like about the world of Mortal Engines is that it is unlike any other worlds I've seen before in the movies, so the mechanics of the world is totally different. It's a semi-post apocalyptic world, with a hint of dystopia (yet not dark like many of the modern boring dystopian movies we see today) coupled with a dash of hope and humanity. On the one hand you have the humans which, true to life, want to destroy each other and then on the other hand you have the unquenchability of the human spirit found in steampunk itself told through what is likely the coolest steampunk character I've seen in the movies, Shrike (I won't spoil it for you, but you'll know what I mean when you see the movie).

With Weta's involvement and Peter Jackson & co, it is no surprise how real they managed to create this steampunk world, in excellent CGI glory. London on wheels is simply so cool and intimidating. The actors all fit into this world well. I reckon they could make this movie even more interesting by fleshing out the characters quite a bit more. All in all, it is simply such a cool movie. Personally, this is one of the most unexpected movies I've seen in 2018 and it is a pleasant surprise, being so different from the other movies. I love it, my kids loved it too. Highly recommended.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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10

Faust-RSIFeb 1, 2019

Very nice ideas and the world itself, though as I know they are taken form the book series. I enjoyed the movie and can't wait to see more from this series.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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10

KruppaNandorJan 6, 2019

This is the steampunk version of the star wars, and f***in awesome. Instant get for all engineers, like me.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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10

GadzukesMay 31, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you like steampunk you will love this movie! While the cities aren't running on steam, it gives you the same feeling. Non-stop action and plenty of twists and turns throughout the movie.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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10

JmacTheGreatJun 2, 2019

I can't believe this movie bombed at the theaters, it was really good and the originality of it was on point. People aren't giving original movies a chance anymore. The special effects were outstanding, really good acting and intense actionI can't believe this movie bombed at the theaters, it was really good and the originality of it was on point. People aren't giving original movies a chance anymore. The special effects were outstanding, really good acting and intense action throughout, it's a perfect 10 for me.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

HealingToolboxJan 25, 2019

Like Fantastic Beasts 2: Gindelwald, here is another movie with AAA budget, direction, acting, effects and CONVICTION in each department. Both are AAA works of craft in feature film making. What did the USA critics think? They could notLike Fantastic Beasts 2: Gindelwald, here is another movie with AAA budget, direction, acting, effects and CONVICTION in each department. Both are AAA works of craft in feature film making. What did the USA critics think? They could not find a reason to take either film seriously and celebrate all the things working so well. Both movies made multiple times more in foreign markets than in the USA. More serious fantasy film makers than David Yates and Peter Jackson almost don't exist. How their latest works of pop art are being denigrated makes me wonder more about what USA critics want in their movies. Is it that both films fall short of perfection and therefore should be given low ratings? Is it how neither marketing campaign caught on and became click-bait ($$$ for social media corporations) with billions of Facebook likes to celebrate? I'm thinking more how serious fantasy film making is now only taken seriously outside Trump's USA. Unless--the film has billions of likes and corporations can make money off social media around ads, features and trailers for the film. You may agree with me much weaker films with marketing campaigns which went more viral, often seem to get higher scores; and therefore, attendance.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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10

LinlinPaolianDec 24, 2018

I totally love this movie. It is gorgeous, imaginative, consuming. The storyline is simple and the characters are relatable. The pace is perfect, without long boring scenes. In just 2 hours they have managed to recreate a new fantastic world,I totally love this movie. It is gorgeous, imaginative, consuming. The storyline is simple and the characters are relatable. The pace is perfect, without long boring scenes. In just 2 hours they have managed to recreate a new fantastic world, surprisingly detailed. I strongly recommend this movie to all those who love adventure movies and fairytales.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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5

TVJerryDec 20, 2018

Adapted from the book series, this bleak future is dominated by enormous, elaborate "traction cities." In this case, the travelling London is a steampunk assemblage of landmarks that tramples thru Europe "eating" smaller machineAdapted from the book series, this bleak future is dominated by enormous, elaborate "traction cities." In this case, the travelling London is a steampunk assemblage of landmarks that tramples thru Europe "eating" smaller machine municipalities. It's up to a young couple to save the peaceful static towns from this giant predator. If you can get past the unlikely, unrealistic concept, you'll be left with a traditional post-apocalyptic plot. The action is plentiful, but not special. Given that it was shot and produced by folks in New Zealand (known for their excellent visual effects), you can expect everything to look convincingly real. The filmmaking is sufficiently absorbing, but never exciting or original.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

currer_bellFeb 29, 2020

Can't help but to feel bad for all the people who did the amazing special effects for this non-sensical, poorly written and directed movie.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

