SERGEI Bodrov’s filming of a novel by Joseph Delaney offers spectacular visual imagery, both natural (mainly in Canada) and computer-generated, a vigorous plot, exciting action, a cast unfazed by the fantasy environment and some unsupported presumptions in the delivery of its drama.
The number seven has mystical and religious associations. The seventh son must come from an unbroken line with no female children born between, and be, in turn, born to such a seventh son. For example, Thomas (Ben Barnes).
Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges skillfully hamming it up) has unfortunately set his last apprentice on fire while destroying a minion of evil Malkin (Julianne Moore). Gregory travels to the farm where Thomas’ mother (Olivia Williams) trim and lovely after seven pregnancies, hangs a periapt on a leather thong around the lad’s neck and sends him off to learn the dangerous trade of sorcerer’s apprentice.
Gregory (a.k.a the Spook) and Thomas have a week to train Thomas in Spookish crafts before journeying to the mountain eyrie where Malkin, returned from the underground incarceration to which Spook consigned her, oh, so many years ago, has resumed the throne. Thomas falls for Malkin’s niece Alice (Alicia Vikander) sired by a gypsy and therefore not a fully-qualified witch. Will Alice be loyal to her aunt who doesn’t deserve a second chance and must die? Or will love and mercy prevail?
It’s all rather good fun, its M classification perhaps too severe. Many notable films portraying evil magics have delighted kids over many decades without causing trauma. One featured seven vertically-disadvantaged miners. In another, a beautiful princess slept for a century after eating a poisoned apple.
I rest my case.
At Hoyts and Limelight
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