Artemis Fowl (2020), based on the beloved book series by Eoin Colfer, is a fantasy adventure film directed by Kenneth Branagh. The movie brings to life the story of a young genius, Artemis Fowl, who embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth behind his father’s mysterious disappearance. The film, however, received mixed to negative reviews, with many fans and critics noting that it deviated significantly from the source material. Despite its star-studded cast and visually appealing special effects, Artemis Fowl struggles to live up to the expectations set by the books, leaving fans of the series disappointed.
Movie Overview
- Title: Artemis Fowl
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family
- Director: Kenneth Branagh
- Writers: Conor McPherson, Eoin Colfer (book series)
- Release Date: June 12, 2020
- Cast:
- Ferdia Shaw as Artemis Fowl
- Lara McDonnell as Holly Short
- Josh Gad as Mulch Diggums
- Colin Farrell as Artemis Fowl Sr.
- Nonso Anozie as Butler
- Hong Chau as Commander Julius
- Miranda Raison as Angeline Fowl
Plot Summary
The film centers around Artemis Fowl (Ferdia Shaw), a 12-year-old prodigy and heir to the Fowl family fortune. His life takes a dramatic turn when his father, Artemis Fowl Sr. (Colin Farrell), disappears under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a cryptic message and a dangerous legacy. Artemis, determined to find his father, begins to unravel secrets about an ancient world of magical creatures, including fairies, trolls, and elves.
In order to rescue his father, Artemis kidnaps Holly Short (Lara McDonnell), a fairy police officer, in hopes of using her to unlock the secrets of the magical world and the “Aculos,” a powerful artifact that could lead to his father’s location. As Artemis faces off against the fairy world, he is forced to navigate his own cunning and intelligence, while learning the value of trust and loyalty. Alongside his loyal bodyguard Butler (Nonso Anozie) and a group of unexpected allies, Artemis embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.
Themes Explored
- Intelligence vs. Emotion: Artemis Fowl is a highly intelligent character who often relies on his intellect and manipulation to solve problems. The movie explores his journey from cold, calculated brilliance to a more emotional understanding of the world around him, especially as he learns the value of friendship and family.
- Family and Loyalty: At the heart of the story is Artemis’s quest to find his father and protect his family’s legacy. The film highlights the importance of loyalty, trust, and the lengths one will go to for loved ones.
- The Magical vs. The Real World: The blending of a modern, real-world setting with a hidden magical society forms a key theme. The juxtaposition of Artemis’s high-tech gadgets with the ancient, mystical creatures introduces a unique sense of wonder, but the film’s attempt to merge the two often feels jarring.
- Morality and Power: Throughout the movie, Artemis grapples with moral decisions, particularly when it comes to using others for his own gain. The narrative questions how far one should go in the pursuit of power and what is worth sacrificing along the way.
Why Watch Artemis Fowl?
- Visual Effects and Action: The film boasts impressive visual effects, showcasing the magical world and its creatures. The action sequences, particularly those involving Holly Short’s powers and the world of fairies, provide a fun spectacle for viewers.
- A Fresh Take on Fantasy: Artemis Fowl offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre, introducing a young protagonist who is both a genius and a villain in his own right. The story is filled with gadgets, high-tech wizardry, and magical creatures, making it an exciting experience for fans of both fantasy and action-adventure.
- Appealing to a Younger Audience: The movie’s lighthearted moments and fast-paced adventure make it suitable for a family audience. Children and young adults will likely find the mix of magic, technology, and humor entertaining.
- Interesting Characters: The characters, especially Artemis Fowl and Holly Short, offer an intriguing dynamic. Artemis’s transformation from a cold genius to a more relatable figure gives depth to his character, while Holly brings a sense of bravery and strength to the story.
- Josh Gad’s Performance: Josh Gad, as the comical and occasionally heroic Mulch Diggums, brings levity and charm to the film. His performance is one of the few standout elements, offering some much-needed humor in an otherwise serious plot.
Criticisms of Artemis Fowl
Despite its strengths, Artemis Fowl faced significant criticism for several reasons:
- Deviation from the Source Material: Fans of the original Artemis Fowl books were disappointed by how much the movie strayed from the source material. Key plot elements were altered, and many beloved characters were either underdeveloped or changed completely. The film did not capture the darker, more complex nature of the books.
- Weak Storytelling: While the film is visually impressive, the storytelling feels disjointed and confusing at times. The pacing is uneven, and certain plot points lack depth, which may leave viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with the books, feeling lost.
- Lack of Emotional Depth: One of the criticisms is that the film fails to develop the emotional core of the story. Artemis’s character arc, which should have been central to the film, feels rushed and lacks the depth needed to make him a relatable protagonist.
- Underutilized Talent: Despite a strong cast, many characters are given minimal screen time and are underdeveloped. The film’s heavy reliance on CGI and visual effects sometimes detracts from the performances and overall story.
How to Watch Artemis Fowl (2020)
- Disney+ Streaming
Artemis Fowl is available for streaming exclusively on Disney+. Subscribers can watch the film in high quality and enjoy a range of bonus features related to the making of the film and its characters. - Digital Rental or Purchase
If you do not have access to Disney+, Artemis Fowl may be available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube Movies. - Avoid Piracy
It’s always recommended to watch Artemis Fowl through legal streaming or digital rental platforms. Piracy harms the film industry and offers a subpar viewing experience.
Conclusion
Artemis Fowl (2020) has all the ingredients for an exciting fantasy adventure, including a unique protagonist, a magical world, and thrilling action sequences. However, it falls short of its potential due to a lackluster plot, deviation from the original material, and underdeveloped characters. While the film may appeal to younger audiences and fans of visual spectacle, those hoping for a faithful adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s beloved series may find themselves disappointed.
For those new to the Artemis Fowl universe, the film provides an accessible introduction to the character and his world, but for die-hard fans of the books, it’s hard to ignore the missed opportunities in bringing the rich narrative and characters to life.
Disclaimer
This article encourages viewers to watch Artemis Fowl through authorized streaming platforms. Piracy is illegal and can negatively impact the entertainment industry. Always opt for legal methods to enjoy your movies.