Jes1310Jun 2, 2020

watched ME with my daughters aged 13 and this is our combined review. We were both underwhelmed as a whole. Characters are one dimensional, effects are below average and the whole thing is just boring. Sometimes London looks like the beastwatched ME with my daughters aged 13 and this is our combined review. We were both underwhelmed as a whole. Characters are one dimensional, effects are below average and the whole thing is just boring. Sometimes London looks like the beast its supposed to be, but most of the sometimes it just looks like cgi gone bad. The final 30 minutes is a steampunk version of Star Wars - A new hope.
I expected a lot more...… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

tremaultJun 6, 2020

Started off really well, with some incredibly interesting concepts and a rich back story, and slowly descended into utter anarchy with no discernable logic and events and action, and dialogue that make literally zero sense. There are momentsStarted off really well, with some incredibly interesting concepts and a rich back story, and slowly descended into utter anarchy with no discernable logic and events and action, and dialogue that make literally zero sense. There are moments where I felt like I was missing a massive amount of hidden story, there were characters who look at each other or say a line and I feel like there is supposed to be some relationship between them and I'm supposed to know about it. characters make decisions for seemingly no sensible reason, like for example dropping the young girl off in the garden and then flying straight to the weapon that the young girl needed to get to..??? . this asian dissident girl seems to be a big deal and has some heroic death and I have no idea why or who she really is. I really got the sense this must be adapted from some Manga, or a TV series or a really long novel, but the thing is... if you're going to adapt from a larger source material you really need to edit the story so it actually makes sense in a 2 hour film. They did not do a good job with this as it is just a confused mess of garbage. If you can't include a character's backstory in the film, they should not be in the film making a 'meaningful look' before they crash their ship into the big city on wheels. I don't know who that is, and it just makes me feel like I'm not welcome at your party. Awful film that just made me angry.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Karmazyn83Feb 22, 2019

I really liked it. Nice, easy watch. Wonderful CGI and good acting. Movie was set in a very interesting Steam punk world. Shame it bombed, I would love to see a sequel. Costumes, sets and attention to details was really good. I will watch itI really liked it. Nice, easy watch. Wonderful CGI and good acting. Movie was set in a very interesting Steam punk world. Shame it bombed, I would love to see a sequel. Costumes, sets and attention to details was really good. I will watch it again tonight. Stunning visuals. I blame poor marketing for failure of this movie in a box office. What a shame.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

paulraisedMar 4, 2019

This feels like a family friendly 90’s adventure, much like The Mummy or ID4 but with today’s technology. It’s a good mix. The steam punk universe is very cool, visuals are breathtaking, there are epic villains, action, fun... Downside is itThis feels like a family friendly 90’s adventure, much like The Mummy or ID4 but with today’s technology. It’s a good mix. The steam punk universe is very cool, visuals are breathtaking, there are epic villains, action, fun... Downside is it also feels a lot like they borrowed from Star Wars... The movie is a bit long but it’s justified. Pace seems even throughout the whole thing. Perhaps they mashed too many events for a single movie, a trilogy might have been a better fit.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Voodoo123Apr 14, 2019

+ Exceptional visual detail
+ Looks incredible on 4K HDR tv setup
+ World detail is very impressive + Excellent cast deliver memorable performances +/- Screenplay is full of bizarre 'in world' dialogue / character choices - Drops you right+ Exceptional visual detail
+ Looks incredible on 4K HDR tv setup
+ World detail is very impressive
+ Excellent cast deliver memorable performances
+/- Screenplay is full of bizarre 'in world' dialogue / character choices
- Drops you right into the action with little to no room for a breather
- Ambitious plot simply decides to put 3 films worth of story into 2 hours?

