Mythica: Stormbound

Just not the same story without Melanie/Marek. The storyline isn't bad, but the writing and new actors just don't feel like the same series. It's too bad they couldn't get all of the original cast to finish it all out. Nice try, but this is a swing and a miss. Do yourself a favor and just watch the series right up to this one and just stop. Like so many series in the past decade, the further they go, the worse they get. I'm just hoping that they do get the cast and writers of the original stories and put together at least one more before calling it quits. Regardless, this movie can be skipped and you won't miss anything.

This was an absolutely wonderful follow up to the original 5 Mythica films. It takes place 19 years after the demise of Szorlock, and the Red Thorns have become the stuff of legends. Their stories are told around campfires, but the effects of war still run deep and have hardened most. Vytalion soldiers are hunted and killed. A gloom seems to hang over most as if they know they aren't quite out of the dark yet. I don't know if it was due to budget restraints, but they chose to set the film mostly in a single location. An inn, where they have all sought shelter from the storm. It felt as if Patrick Rothfuss wrote the Hateful Eight. Most characters here aren't who they pretend to be, and secrets are revealed slowly and done very well, and Will Kemp does a fantastic job as The Stranger. His secrets, and connections to the Red Thorns, brought a smile to my face. You do see a couple familiar faces, a "blink and you'll miss it" tribute to Daegan, the half elf thief, but over all this is a brand new cast of characters, all of which I would gladly watch in a new batch of sequels. The cgi effects are also fantastic for the beast which the stranger has captured, although lacking for the guardian owl. But I've always found poor cgi charming in a way, especially in the Mythica films, because you know it was all done with so much passion and love that it hardly feels like a criticism at all.

I was a big fan of the initial saga of 'Mythica' films, from 'A quest for heroes' through 'The Godslayer.' They showed their limitations in some special effects, but all involved gave earnest effort to make the best quintet of fantasy adventure that they could - to fine success, in my book - with some smart, obvious influence from tabletop role-playing games on top. What might it mean for the series to make a return after eight years with a new film: some returning stars making an appearance, a returning writer, and previous star Jake Stormeon now directing? I think it speaks well to screenwriter Justin Partridge, and Stormeon, that they have shrewdly elected a comparatively small reentry into the world of the movies. They have taken clear inspiration from works of other genres, usually mystery, crime drama, or thriller, in which trouble brews and blood spills amidst a disparate group sequestered in a single location. In this manner is 'Stormbound' able to tell a new story with a minimal number of characters, with minimal cost in terms of sets, filming locations, and props, and above all with as little use of stunts and effects as can be done while still ably asserting its fantastical nature. In this manner is Partridge able to tell an original story, of a familiar tenor, that weaves in narrative elements to tie it to the larger tale that happened several years before in-universe. Truthfully, I'm very pleased with how good this is, and I think it's a fine credit to everyone who helped bring it to fruition.

This new feature, financed in part through crowd-funding just like its predecessors, bears the same mark of its origins as the special effects are probably the least sure-footed facet. The computer-generated imagery isn't bad - rest assured there is much worse out there - but less than perfectly seamless as it's layered atop the filmed footage. Anyone who is a stickler for such digital wizardry may be put out. Yet this is the least of what the 2024 sequel has to offer, and in all other ways I'm very happy with the skill, intelligence, and care that went into it. The less flashy CGI looks terrific, and meanwhile any practical effects, stunts, and special makeup are as excellent as we would assume (proving once again that tangible creations will always be superior to post-production visuals). The filming locations are lovely, and I greatly appreciate the amount of detail that went into the sets, costume design, hair, makeup, and definitely also the props and weapons to make them all very much feel a part of this rich if dangerous world, something we wish we could explore down to every last inch. Everyone behind the scenes turned commendable work, for that matter; aspects like the lighting, cinematography, editing, and sound may not be outwardly remarkable, but they are solid. Similarly, this is only Stormeon's second time in the director's chair, and his first for a full-length picture, but especially with the other experience he has gained in the industry heretofore, I believe he illustrates firm capability and I hope he continues on this track.

