Knights of the Zodiac – Film Review

Published July 13, 2023

Movie Details

Rating
D+
Director
Tomek Baginski
Writer
Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken, Kiel Murray
Actors
Mackenyu, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Dacascos, Nick Stahl
Runtime
1 h 53 min
Release Date
April 27, 2023
Genres
Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Certification
PG-13

When a headstrong street orphan unwittingly taps into hidden powers, he discovers he might be the only person alive who can protect a reincarnated goddess who was sent to watch over humanity.

Knights of the Zodiac, directed by Tomek Bagiński, attempts to captivate audiences with its tale of a headstrong orphan discovering hidden powers and embarking on a mission to protect a reincarnated goddess. However, this film falls short in almost every aspect, resulting in a weak and bland experience that fails to leave a lasting impression.

From the very beginning, it becomes evident that the plot of Knights of the Zodiac is lackluster at best. The story follows a predictable and unoriginal trajectory, failing to bring any fresh or compelling elements to the table. The concept of a street orphan with untapped powers has been explored countless times before, and this film fails to provide any innovative or engaging twists to differentiate itself.

One of the most striking aspects of Knights of the Zodiac is its shockingly poor CGI. The visual effects are reminiscent of a bygone era, evoking memories of low-budget productions from the 1990s rather than a film released in the present day. The subpar CGI is not only distracting but also detracts from the immersion and believability of the story, making it difficult for viewers to invest themselves fully in the world of the film.

As the narrative progresses, it becomes increasingly convoluted and bizarre. The film seems to suffer from an identity crisis, as it attempts to cater to both young children and fully grown adults. This tonal clash creates a jarring viewing experience, leaving audiences unsure of who the intended target audience truly is. The various tones in the film never quite meld together, resulting in an inconsistent and disjointed storytelling approach.

The action sequences in Knights of the Zodiac are passable at best. While they manage to provide some entertainment value, none of them stand out as particularly remarkable or memorable. The choreography lacks creativity and fails to deliver the adrenaline-pumping excitement that one would expect from a film in this genre. As a result, the action becomes forgettable and fails to leave a lasting impression.

The performances in the film, particularly from the main cast, leave much to be desired. Mackenyu‘s portrayal of Seiya, the Pegasus Knight, falls flat and lacks the necessary depth to make the character truly compelling. Famke Janssen, despite her talent as an actress, is unfortunately not given an opportunity to showcase her skills, as the screenplay fails to provide her with a character that resonates with the audience. The overall lackluster performances further contribute to the film’s overall mediocrity.

Knights of the Zodiac bears an uncanny resemblance to the infamous Dragonball Evolution, a film that is best left forgotten. Unfortunately, it seems that this movie is destined to suffer the same fate. It lacks the originality, substance, and memorable qualities that would make it stand out among its peers. Regrettably, Knights of the Zodiac is destined to fade into obscurity, leaving audiences with little more than a sense of disappointment and a desire to forget this underwhelming cinematic experience.

Knights of the Zodiac is a weak and bland film that fails to deliver on its potential. From its predictable plot to its hilariously bad CGI and disjointed tone, the movie struggles to find its footing. The lackluster action sequences and underwhelming performances only serve to compound its shortcomings. With its striking similarities to the ill-fated Dragonball Evolution, Knights of the Zodiac is an unremarkable and forgettable film that fails to leave a lasting impression on its audience.