Mortal Engines feels like the film Fran, Phillipa and peter wrote after playing Bioshock Infinite and on a purely visual level it completely grabbed me from the offset with the incredible first attack sequence where we see entire sections of a trading 'engine cluster' breaking apart and zipping off in all directions...so far so good, then the film seems to overwhelm with bizarre character choices as we are taken across the landscape to the great shield city for a final battle which feels almost undeserved as we don't yet have any emotions at stake with these characters yet... I felt an opportunity was missed here to spend more time in the world before it got blown apart by insanely detailed visual effects sequences.... The sets are just incredible and the cast feel somewhat wasted in their incredibly detailed costumes with their questionably obscure in world dialogue.... If nothing else Mortal Engines both soars to great heights of originality and suffers for trying to.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

AxeTDec 20, 2018

Some epic unusual visuals (yet no shortage of such in plentiful stream of sci-fi fantasy flicks) entrenched in a mind numbing formulaic bore so typical of the genre. * Notable viewing only for the Dolby HDR Cinema large format auditoriumSome epic unusual visuals (yet no shortage of such in plentiful stream of sci-fi fantasy flicks) entrenched in a mind numbing formulaic bore so typical of the genre. * Notable viewing only for the Dolby HDR Cinema large format auditorium (competition for IMAX) with sound so bold the seats (the most comfortable of recliner leather chairs) literally shake.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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5

buddhalouFeb 14, 2019

I'm thinking a discount showing at the theater might have been in order. Some pretty cool visuals, but not a whole lot else that really stands out.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

KayVen17Dec 30, 2018

Deutsche Review - Kritik Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt dasDeutsche Review - Kritik Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln verstanden? Dann sind hier meine Punkte. Punkte: 71/100… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

cyprongeFeb 28, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cliché.... film pour adolescents. Dès visuel exceptionnel maïs une scénario de merdé.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

AnthLCAug 27, 2020

Actually it isn’t the best or worst movie out there and reasonably entertaining.. It reminds often critic reviewers can have a herd mentality. Often a panned film isn’t as bad as they say and the same for critically acclaimed films can oftenActually it isn’t the best or worst movie out there and reasonably entertaining.. It reminds often critic reviewers can have a herd mentality. Often a panned film isn’t as bad as they say and the same for critically acclaimed films can often be a lemon. Giving it a 8 more a seven but to counter the sheep.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

TheFrogAug 31, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this movie in terms of environment: its production values are through the roof and the steampunk aesthetics are all but perfect. It's a wonder to look at, if you just accept the base tenet of steampunk, i.e. everything depicted is impossible, really really impossible, implausible. You can't build flying fortresses powered by steam, you can't build practical steam computers and you can't build fast moving cities that weight millions of tons. Steampunk is like high fantasy: just assume that it's magic and you can enjoy it.
The story left me a bit unimpressed but that happens with almost all action movies, this one is actually not bad at all, just not my thing.
There's a reanimated and almost indestructible man/robot thing, who is unfortunately underused and thrown away. Removing him from the movie altogether would have probably been better.
What I really disliked? FOUR stupid planes taking out all anti-air defenses of a supposedly formidable city-fortress, which has its own, deadly aviation. This is not steampunk-style suspension of disbelief, this is plain old stupid.
And yet, what bugs me the most is the perfect adherence to the conventions of today. Western society is wasteful, violent and self-destructive, as exemplified by its huge moving, polluting cities, and who to better incarnate its spirit than a straight, white man, drunk on power? Eastern society, on the other hand, is peaceful, loving and caring; who defies the mass destruction power of the Evil West? A perfectly balanced multi-racial crew, led by a young woman and a Japanese trans lady, who can fight like Bruce Lee against dozens of bloodthirsty goons but apparently not against a single, relatively normal guy.
And the Wall, the Great Wall that separates western Hell from eastern Eden, isn't it a USA/Mexico wall in reverse? The ending, with the Chinese Governor extending a welcoming hand to the western refugees is a clear j'accuse against our civilization and its selfishness. All right, all right, it wouldn't bug me in the least if such a hamfisted political statement came from China, or maybe India; after all, we do the same (or used to). But why should a western production beg such generic, commercial forgiveness for unclear ancestral sins? I mean, really, do these guys think that China, India, Japan, Africa are such perfect places to live in, in peace and harmony with nature? I think they know perfectly well this is not the case, they just decided to go the way the wind is blowing and reap the reward of conforming to political expectations.
Still loved the cities and Hugo Weaving's character. Too bad he loses!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

JLuis_001Feb 2, 2019

Visually this film works fine. Argumentatively? it does try, and I say it tries because the script was made by people who adapted books that were deemed impossible to adapt.
I'm talking about The Lord of the Rings books. Even Peter JacksonVisually this film works fine. Argumentatively? it does try, and I say it tries because the script was made by people who adapted books that were deemed impossible to adapt.
I'm talking about The Lord of the Rings books. Even Peter Jackson himself was involved, but unfortunately the film is devastatingly inert.
This film is more focused on visual creativity than storyline creativity and therefore the soulless plot never convinces you and never really hooks you.

