Ragnarok

"Ragnarok" really doesn't tread much ground that hasn't already been trampled in numerous "Sci. Fi. Channel" movies. No name actors doing pretty stupid things while a C.G.I. monster pursues them. The lead up to revealing the lake serpent is actually not bad. Norse Mythology is cleverly tied into the plot, and characters are introduced at an acceptable rate. Once the monster appears, believability flies out the window. Necessary equipment seems to develop out of thin air, and decades abandoned underground bunkers are magically illuminated. Nevertheless there is a story here and not just monster mayhem. All in all, you could do a lot worse, especially with some of the "Sci. Fi. Channels" poorer efforts. - MERK

This Scandinavian production fails to live up to its expectation. All the actors do commendable jobs and the cinematography is good, but it falls much short in providing the viewers with ample horror scenes and monster action that a scary monster movie is supposed to. With all that being said, the movie does have something to offer in terms of some tensed moments and the way in which it connects certain stories of Norse mythology with reality. The plot revolves around an archaeologist, his family and his co- worker. They go for a trip/adventure that becomes their nightmare as they encounter a giant monster with maternal instincts. However, the monster action in the movie is literally limited to few moments and the viewers don't even get a full view of the creature even once. The movie has some hint of resemblance with "Jurrasic Park" except for the fact that it is not even close to it in terms of the thrill or screenplay. It does manage to keep the audience fairly entertained but for a few dry patches. As an ardent fan of monster movies, I would say that it was kind of a letdown.

It's always interesting to watch non-English movies. Those overtly original and peculiar to their own roots and culture are undoubtedly instructive and they made Cinema history. Among foreign films, however, I prefer to watch those made on Hollywood models, like the present one. They intrigue me the most.

Ragnarok is a very well written, acted, edited and directed Family Adventure movie. The overall result is not dissimilar from American films of the same genre: a nice film. Some differences, however, are noteworthy and at the first place stands the complete inversion of roles in the couple: in this film the girl is strong and the guy is pretty. He has beautiful hair, good manners and is sweet. She leads the group, takes all the risks, makes all the decisions and physically saves him. And this is probably where he falls in love with her.

I don't want to speculate about how this could reflect different points of view of different societies (about which I know nothing). Everything happens in the most natural way and it is so nice to watch. I guess that many girls will like it.

It should also be noticed that the musical score is Cymbal-free and that characters motives are more simple and realistic than in most American films. But these, of course, are details.

I love this movie. It's a movie that doesn't need excess violence, cursing and tons of cgi to tell an effective and gripping story. I also appreciate the wholesome aspect of the story telling. It's nice watching a movie that when it's over it doesn't leave one feeling emotionally dampened. I was invested in the excellent actors and not only cared about them but the movie made me wish I could know folks like them in real life. I just wish there were more movies like this that didn't just strive for the most base common denominator.

Adventure, mythology, family life, old spirit of childhood. A beautiful film. Not good, great, ot unpredictable. But the right choice for young public and for their parents for nice memories. A map becoming warning. Idealism and not the perfect father. The truth and the confrontation against it and the end. So, real nice. But not for high expectations.