The Noise is the most prominent aspect of the original novel, and it has been realized onscreen better than I expected, even if it needs some getting used to before it starts feeling natural. The visual aspect of the noise has been simplified but the basic features are intact.
There’s an atmosphere of urgency over most of this film, meaning that the action will keep the film running smoothly and is unlikely to make anyone feel bored.
THE BAD:
The constant Noise around the characters can get a bit annoying and at times, particularly if you aren’t familiar with the original novel. The fact that most of the thoughts exposed through the Noise aren’t in any way relevant to the overall plot doesn’t make things any better.
In terms of sound design and editing, Chaos Walking can turn into a bit of a mess. On the one hand, it realistically describes a world where everyone can hear everyone’s thoughts; on the other hand, it gets so messy at times, that it becomes difficult to follow the plot.
The script takes massive liberties with the source material, deviating drastically from the original story and following a different path. Most of these changes are in no way warranted and feel nothing but annoying for fans of the novel. Huge chunks of the original story have been shredded to pieces and reassemble to form a different cinematic narrative and one that is in no way as engaging as the original.
The pacing shifts from an unnecessarily dragged out first act to a criminally rushed second act, meaning that the story goes from one event to the other and leaves much of the context, filler and subtleties from between these events out. The resulting story lacks the depth and fascination of the original work, with most of the second half of the novel seriously butchered.
The novel manages to combine a simple and classic YA storyline with world-building and subtle plot details, but the film feels pale and bare in comparison. The first half spends so much time to get things going (compared to the rather swift beginning in the novel) that it leaves little time for the rest of the film to satisfyingly capture the different stages of the adventure from the book.
Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley are weird choices to play teenage characters, and Ridley, in particular, doesn’t convince me at all. She also lacks any of the natural chemistry with Holland that made Todd and Viola’s evolving relationship in the novel so interesting.
Chaos Walking has a villain problem. Despite the memorable rogues’ gallery offered by the source novel, the film fails to bring these characters to life in a satisfying way, with Mayor Prentiss being the sole exception. Moreover, that’s more down to Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal than the way the character has been written.
I don’t know what they did with that ending, but it’s far from the pulse-pounding and majestic finale from the novel. I’m glad if this one ends up not getting any sequels.
THE UGLY:
I cannot believe they made Manchee just another faceless pet, rather than the hilarious and loveable character he is in the novel.
THE VERDICT:
Extensive reshoots and several delays have not helped to save this lacklustre, soulless and butchered adaption of a YA classic. Go read the book, it’s miles better.
Review by Theo KallströmVIP 6BlockedParentSpoilers2021-05-03T08:14:16Z
THE UGLY: ‘CHAOS WALKING’
WRITING: 20
ACTING: 50
LOOK: 75
SOUND: 80
FEEL: 45
NOVELTY: 50
ENJOYMENT: 40
RE-WATCHABILITY: 0
INTRIGUE: 40
EXPECTATIONS: 45
THE GOOD:
The Noise is the most prominent aspect of the original novel, and it has been realized onscreen better than I expected, even if it needs some getting used to before it starts feeling natural. The visual aspect of the noise has been simplified but the basic features are intact.
There’s an atmosphere of urgency over most of this film, meaning that the action will keep the film running smoothly and is unlikely to make anyone feel bored.
THE BAD:
The constant Noise around the characters can get a bit annoying and at times, particularly if you aren’t familiar with the original novel. The fact that most of the thoughts exposed through the Noise aren’t in any way relevant to the overall plot doesn’t make things any better.
In terms of sound design and editing, Chaos Walking can turn into a bit of a mess. On the one hand, it realistically describes a world where everyone can hear everyone’s thoughts; on the other hand, it gets so messy at times, that it becomes difficult to follow the plot.
The script takes massive liberties with the source material, deviating drastically from the original story and following a different path. Most of these changes are in no way warranted and feel nothing but annoying for fans of the novel. Huge chunks of the original story have been shredded to pieces and reassemble to form a different cinematic narrative and one that is in no way as engaging as the original.
The pacing shifts from an unnecessarily dragged out first act to a criminally rushed second act, meaning that the story goes from one event to the other and leaves much of the context, filler and subtleties from between these events out. The resulting story lacks the depth and fascination of the original work, with most of the second half of the novel seriously butchered.
The novel manages to combine a simple and classic YA storyline with world-building and subtle plot details, but the film feels pale and bare in comparison. The first half spends so much time to get things going (compared to the rather swift beginning in the novel) that it leaves little time for the rest of the film to satisfyingly capture the different stages of the adventure from the book.
Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley are weird choices to play teenage characters, and Ridley, in particular, doesn’t convince me at all. She also lacks any of the natural chemistry with Holland that made Todd and Viola’s evolving relationship in the novel so interesting.
Chaos Walking has a villain problem. Despite the memorable rogues’ gallery offered by the source novel, the film fails to bring these characters to life in a satisfying way, with Mayor Prentiss being the sole exception. Moreover, that’s more down to Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal than the way the character has been written.
I don’t know what they did with that ending, but it’s far from the pulse-pounding and majestic finale from the novel. I’m glad if this one ends up not getting any sequels.
THE UGLY:
I cannot believe they made Manchee just another faceless pet, rather than the hilarious and loveable character he is in the novel.
THE VERDICT:
Extensive reshoots and several delays have not helped to save this lacklustre, soulless and butchered adaption of a YA classic. Go read the book, it’s miles better.
45% = :heavy_minus_sign: = UGLY