A crude and bitter disappointment.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

antinaFeb 26, 2019

I keep askin myself why the critics are giving this movie such bad reviews? Maybe the world nowadays has become so dull that noone can enjoy a nice fairytale. For those who still can, this movie, altough far from perfect, is a breath of fresh air.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

RudygerFeb 26, 2019

I thought The Predator was the worst movie of 2018. Well, it still is. But Mortal Engines is really really close. What a TERRIBLE movie. Everything is awful in it.

Horrible overuse of green screen and bad CGI Atrocious acting CringelyI thought The Predator was the worst movie of 2018. Well, it still is. But Mortal Engines is really really close. What a TERRIBLE movie. Everything is awful in it.

Horrible overuse of green screen and bad CGI
Atrocious acting
Cringely forced romance. I thought Hollywood stopped this kind of BS. Characters who share ZERO alchemy, fall in love within hours. Yeah, sure...
Bad dialogue
Boring plot. It's just an excuse to do steampunk. Full of useless name dropping
Wokeness (yeah, we get it. White colonialists BAD. Minorities GOOD)

I can't believe how high the ratings are. It took me 4 tries to finish this movie. I fell asleep 3 times before. This movie is like a Syfy B-movie, but with a 100 M$ budget… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

BeatrixKiddoSep 16, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have never seen this actress before, she was very good in the lead role, the visual effects were good but the story was flat, it lacked on suspence. Sorry Peter, you are the man, but you can do better than this.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

PalpetineSheevMar 20, 2020

It's another gorgeous looking, but thoroughly mediocre film. It joins the likes of Valerian in that regard.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

DeusExCriticaFeb 17, 2019

Pleasantly surprised after watching this. While the critics burried it under negative reviews, I found it thoroughly entertaining. The most interesting thing about the movie is probably the world it takes place in. A very interesting take onPleasantly surprised after watching this. While the critics burried it under negative reviews, I found it thoroughly entertaining. The most interesting thing about the movie is probably the world it takes place in. A very interesting take on post-apocalyptia, where most of humanity inhabits massive roaming cities, makes for a backdrop that never fails to amaze. Although the fact that this post-apocalyptic world isn't ravaged by radiation or zombies, is interesting and fresh enough on its own. The world isn't only interesting as a concept, it's also fantastic to look at. The CGI is top-notch, and the attention that has been put in the design detail is stagering, making almost every shot look downright beautiful.
The story isn't without its plotholes, but they're not the kind of plotholes that make you pause and scratch your head in confusion. The pacing of the story makes sure there aren't any undeveloped arcs by the time the credits roll, and manages to hit just the right spot in term of making the movie feel neither rushed, nor slow.
The action scenes are a pure joy to watch, as the editing manages to bring tension to every shot. The plot isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it is serviceable and does a good enough job at keeping you interested in it.
Where the movie fails for me is the acting and dialogue. While not always present, the cheesy dialogue, and forced exposition (especially in the flashbacks scenes) are enough to take you out of it. As for the acting, perhaps the best term to describe it would be "all over the place". Hugo Weaving is amazing in every line he delivers, the female lead struggles to appear natural throughout most of the movie, and the male lead is somehwere in between. The same dynamic can be applied to the secondary characters as well, making the delivery of already cheesy lines ("It has no heart *dramatic pause* like me, *dun dun DUN*" comes to mind) be trully jarring at times, often forcing you to have to cringe your way through the worst scenes.

In coclusion, an interesting and visually beautiful world, mixed with an entertaining, well-pased story, that's sadly brought down by bad dialogue and (sometimes) bad acting.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

DaermonJan 7, 2019

A good, unique movie whit few little problems. Hera Hilmarsdóttir is awesome! Hugo Weaving same. The story is good, not unique but good. The visual and sounds 10/10.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Amine101Mar 12, 2019

One of the best science fiction movies I have ever watched. It perfectly depicts the main failures of humanity : The failure to live in peace, The failure to preserve natural resources because of short term gain and greed and The failure toOne of the best science fiction movies I have ever watched. It perfectly depicts the main failures of humanity : The failure to live in peace, The failure to preserve natural resources because of short term gain and greed and The failure to learn from history.
It reflects a society that is very close to our days world: a society that is eating itself (literally) for the short term gain of the powerful few, over a sustainable future that benefits us all.
Really brilliant and bewildering movie and story.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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5

