Share your thoughts after viewing the movie **DEFINITE SPOILERS**

[Moderator]

I want to emphasize again that for anyone who is expecting or disappointed that this is a straight adaptation, this isn't it. As has been reported, it is another journey on the wheel, one that takes place after the 7th book. Unless you can watch with an open mind and be receptive to that, you're probably not going to enjoy this.

Those who have read the books will recognize elements that have been included from several books in this journey and there were a few times when I would have an aha moment as I recognized a location or character. Not to mention all of the easter eggs of other books, and it would take me another time or two watching to catch them all.

I'll confess I was one of those who at first was disappointed with the casting as I'd been caught up in that iconic description of the blue eyes but I thought Idris Elba did a good job of capturing the steeliness of Roland. It didn't take long before I was able to embrace him as a different version of Roland on another level of the Tower. I didn't even notice until someone else mentioned afterwards that he never wore a hat as Roland did. He did well portraying Roland's unintended humor when commenting about keystone world so there are several scenes that will make you laugh just like you probably did when reading the books.

Tom Taylor did a terrific job as Jake and I hope they'll continue with him even though he's going through his teenage growth spurt in real life.

I think Matthew McConaughey got Walter's ruthlessness as that comes across front and center. Not having seen a lot of his other films that might have influenced me about his performance, I may not have caught his just being Matthew McConaughey that others have been concerned about.

Some have mentioned being concerned about the length of the film, but I really didn't even notice it as I was caught up in the story. There weren't any parts that seemed to drag for me. Overall, I think the film captures the essence of the story and works as a new journey for Roland.

 

[nalaa]

lol there is no is as good as ms mod......there is no`1 is like her in this community. such an good person. another noble prize 2 you.

 

[skimom2]

I want to emphasize again that for anyone who is expecting or disappointed that this is a straight adaptation, this isn't it. As has been reported, it is another journey on the wheel, one that takes place after the 7th book. Unless you can watch with an open mind and be receptive to that, you're probably not going to enjoy this.

Those who have read the books will recognize elements that have been included from several books in this journey and there were a few times when I would have an aha moment as I recognized a location or character. Not to mention all of the easter eggs of other books, and it would take me another time or two watching to catch them all.

I'll confess I was one of those who at first was disappointed with the casting as I'd been caught up in that iconic description of the blue eyes but I thought Idris Elba did a good job of capturing the steeliness of Roland. It didn't take long before I was able to embrace him as a different version of Roland on another level of the Tower. I didn't even notice until someone else mentioned afterwards that he never wore a hat as Roland did. He did well portraying Roland's unintended humor when commenting about keystone world so there are several scenes that will make you laugh just like you probably did when reading the books.

Tom Taylor did a terrific job as Jake and I hope they'll continue with him even though he's going through his teenage growth spurt in real life.

I think Matthew McConaughey got Walter's ruthlessness as that comes across front and center. Not having seen a lot of his other films that might have influenced me about his performance, I may not have caught his just being Matthew McConaughey that others have been concerned about.

Some have mentioned being concerned about the length of the film, but I really didn't even notice it as I was caught up in the story. There weren't any parts that seemed to drag for me. Overall, I think the film captures the essence of the story and works as a new journey for Roland.

Thank you for your quick review! I'm interested in seeing what happens in the film, what material the writers chose to source for this story. I've been for the most part pleased with what the writers of The Walking Dead have done, narratively--it's interesting to watch them play with the source material, sometimes neck and neck with the paper story and sometimes miles away. That's what I'm expecting from this film.

BTW, Roland never wore a hat, aside from Wizard and Glass. He lost it before the action starts in The Gunslinger, and never replaces it. I know the artwork shows him with a hat, but it's not supported by the narrative

 

[Spideyman]

Thank you for the honest review. As a die hard to the books, I've come to embrace the concept of the next journey. May all who view do so with open minds.

 

[Moderator]

Thank you for your quick review! I'm interested in seeing what happens in the film, what material the writers chose to source for this story. I've been for the most part pleased with what the writers of The Walking Dead have done, narratively--it's interesting to watch them play with the source material, sometimes neck and neck with the paper story and sometimes miles away. That's what I'm expecting from this film.

BTW, Roland never wore a hat, aside from Wizard and Glass. He lost it before the action starts in The Gunslinger, and never replaces it. I know the artwork shows him with a hat, but it's not supported by the narrative

I think the artwork is why so many associate that with Roland, myself included!