I like how composer James Schafer draws from the recognizable themes of the previous saga for his music in this title, and his work is splendid complement. Kudos to the cast, moreover: while there is certainly some chewing of scenery as we frankly anticipate of like-minded material - how are you going show the exertion of using magic unless you're straining and grimacing harder than anyone has ever strained or grimaced? - far more than not the acting is pretty terrific in my book. It's not that anyone is wholly revelatory, but all show deft range and nuance befitting a narrative that shifts from quiet, ruminative discussion to flashes of violence. Not to discount anyone else's contributions, but Will Kemp and Ryann Bailey surely stand out most, and I look forward to seeing their careers progress. Above all, though, I can only salute scribe Partridge, for I think his screenplay is a key strength in this sixth installment. As the plot develops the dialogue, characters, and scene writing, including flashbacks, seem sturdy and fairly fleshed out to me while serving multiple purposes, whether in turn or all at once. There are threads that distinctly lead back to the lore built through the first five 'Mythica' flicks, and other tidbits that inform of that indicated inspiration from other genres, especially as each character has their own secrets to tell. 'Stormbound' could also have easily been a self-enclosed tale in miniature, with just enough world-building on the edges to suggest a living past, but as it is the script also handily functions as a coda to the existing story, an afterword that shows us the state of this realm nineteen years on.

And even for all that, Partridge also opens the door such that, were all parties interested, a new 'Mythica' saga could begin from this connective point. A path is laid out for additional potential entries to explore, and I trust that just as 'A quest for heroes' started small and became something much more, we could hypothetically see that pattern once again. For my part, I hope that is indeed the future we see. This film is not specifically striking, but it stands steadily on its own legs while having a place in an existing saga; while sequels as a concept in storytelling and film-making can be dubious - not every movie needs a follow-up - for those who are receptive to the material, the possibility of still more is genuinely enticing. For whatever flaws we might see in these 100-odd minutes, I believe it's more true that everyone who participated did a fabulous job, and I congratulate them all. Most anyone who enjoys fantasy, and pictures outside the major studios, will surely find something to like here, and as far as I'm concerned the result is a minor joy, and I sincerely wish for more. Those who are already invested in 'Mythica' will obviously have the most reason to check this out, yet it remains worthwhile entirely on its own merits, and can be appreciated as such. Unless you're already a fan you don't need to go out of your way for it, but I find myself entertained and satisfied, and I'm glad to give 'Stormbound' my warm recommendation.

Got the special Kickstarter Blueray Edition signed by six actors/others with my name in the kickstarter credits on 2/15/2024 and have now watched it on 2/17/2024. So much has changed with the style and surroundings that it will take 2 watches to get used to it...as it is more personal story, driven with everyone having a past as they relate things they know sometimes at swords point. They gather on a dark and stormy night at dwarf Gib's Road Inn at Desolation's End. One of the best quotes "Witches don't ride horses.....they ride the wind"....many locals have not survived the last few days so it's a bit like Clue the game...some in the Inn will be carried out.....There is quite a bit about slave rules during the current time period and some of it is light hearted. Some slaves are like family...but life is rough all around as dark magic reasserts itself.

If you've ever seen and liked any of the screensavers on YouTube featuring a spooky house on a stormy night with lighting and a cosy log fire burning then this movie is for you as it is a little like that but with a who done it story added on. I think the older Mythica's were much better, I definitely enjoyed them more but I had to watch Stormbound in two parts as I was falling asleep. So I can't really recommend it unless you are a Mythica fan. Nowadays mateur special effects CGI typed stuff can be really impressive unfortunately the special effects in this movie were some of the worst I've ever seen. As for the main actors I liked the slave girl and Stranger they did a good job and the dwarf was good too.