The Dark Tower (2017)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 2017
	Director: Nikolaj Arcel
	Actors: Idris Elba (Thor 1-3, Pacific Rim), Matthew McConaughey (Contact, Interstellar), Tom Taylor
	Country: USA
	Genre: SF, Adventure
	Conditions of visioning: 09.12.2017, in-flight entertainment system 10" screen
Synopsis: A Dark Tower at the center of the Universe is protecting it from Evil Forces and gets under attack. The last Gunslinger Roland (Elba) has vowed to protect it against the magic of the evil Walter (McConaughey), which he will be reminded by the gifted young Jake (Taylor).
Review: When I saw the poster of this movie some months ago I was tempted to go watch it in the cinema, but in the end I am glad I didn't as it wouldn't have been worth it. Adapted from novels by Stephen King, the story mixes a Universal threat with some retro far-west values and "technology", in particular the use of hand pistols that are to me in far too great contrast with the powers at play.  Also what? The fate of the Universe resides in a few children kidnapped in New York City?? It may have sounded better on the pages of King's novels, but in a movie it is a hard sell. Not that it is completely ridiculous, it is quite OK to watch but never really exciting. To keep from this movie is the cold performance by Matthew McConaughey that one could compare with the one of the Devil (Peter Stormare) in Constantine with Keanu Reeves and also taking place in NY. The trendy Idris Elba is not bad but never really manages to convey the emotions I would have expected from his character. And I guess Jake has the same age as the target audience. For teenagers saving the Universe, better watch again Ender's Game.
Rating: 3 /10