 

[cat in a bag]

I am hoping to get to go see this next week on Scott's days off. He goes in on nights tomorrow so I have to wait. We never go to the movies, so it will be a treat!

 

[RichardX]

The first reviews that I read are scathing. Not a great sign.

 

[kingricefan]

Going tonight to see it and I will be right back on here as soon as I get home with my thoughts. I'm going to go in with an open mind and try to think of Idris' portrayal of Roland as I did when I went to see Terminator 2, meaning that Idris' Roland is the 'new' version of our gunslinger.

 

[Zone D Dad]

The first reviews that I read are scathing. Not a great sign.

I've been seeing quite a few mediocre ones. I think it's been said before but this is a tough spot: those unfamiliar with the novels will see it and think, why are there all these books? The diehard fans won't be happy because you can't put enough of the original story into a single film.

Regardless, I know I'll end up seeing it. Hard for me to get to the theater much, but I'll get to it eventually.

 

[SHEEMIEE]

i've spent the last hour reading the reviews, and i gotta tell you man

Spoiler: i feel like

ive just watched Roland walk up to the tree where Oys broken body hangs limp in the branches, and stroke our furry buddy goodbye for the last time

when i was really looking for a reason to be first in line.

i'm so utterly depressed now.

 

[Moderator]

i've spent the last hour reading the reviews, and i gotta tell you man

Spoiler: i feel like

ive just watched Roland walk up to the tree where Oys broken body hangs limp in the branches, and stroke our furry buddy goodbye for the last time

when i was really looking for a reason to be first in line.

i'm so utterly depressed now.

Instead of letting them make up your mind, maybe give it a chance and form your own opinion.

 

[Moderator]

I've just read three reviews (The Verge, Rolling Stone and Variety) and the ones that are the harshest come across to me as ones that wanted to see a more faithful adaptation rather than the continuation of Steve's story. The reviewer for Variety got it that it's a continuation and is a more favorable review than the other two.

 

[SHEEMIEE]

na -I think i'm sticking with the audio book. Frank muller is my long tall and ugly - i've decided,

mayhaps on Dvd - but i've been too disappointed with this concept of an idea from day 1, maybe if a constant reader says something positive about it, or Tiny pipes up ...hey Tiny? what's your verdict.

 

[SHEEMIEE]

best i've read so far is ... 'it's fine' a meh if ever i heard one - (and he never read the journey)

 

[skimom2]

It should work independent of the books. No one who can't get that through their head is likely to give it a chance.

My measure will be my oldest daughter. She has never read the books, loves action adventure movies, and was excited by the trailer. If she 'gets' the story and enjoys the movie, I'll consider it successful

 

[Spideyman]

I've just read three reviews (The Verge, Rolling Stone and Variety) and the ones that are the harshest come across to me as ones that wanted to see a more faithful adaptation rather than the continuation of Steve's story. The reviewer for Variety got it that it's a continuation and is a more favorable review than the other two.

I wonder what the reactions would have been , if from day one, the movie had been re-titled. The Dark Tower--Roland's Final Journey; or something like that. Not just DT.
I think expectations / desires were too high for something like the HP movies. Acceptance of something different is often difficult.

 

[Connor B]

16% on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

[RichardX]

I understand that there will always be some people who are disappointed in a movie because they loved the books and want nothing changed. Those are generally a small but vocal minority who make their opinions known. Make a good movie and it will stand on its own though. The Shining is a good example. A lot of hue and cry about changes but the movie was so good it remains an iconic film. To make a big budget film it has to have wide audience appeal. There just are not enough King fans alone to make a film a box office success. And those fans I see at the various appearances are almost exclusively over age 40 whites who probably don't go to the movies very often. Middling box office potential. So they decide to turn it into an action film. Not a terrible idea if its done right. It may attract a younger audience and make a decent box. That still may be the case even if it is an awful movie. From the reviews the reaction is mixed at best leaning toward a not very good movie. It will be interesting to compare the reaction with the new Twin Peaks series that is getting terrific, glowing reviews from critics but not much of an audience. The reverse might turn out to be the case here. If it is a bomb, however, then I wouldn't hold your breath on any sequels. And it will be another in a long line now of King TV shows and movies that have disappointed or been outright awful. IT looks promising though!

 

[Bev Vincent]

My review is up at CD Online.

 

[danie]

My review is up at CD Online.

Do you have a link? Can't find it.