ArcanaThe4thSep 6, 2019

Visually, it's a stunning steampunk landscape, it is sadly populated with just the most cookie-cutter characters and predictable plot twists. I don't really have a problem with cliches, as long as they have something else with the cliches,Visually, it's a stunning steampunk landscape, it is sadly populated with just the most cookie-cutter characters and predictable plot twists. I don't really have a problem with cliches, as long as they have something else with the cliches, but it ends up being just, y'know, a way to pass 2 hours when you have nothing to do.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

AverageStudentMay 27, 2019

Going into viewing this I had not much idea about it besides a loose plot description and that it was Peter Jackson's work. Contrary to the general consensus of the film I really enjoyed it and the world it built, it created a mysteriousGoing into viewing this I had not much idea about it besides a loose plot description and that it was Peter Jackson's work. Contrary to the general consensus of the film I really enjoyed it and the world it built, it created a mysterious future world and explored it quite a bit with amazing visuals and a reasonable plot. However my biggest gripe with the film was the plot, whilst it did build an incredible world it failed to explain much about it and often mentioned pieces of history for them to have zero relevance or have more relevance yet did not become explored further which disappointed me as I really enjoyed the world built and would have loved to explore the world more, however this lends me to believe that it maybe is sequel baiting a bit. However despite the story issues as a visual action popcorn eating movie it was amazing, great action pieces with great visuals to boot. Definitely a great movie and something to watch, however do not go in expecting an immersive story world.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

JoshuaZaffiroJul 9, 2019

This movie is worth the watch! one of the best i have ever watched so far! This is truly a masterpiece and a work of gem. It got me goosebumps all the way through the end. Characters were great everything was just perfect! and now I'm in loveThis movie is worth the watch! one of the best i have ever watched so far! This is truly a masterpiece and a work of gem. It got me goosebumps all the way through the end. Characters were great everything was just perfect! and now I'm in love with this movie i kept on thinking about it after i watch it! This is truly a 11 out of 10.

Amazing job to the producers and all the staffs! truly magnificent! I'm really hoping to have a sequel on this!… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

GrimmySep 18, 2019

Good visuals but terrible movie. I rather sit thru a 24h Waterworld marathon then re-watch this

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

hnestlyontheslyOct 12, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mortal Engines resists clichés and forges ahead with some welcome changes to the YA fantasy genre, despite making new mistakes, opening the same weekend as a Marvel movie.

First and possibly last time I will have a personal story to share about a movie: when I was studying in England for a semester, I was in a place with a lot of old bookstores where famous authors would frequent and I had a chance to meet Phillip Reeve at a booksigning event where he read from a new piece he was working on and talked about making the jump from illustrator to writer. He was one of the most entertaining authors I had met and he left a big impression on me. One of the things that I remember him saying about his process was that he liked drawing scenes and then after he arranged images, he would attempt to connect a story that would make those images work. He also said he liked writing stories with people who seem like good guys reveal themselves to be bad guys and vice versa, only, I think the way he put it was, “where the baddies end up being goodies and the goodies sometimes are baddies.” That desire to challenge expectations might seem pretty simple at first glance, but its implications are deeply subversive and challenge many of the bread-and-butter stereotypes of YA fiction.

I’m not saying that Mortal Engines is a perfect film, but I think that it faithfully adapted many of the most successful, challenging aspects of the book: a skepticism of the efficacy of violence, an avoidance of the glorification of violent heroism, a resistance of lazy erotic storytelling, and a self-awareness about epic battle scenes. Any of those elements on its own should have been enough to set this punchy little tween fantasy movie apart, but unfortunate timing (on the very same weekend as Marvel’s Into the Spiderverse) may have undone this film before it even had a chance.

The film features up-and-coming actress Hera Hillmar as Hester Shaw (the first time I saw her was in the first of two different films about the Armenian genocide at the same film festival in San Jose last year–her performance was actually pretty fun) and Justin Trudeau wannabe Robert Sheehan as Tom, who lives on a rolling city-fortress of London in the distant post-apocalyptic future. There’s a betrayal or maybe a double betrayal. One of the criticisms that’s been leveled against the film is that the bad guy’s motivation is to be the bad guy, which I think is maybe fair criticism, though there’s room for apologetics about the social politics around New Colonialism and the many wide shots of cheering elites in their rooftop gardens as devastation rains down on less fortunate towns. More important, I would suggest, than the obvious villain of the film are all of the little betrayals and jarring treacheries of everyday life. The random turn of luck that happens so often in every other fantasy movie is a “hyperobject“, a thing that looks one way but is another, as Timothy Morton memorably puts its, “like the space worm in Star Wars that Han Solo docks inside thinking it a cave.”

