It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.
This weekend promises to be full on as we plow through two huge movies that both rely heavily on CGI. Both are quite fantastical, so if you’re looking for something else, the well-reviewed The Conjuring 2 is also out. Just be prepared to jump clean out of your skin. Back to the action, though, we’ve got a look at Warcraft and The Jungle Book.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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Warcraft (2016, Duncan Jones)
The realm of Azeroth faces war as orcs invade.

If you’ve never heard of Warcraft then you’ve either spent the last 20 years buried deep underground or are old enough to have already poo-pooed the original game when it was released in 1994.
Coupled with the phenomenal popularity that the multiplayer World of Warcraft has seen over the past 14 years, especially in Korea, then this movie really has the potential to do huge business overseas.
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people, and their home.

While it hasn't earned great reviews, many are going to see this one out of pure interest, nostalgic or otherwise.

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The Jungle Book (2016, Jon Favreau)
Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from tiger Shere Khan.

While Warcraft may be a CGI adventure that’s a little lacking, The Jungle Book is that rare remake that actually improves on its predecessor.

In this reimagining of the classic collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, stunning CGI is used to create the community of animals surrounding Mowgli, a human boy adopted by a pack of wolves. The appearance of a villainous tiger named Shere Khan forces Mowgli's guardian, the panther Bagheera, to shepherd the child to safety in the "man village." Along the way, the boy meets an affable, lazy bear named Baloo, as well as a snake with hypnotic powers and an orangutan who wants to harness the power of fire.

This latest version of the beloved children’s story is utterly engrossing to watch and sets a new standard for CGI.