Blockbuster Bytes: Heavenly Sword
The worlds of video games and Hollywood seem set to collide in a major way in the next few years. While video game movies aren’t a new thing, we have reviewed most of them on the site over the years. The next boon seems to be larger in scope and projects than ever before. We felt we would help guide you through these projects. Over the coming months, we will take a look at all the projects in the works. Sharing what we know, and what we expect from the films.
Tekken 2: Kazuya’s Revenge was recently released, and you can find our full review to see just where the state of video game movies are at the moment. The next feature up for release doesn’t look much more promising.
What Is It?
Based on a decently received PlayStation 3 exclusive from 2007, Heavenly Sword is Sony Computer Entertainment’s first major push into converting one of their IPs into a featured film. Based roughly on the events of the game, the movie will look to tell the tale of Nariko and her quest.
How Does it Look?
Who’s In it?
The film will have a talented voice cast. Alfred Molina and Thomas Jane lead the cast playing King Bohan and Loki, respectively. Anna Torv will be playing the lead role of Nariko. Always prolific game voice actor Nolan North will also loan his voice to a character in the film.
What Is it About?
Nariko, a member of an ancient tribe who have guarded an ancient magical sword for thousands of years, is charged with bringing the sword to its destined wielder, a deity reincarnated who will bring peace to the land. But on her quest, Nariko must wield the sword herself against the forces of King Bohan, who wishes to possess the weapon himself.
Who’s Behind it?
The film is a collaboration between Sony Entertainment and Blockade Entertainment. This will Blockade’s first release, but not the last time we’ll be hearing from them on this feature.
The writer of the film is Todd Farmer, whose writing credits includes Jason X, Drive Angry and the screenplay of My Bloody Valentine. If nothing else, all 3 of these films have been featured on 151 Proof Movies in the past!
The credited director is Gun Ho Jang, who has no directorial endeavors before this.
What Do We Expect?
Not much good sadly. This project has been iffy since it’s initial reveal. While it boasts about using in-game assets, the animation seems extremely stiff and wouldn’t feel out of place on an late 90s CG animated series. It doesn’t help that the license itself was never that strong, it’s been 7 years since the initial release, and Sony has done little with the IP since then.
And being that it is going straight-to-dvd (blu-ray I guess) doesn’t fill us with confidence in the quality of the film. That isn’t to say DTVs can’t be of the highest quality though.
When?
The film is out the 2nd of September, and will be available on blu-ray, DVD and digital platforms including Sony’s PlayStation 3 and 4.
