Watch Artemis Fowl
- PG
- 2019
-
4.3 (30,717)
Artemis Fowl is a 2020 science fiction/fantasy movie directed by Kenneth Branagh and based on the first book in the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. The movie revolves around a 12 year old boy, Artemis Fowl (Ferdia Shaw) who lives in a grand mansion in Ireland with his father, Artemis Fowl Sr. (Colin Farrell). Artemis Sr. is a renowned art thief who has gone missing along with his butler Domovoi Butler (Nonso Anozie). Artemis Jr. is convinced that his father has been kidnapped by a fairy and sets out to rescue him. But his plan goes awry when he realizes that he has walked into a centuries-old conflict between the fairy world and humans.
The fairy world is a parallel universe, hidden from humans and is home to an array of magical creatures such as dwarfs, centaurs, and fairies. The fairies are governed by the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) force, led by Commander Root (Judi Dench). They are responsible for maintaining law and order in the fairy world and protecting it from the humans who seek to exploit their magic.
Artemis Fowl is aided in his quest by Holly Short (Lara McDonnell), a feisty elf who works for LEPrecon. Although their initial meeting doesn't go as planned, they eventually form an unlikely partnership. Along with Mulch Diggums (Josh Gad), a kleptomaniac dwarf, they set out to retrieve a powerful magical MacGuffin, known as the Aculos, which they believe can be used to rescue Artemis Sr.
As they delve deeper into the fairy world and its secrets, they realize that there is more at stake than just Artemis Sr.'s freedom. The Aculos is sought after by a vicious fairy, Opal Koboi (Hong Chau) who plans to use its power to destroy the human world and seize control of the fairy world. It is now up to Artemis Fowl and his team to stop her and save both worlds.
The movie boasts stunning visual effects that bring to life the magical creatures and their world. The fairy world is unlike anything ever seen before on screen, complete with towering mushroom forests, glowing underwater cities, and opulent castles. The action sequences are fast-paced and engaging, with Artemis Fowl and his team using their wits and ingenuity to outsmart their opponents.
The cast delivers solid performances, with Ferdia Shaw making an impressive debut as the titular character. He brings a sense of gravitas and maturity to the role, despite his young age. Lara McDonnell shines as Holly Short, bringing a spunky energy to the character. Josh Gad delivers an entertaining performance as Mulch Diggums, injecting much-needed humor into the movie. Judi Dench is delightful as the tough-as-nails Commander Root.
While the movie is an entertaining watch, it may disappoint fans of the book series. Many of the key elements of the book such as Artemis Fowl's genius-level intellect and his scheming nature, are downplayed in the movie. Also, many of the significant plot points are changed, and the story feels rushed in parts. The movie also suffers from a lack of world-building, which leaves the fairy world feeling underdeveloped.
In conclusion, Artemis Fowl is an enjoyable movie that is sure to captivate young audiences. Its stunning visuals, engaging action sequences, and strong performances make up for its shortcomings. However, fans of the book series may find it lacking in certain areas. Nevertheless, the movie is a testament to the timeless appeal of Colfer's series, and it will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Artemis Fowl fans.
Artemis Fowl is a 2019 adventure movie. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3 and a MetaScore of 31.