Some spoiler analysis: one of the breakout stars of the film is Jihae, who plays Anna Fang, part of the resistance movement of “anti-tractionists.” One of things that makes me instantly really like a story is its ability to create and then kill off compelling secondary characters, rather than encasing them in plot armor. I’m thinking of Lee Scoresby from Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series (soon to be played in the BBC adaptation by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda!) or, really, anyone in the Solo movie, Pulp Fiction flirts with the idea of eccentric secondaries who get a second chance through thoughtful editing and flashbacks, and China Miéville’s novels are replete with Hitchcockian partywipes halfway through the story. Anna Fang’s willingness to use force to spring Tom and Hester from captivity marks her ethos as different from the tortured restraint of Batmanian heroes of DC. She cuts ropes when weighed down, she shoots first and asks questions later. On a similar note, the Shrike storyline is one of the more original touches of this film, even if it mostly exists as exposition.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

OrionSapperFeb 8, 2021

Enjoyed it a lot for what it is. Slightly different than most of what we’ve seen. The critics are mostly right about the plot, characters, and story but me and my kid liked it enough to rate it this high. The visual effects and the quirkyEnjoyed it a lot for what it is. Slightly different than most of what we’ve seen. The critics are mostly right about the plot, characters, and story but me and my kid liked it enough to rate it this high. The visual effects and the quirky steampunk stuff had us smirking.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

RobwinzAug 2, 2020

Mortal Engines, the movie's got a very interesting look, either that being the costume designs for the characters or it being some of the sets designs.

Also, there's some decent fight scenes throughout this movie but apart from that, nothingMortal Engines, the movie's got a very interesting look, either that being the costume designs for the characters or it being some of the sets designs.

Also, there's some decent fight scenes throughout this movie but apart from that, nothing isn't really built up well for certain moments throughout this movie.

Overall, apart from those little positives, it's a very boring movie. The reasons being is the plot, it's a very basic but not a very interesting story to keep me entertained and same goes for the events which happen throughout this movie.

The events throughout this movie aren't built up very well to make us feel anything for these characters, they just feel very rushed and also the characters throughout this movie aren't very memorable at all. It's not worth the watch, lol.… Expand

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7

damicosta02Apr 1, 2020

An original and interesting storyline, although it seems too hurried in my opinion. There are also moments which are kinda out of the right place. Anyway from a technical poin of view, special effects and so on have been done really well

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6

TakataRDJun 14, 2021

Great premise. It reminded me of Grandia 3 the game, but as the movie went on it just became tedious to watch, as if I knew what would happen already. And the characters just became generic and dislikable. For a 100 million funded film itGreat premise. It reminded me of Grandia 3 the game, but as the movie went on it just became tedious to watch, as if I knew what would happen already. And the characters just became generic and dislikable. For a 100 million funded film it felt quite cheap at times… Expand

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6

HellHoleHorrorFeb 16, 2022

Possibly the best visual effects I’ve ever seen wrapped up in a disappointing film. Even better than Avatar (2009) I think. The action is exciting. The technical aspects are immaculate. The first problem that I noticed was the poorPossibly the best visual effects I’ve ever seen wrapped up in a disappointing film. Even better than Avatar (2009) I think. The action is exciting. The technical aspects are immaculate. The first problem that I noticed was the poor introduction to the cities. These things are enormous but the film does not introduce this scale well at all. You see one giant moving city but no scale compared to the trees it is crushing or the people on it and seconds later an even bigger city is introduced but again there’s no build-up or suspense, it’s just big from the start. The characters are annoying and obnoxious, except the main girl. The details of the story are muddled but the overall story is interesting. The parallels of the real world are painfully unsubtle. I very much found myself wanting the bad guys to succeed. Reminiscent of The Matrix (1999) in tone and style but without the memorable characters.… Expand

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0

fckyou1Apr 29, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its siht
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ… Expand

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8

silverQ1Sep 6, 2022

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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