Chaos Walking: A Disappointing Adaptation That Misses the Mark
Review by Matt Zoller Seitz
March 05, 2021
Chaos Walking, based on the popular young adult novel series by Patrick Ness, is a deeply disappointing adaptation that fails to capture the magic of the source material. Director Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) has crafted a visually stunning film with a talented cast, but the execution falls flat.
Subpar Visuals and Sound Design
Despite its impressive visuals, the film's sound design is a major distraction. The constant static and noise in the background, meant to represent the Noise that afflicts the male characters, is so overwhelming that it makes it difficult to follow the dialogue. This makes it hard for the viewer to connect with the characters or the story.
Underdeveloped Characters and Forced Romance
The characters in Chaos Walking are underdeveloped and lack depth. Tom Holland's Todd Hewitt is bland and lacks charisma, while Daisy Ridley's Viola Eade is poorly written and their forced romance feels unnatural. The supporting cast is equally forgettable, failing to provide any emotional connection.
Unconvincing Dialogue and Lack of Tension
The dialogue in Chaos Walking is stilted and often awkward, failing to convey the characters' emotions and motivations. The plot lacks tension and suspense, making it difficult to care about the characters' fates or the outcome of the story.
Conclusion
Overall, Chaos Walking is a missed opportunity. While it boasts impressive visuals, the poor execution, underdeveloped characters, and unconvincing dialogue make it a forgettable adaptation that fails to do justice to the source material. Fans of the books will be disappointed, and general audiences will find little to engage them.
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