The Seeker: The Dark is Rising (2007)
NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: Just as he turns 11, Will Stanton (Alexander Ludwig) learns that he’s the last of a race of paladins dedicated to beating back the forces of darkness and their malevolent leader, the Rider (Christopher Eccleston). As Will travels through time gathering the powerful artifacts that will give rise to the ultimate showdown, he must keep the Rider at bay. Ian McShane and Jonathan Jackson also star in this fantasy adventure.
REVIEW: Ashley Says: I haven’t read the book. Neither has anyone I know. But from the sound of it, the film is a deplorable adaptation of a Newbery Award-winning children’s fantasy series. As usual, Hollywood appears to have sucked the life and originality out of the story, which is said to be rooted in British folklore. What’s left is a jumbled mess of generic fantasy elements and stock characters that could have been torn from any children’s fantasy tale. Not only does the resulting mess not make much sense, but it fails to entice the viewer as well. Even Ian McShane and Frances Conroy appear uninspired; they might as well be holding up signs saying “please take me back, HBO.” And how often do you find a review posted by the author of the book warning viewers away from a poor adaptation?
2.5 stars
Ashley
