★★½
Starring Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Mathilde Ollivier, Pilou Asbæk, John Magaro, Iain De Caestecker, Jacob Anderson
Directed by Julius Avery
2018 / 110 Minutes / Paramount Pictures
Overlord is a bit of a nothing movie. It’s probably one of the least memorable films you’ll see this year. A movie virtually forgotten by everyone and many who I’ve talk to haven’t even heard of. Maybe this could’ve done better as a straight to Netflix film. There wasn’t really anything about this that screamed “I have to see this in theatres”. It was disappointing when I expected it to be somewhat more engaging, based on the interesting story idea.
When a group of American soldiers fall behind enemy lines they discover there’s more going on in the Nazi-occupied village. The find themselves fighting off more than just Nazi’s. What could have been a highly entertaining fun ride of a movie ends of being pretty dull and lifeless. I expected a little more from this, although to be honest I had no idea what to expect. This movie wasn’t really on anyone’s radar.
The acting is pretty forgettable from the cast of no big names. Not that a big A-lister is needed in this, but it could have helped make this movie something more. Also I must say not once did this movie feel like it took place in World War II. It never feels like we’re in that era. Maybe it’s the sets or the cinematography, but it never gives off that feeling like other movies that have taken place during that time. The actors never looked like they were living back then they looked to modern to me. It very well could have been the war genre blending with the horror that just isn’t working for me.
With all the negative aspects I had for this movie there are some entertaining moments scattered throughout this overall forgettable film. However it’s those moments that make this film fall harder because just when I’m starting to enjoy it it suddenly falls flat on it’s face again. I wanted this to be so much more, but it never gets to that level.
Overlord should have been so much better. With a premise and story like this I’m stunned that I didn’t enjoy the ride more. While it’s not an absolute mess of a movie, I don’t really think there’s much reason to see Overlord. It’s pretty much a pointless and dull experience of a movie that might do this trick if that’s what you’re craving, but maybe if you go in with lower expectations you’ll get more out of this. As for me it’s a clever spin on a tired premise that others have been able to do better.
Grade C-
