Mortal follows Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. Following a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to the point where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to super powers is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim more than a hero.
While I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces on everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time filled with gaping mouths watching Eric. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It became ridiculous and redundant after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush that it makes the movie feel disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other; Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer; Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered; etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing elements that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Mortal revolves around Eric Bergland (Nat Wolff, The Stand, Paper Towns) an American lost in the Norwegian woods after a tragic incident. After a strange encounter with a couple of pesky teenagers, where one ends up dead, Eric is arrested and taken in for questioning. Police call upon a psychologist to help solve the mystery of what happened to the murdered teen. Enter Christine (Iben Akerlie, Victoria, In the Sea) the psychologist, and after discovering that Eric has powers beyond explanation, she puts everything on the line to save him.
Also see: Was the Goosebumps TV Series Too Disturbing for Children?
Mortal does many things right. The special effects are well done, its interpretation of mythology is fairly innovative, and the story moves along well while watching. The scenes with Eric wielding elemental abilities are striking. There is an air of seriousness, fear, and even the music is somber, indicating this is something that should not be celebrated. Eric is tormented by his abilities and is utterly consumed to where he can barely function. He frequently stops talking midsentence, he wanders off, and during a superpower episode he is screaming in pain. This depiction of being a prisoner to being a superhero-eque character is fascinating. Eric did not ask for this and instead of assuming he would be a force for good and would improve the world, Mortal depicts Eric as a victim than a hero.
However, while I did enjoy all of the aforementioned elements, Mortal also steps on its own feet, repeatedly, diminishing the potential for being a better film. While the special effects during the elemental episodes are good, what is not are the endless streams of shocked Pikachu faces of everyone else. There is entirely too much screen time of gaping mouths watching Eric, every, single, incident. The same characters are appalled, each time something wild happens. And its not like these are different folks, it is the same group of people the camera fixates on. It was just humorous after a while.
Mortal also has the too many ideas problem. There are so many story elements that are haphazardly written in a rush it makes the movie disjointed. For example, Eric and Christine have feelings for each other very fast, Christine throws her phone in a river for a murderer, Eric being Jesus comes up several times, the Norse mythology bit (the actual important stuff) is brushed aside and barely covered, etc. There are just so many conveniently written and downright confusing things that are overlooked. For instance, at some point Eric is getting an MRI and the doctor says, he shouldn’t be alive. But that is never followed up on after another incident strikes. Also, the American government wants Eric because…? I still have no idea.
Overall, Mortal had the potential to be a fantastic, innovative film, but couldn’t make hard decisions to say no and trim the fat needed to make a coherent movie. If you are interested in seeing what I mean, feel free to check it out, but honestly, you can skip.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Director(s): André Øvredal
Writer(s): André Øvredal, Norman Lesperance, Geoff Bussetil
Stars: Nat Wolff, Priyanka Bose, Iben Akerlie
Release: Available now on On-Demand, Digital, and Blue-Ray
Studio/ Production Co: Saban Films
Language: English/Norwegian
Length: 104 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
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