The Shadows

Not the best technically or visually appealing movie. Supported by the Irish film board.

Decent for its obviously VERY low budget. (One of the props is an old doorknob in disguise) The story is decent but derivative, er, um, inspired by other sources. It holds promise but only barely delivers. Maybe they hoped to do a sequal.

Too much of the dialog is whispered, the witch is a little campy at times, especially at the beginning. The tiny bit of comic relief (look for the doorknob) was a nice try but feels a little forced or out of place. The camera cuts were a little overdone

I did like the mythology/world building (even if derivative.) I'll have to see if I can find the story it was based on.

I always enjoy the unwinding of a good tale, and Guardians of the Ancient Shadow Crown was a spirited journey, steeped in myth and legend. The witch, played by Natalia Kostrzewa, was mesmerizing. If you enjoy a wholesome family film rounded out with a bit of the 'ole supernatural, than give this a watch.

Normally I don't review these films. This one, I initially thought was a 1960's Narnia film because of the 3 minute intro. I was surprised that it was a 2014 film. Irish film, and clearly based on narnia, and the storyline is intriguing. Like 1960's films, it moves slow and uses contrast and shadow of dramatic black and white films. The witches crown reminds me of the necklace Arwen wears. But the dialogue is hard to understand in the beginning. The witch is like an Evil Eve from a dark Eden. 8 minutes in it has a scene reminiscent of Halloweentown. Similar to Netflix's 'shadow and bone' series about the books of the same name.

Very Slow. Hardly any adventure. Shadow effect was neat but didn't blend properly. Half the film is whispered, which is super grating on the ears.