Let me start by saying that the original movie (starring Fronczewski) was the wacky movie of my childhood. It was aired on public TV quite frequently. It has to be said that the movie was not a perfect 10-far from it-but I remember it very fondly.
I will not compare it to either the original written work nor the original movie.
I went into this movie with high hopes; I really wanted it to be good.
Now, most of the high-star reviews here are written by Poles who either do not know how basic storytelling should work or who really want this to become the Polish "Harry Potter." And, oh boy, this movie stinks.
1. Setting the premise.
There is none. All the scenes feel deeply disconnected, either by design or due to budget cuts. There is no character development-just a whole lot of disconnected scenes showing the somewhat beautifully written world (according to the book).
2. Production value.
It seems to me it's also quite absent. The practical effects are there, and I do believe they are top-notch, given the CGI era we live in.
All the enclosed environments feel cramped and claustrophobic. While watching the movie, I felt the money leaking into the CGI, and in turn, it seems there was not enough left to make the enclosed spaces grand. The US part of the movie was one of the worst things that happened. Even the cops that the main villain runs across in the "real world" had a strong "I'm not from the US" accent, which is just sad, in my opinion. Surely they could afford a voiceover and/or a consultant.
3. Character development.
Now, this is what I feel strongly about, as I have read reviews online suggesting this might be the aforementioned "Polish Harry Potter" franchise. In a single word: NONE. While watching, you are introduced to the main character, her dreams, and her hopes... aaaand that's it. She just keeps being annoying throughout the whole movie. The rest of the student roster is briefly introduced in somewhat unimportant scenes, and after that... nothing. Not much happens between the characters. No friendships are shown on screen, and no relationships between the characters are ever developed.
4. Acting.
Not there for the teenage roster. Okish for the rest.
5. Music.
Great! Not a single complaint there. The opening scene had me giggling and cheering. Did anyone else get Witcher (CDPR one) vibes from the opening score?
In general, the film lacks direction, forethought, and character development. I would like to say I hope it will get better on the second try (oh yes, the sequel is in the works), but I do not have any high hopes for this franchise.
