Roses Have Thoughts

Is the film good? no. Did you enjoy it? Yeah. It seems odd to people not into cinema, that you can enjoy a bad film, but at least once a year, I stumble upon a movie that fits this category, and. in 2016, this happened to be Gods of Egypt, an Alex Proyas-directed fantasy action film starring Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldu.

Taking place in ancient Egypt, a time when the gods lived amongst the human race as their kings and rulers, each in charge of a different aspect of the lives of mortals, though this all changes when Set (Butler) decides to interrupt the coronation of his nephew Horus (Coster-Waldu) by killing his brother Osiris and taking the crown for himself, it’s then up to a street thief and a blinded Horus to take the kingdom back and stop the wonderful pantomime Set from completing his plan rule the world and afterlife.

There is no escaping from the fact that the film is a CGI fest, yet this happens to be one of the film’s redeeming qualities is its stunning visual effects and grandiose production design. The elaborate costumes, larger-than-life set pieces, and fantastical landscapes create a visually immersive experience. The gods’ transformations and battles showcase impressive special effects, making it clear that considerable effort went into the film’s aesthetics.

The film, however, does have its shortcomings including a weak script and undercooked character development. The dialogue is often cringe-worthy, with cheesy one-liners and predictable exchanges that fail to engage the audience. The characters, including the gods themselves, lack depth and complexity, making it difficult to invest in their struggles and triumphs. The performances, while not entirely lacking, are hindered by the uninspired writing, leaving even the talented cast struggling to elevate the material.

The pacing of Gods of Egypt is inconsistent, with moments of frenetic action followed by tedious exposition. The plot, though potentially intriguing, is bogged down by unnecessary subplots and convoluted mythology that may confuse rather than captivate viewers. The film’s attempts at humour also fall flat, relying on tired clichés that feel out of place in a mythical setting.

Furthermore, the casting choices have been a source of controversy, with many criticizing the lack of diversity in a film set in ancient Egypt. The decision to cast predominantly white actors in key roles sparked accusations of whitewashing, detracting from the film’s cultural authenticity and perpetuating Hollywood’s historical trend of underrepresentation.

In conclusion, Gods of Egypt struggles to rise above its visually impressive exterior. While the film boasts grandiose spectacle and captivating CGI, these elements cannot compensate for its weak script, underdeveloped characters, and questionable casting choices. Viewers seeking a visually stimulating but ultimately forgettable fantasy experience may find some enjoyment in Gods of Egypt, but those expecting a more substantive and engaging narrative may come away disappointed. With its mix of impressive visuals and narrative shortcomings, the film is decidedly pedestrian in terms of quality, however, I can’t help but have a soft spot for it.

IMDB