Seventh Son (5/27/2015)

Rated PG-13 for intense fantasy violence and action throughout, frightening images and brief strong language.

Starring Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, Ben Barnes and Djimon Hounsou

Directed by Sergey Bodrov

Dragons, witches, monsters and… well that’s pretty much it.

In a time long past, an evil is about to be unleashed that will reignite the war between the forces of the supernatural and humankind once more. Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges) is a knight who had imprisoned the malevolently powerful witch, Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore), centuries ago. But now she has escaped and is seeking vengeance. Summoning her followers of every incarnation, Mother Malkin is preparing to unleash her terrible wrath on an unsuspecting world. Only one thing stands in her way: Master Gregory. In a deadly reunion, Gregory comes face to face with the evil he always feared would someday return. He has only until the next full moon to do what usually takes years: train his new apprentice, Tom Ward (Ben Barnes) to fight a dark magic unlike any other. Man’s only hope lies in the seventh son of a seventh son.

Seventh Son reminded me of the fantasy films of 1980s – movies like Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja. And I’d bet if this movie came out a couple decades ago it would have been a big hit. Today, with The Lord of Rings films and Game of Thrones, audiences are demanding more from the fantasy genre. It takes more than impressive set designs and visuals effects.

That being said, the special effects are pretty impressive. The cities of this medieval land look realistic, the monsters are menacing, and the magical displays are outstanding, but it all feels rather hollow in the end.

The plot is pretty straightforward. There is an older “warrior” on a quest to eliminate the bad guy – in this case woman – before she becomes unstoppable. Along the way, he picks up a young, unqualified protégée who evolves into a hero. Like I said, straightforward.

Let’s look at the cast. Barnes’ performance is bland and forgettable, while Julianne Moore manages to go over-the-top without being completely ridiculous. Then there’s Jeff Bridges who delivered a worse performance than he did in R.I.P.D. I genuinely like him, but it was a struggle watching him in this one.

The movie didn’t bore me, but it didn’t excite me either. So I would say watch it …but “Only If It’s Free.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This one should be fine for most teenagers. There is no profanity and no nudity, although there are a few scenes of sensuality. Most of the rating is due to the intense fantasy violence and action throughout.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. The theme of sacrifice is played out throughout the film, describe some of those scenes.


2. What does sacrifice look like in your life?

Read Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.


3. What are some things that you own that are difficult for you to share?


4. How can you develop more of a sacrificial heart?