Rating: ⭐⭐✩✩✩(2/5)
The Secret Kingdom, directed by Matt Drummond, attempts to pay homage to the fantasy films of the past, particularly those in the vein of Jim Henson's works. It embarks on an adventure-filled quest where imagination reigns supreme and characters face trials to reunite a fractured kingdom. While the film carries good intentions, it falls short in capturing the excitement and engaging storytelling needed to captivate its audience, particularly younger viewers.
The story revolves around Peter (Sam Everingham), a young boy dealing with anxiety as his family faces financial difficulties and moves to a summer house. Alongside his imaginative sister, Verity (Alyla Browne), Peter encounters a mysterious woman who presents him with a golden puzzle piece of great significance. Unbeknownst to them, the puzzle piece transports them to the land known as "Below," inhabited by warrior pangolins who believe Peter is their destined king. Guided by an ancient prophecy, Peter and Verity embark on a perilous journey to find the remaining puzzle pieces and restore balance between the two worlds.
The fantasy elements of The Secret Kingdom take time to unfold, with much of the opening act focusing on Peter's adjustment to his new surroundings and his internal struggles. The film explores Peter's anxiety, his family dynamics, and his battles with OCD tendencies. It's a slow build-up to the fantastical elements that come later, as Peter and Verity encounter the citizens of "Below" and embark on their quest.
Unfortunately, the film suffers from an excessive amount of exposition, often getting lost in the backstory and side quests rather than maintaining a sense of urgency and excitement. The characters journey through various locations in the kingdom, encountering riddles, decoding symbols, and facing enemies along the way. However, the digital environments and limited production resources hinder the seamless integration of the human actors with the fantasy world, diminishing the overall impact.
The Secret Kingdom attempts to introduce a villain in the form of The Shroud, but the antagonist's presence is minimal until the final act of the film. Most of the narrative focuses on Peter and Verity's exploration of the kingdom, aided by helpful pangolins and magical creatures. The voice acting lacks distinctiveness, making it difficult to differentiate between characters and hindering the emotional depth of their performances.
While the film displays ambition in its storytelling, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly magical viewing experience. The Secret Kingdom's pacing issues, heavy exposition, and lack of budget for polished visuals hinder its ability to captivate and engage the audience. It struggles to find the right balance between world-building and compelling storytelling, resulting in a film that feels inert and fails to leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, The Secret Kingdom's valentine to Jim Henson-style fantasy films falls short of its aspirations. Despite good intentions, the film lacks the necessary dramatic focus and production resources to create a truly captivating and immersive experience. While it has its moments of potential, The Secret Kingdom ultimately fails to deliver a compelling fantasy adventure that will resonate with viewers.
Recommendation: For those seeking a nostalgic trip to fantasy films of the past, The Secret Kingdom might hold some appeal. However, due to its pacing issues, lack of visual polish, and overall inert storytelling, it falls short of being a recommended viewing experience. It is best suited for viewers with a strong affinity for the genre who are willing to overlook its flaws.
Rating: ⭐⭐✩✩✩(2/5)