Peter Jackson’s 2018 film Mortal Engines has resurfaced, with its visual effects lauded but storytelling criticized.
The film’s legacy reveals the importance of story balance.
Mortal Engines, set in a post-apocalyptic world, aimed to draw audiences with its visual effects but flopped at the box office, grossing around $84 million globally. Corridor Crew’s review praised the VFX work for creating captivating scenes and elaborate designs, yet noted issues like rapid cutaways and inconsistent pacing that made the action feel disconnected.
The renewed focus on the film emphasizes that while VFX is crucial, it can’t guarantee success without a coherent plot. Mortal Engines’ visual achievements were commended, but its 25% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects the lack of strong character development and a compelling plot that left viewers unsatisfied.
While the film’s over-reliance on spectacle over narrative is a problem, its ambitious visual and editorial choices are praiseworthy. It serves as a reminder that in modern cinema, a strong story foundation is essential for a film to have a lasting impact.
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