Movie Review: The Mutant Chronicles

I managed to get a exclusive look at the upcoming film The Mutant Chronicles, blasting its way into theaters some time in 2008. The exact release date is unknown as of this writing, but it's certain that it will be some time this year. The big question is whether or not it is worth the time and price of admission.

During the 23rd century, a soldier by the name of Mitch Hunter (Thomas Jane) guides an army of fierce fighters to battle underground mutants after opening a seal to an ancient creation. This creation is a machine known to turn humans into blade-slinging mutants determined to wipe out mankind. It is up to Mitch and his fierce army to save the world. Quite possibly the first ever pen-and-paper-role-playing-game-turned-movie, The Mutant Chronicles is surprisingly satisfying.

Loud, exciting, very funny, and brutally entertaining, it just might be the action film of the year — a movie full of great fight scenes, excitement around every corner, and visually arresting set designs that will hold even the most cynical viewer's interest. Truthfully, it is the most fun I've had at the movies in a long time.

Sporting an A-list action cast that includes Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and Thomas Jane (The Punisher), it is sure to please a certain targeted audience that has a lust for action and a strong appetite for gore. The thrills, the shocks, and the sheer enjoyment of going to the movies is all there and in full, ass-kicking form.

But don't get me wrong, readers, this isn't a masterpiece. It does have its glitches like underdeveloped characters, loads of commentary, and Ron Perlman's acting (which is nearly laughable). Not to mention the small cameo appearance from John Malkovich was unnecessary and could've saved the filmmakers a few bucks by casting an unknown actor for this role. Things like that are giving the movie a bad rep. However, there are enough adrenaline-charged moments to flush out these glitches and make for pure entertainment.

In the final act, we get to see Hellboy and The Punisher go head-to-head in a battle to the death. It's an exhilarating moment added to the tons of violence beforehand and a great finish to a spectacular fusion of sci-fi, action, horror, and comedy. The Mutant Chronicles is an authentic film and certainly worth the admission price, popcorn and all.

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for derek-fleek

Article Author: Derek Fleek

Derek Fleek is an online movie critic and promoter of the site Popcorn Monsters. His favorite genres are horror (modern and classic), comedy horror, and occasionally a good drama. His favorite movie is Pulp Fiction and his favorite director is Quentin Tarantino. …

Visit Derek Fleek's author pageDerek Fleek's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found

Article comments

  • 1 - Anon

    Jul 24, 2008 at 8:04 pm

    I don't know what your smoking, but this movie was biggest pile of crap I have seen in years...actually, I take that back...its THE worst movie I have seen in ALL my years. The CGI was horrendous, the writing was uninspired. I have no idea how they got the cast that they did - someone must have owed a few favors.

    Don't waste your time with this steaming pile.

  • 2 - Jack

    Jul 28, 2008 at 2:25 am

    Now I wouldn’t call this film a masterpiece either but it’s not a terrible film either. I think your being too hard on Ron Perlman's acting. One should not expect this film to be on a film level of “Citizen Kane”, “Casablanca”, “Gone with the Wind”, “Saving Privet Ryan” or with lines and dialog like that of “Shakespeare” because it’s not trying to be like those type of films. Now I’m not putting the movie down in anyway, I liked it of course, but like I said it’s just a Sci-Fi/Horror/Action B-movie and that’s what it is, that’s what the filmmakers and the actors went for. They’re not going for Academy awards with effects and acting. If you want to enjoy this film… then try to enjoy it for what it is… and don’t hate it for what it’s not trying to be.

    When you watch a movie like “Evil Dead” you watch it and like it for the type of movie it is and it’s the same thing with this film.

  • 3 - Vexpez

    Aug 25, 2008 at 8:24 am

    Been watching films for over 40 years. This film is excellent. I've personally watched this at least 6 times. Ignore negative comments, when this film is shown in UK it'll get loads of people going. Superb film

  • 4 - Dave

    Sep 04, 2008 at 11:28 am

    I watch part of this movie & I like it can't wait until it comes out on dvd

  • 5 - Warscout

    Oct 06, 2008 at 10:58 am

    "Quite possibly the first ever pen-and-paper-role-playing-game-turned-movie"

    Huh? And the last half dozen AD&D movies were...?

  • 6 - Dave

    Oct 08, 2008 at 1:02 am

    Ron Perlman is the shit. You criticize his acting, yet he's been doing this for a living for over 30 years. He's done a little of everthing, too. He has a well-rounded experience. Put you on set and see how "hardass" you can be. Check him out in Sons of Anarchy.

  • 7 - yo

    Dec 10, 2008 at 7:57 am

    At best it's a two star. Not sure what the editor was smokin'. Correct on the lack of character development. Horrendous last 20 minutes and ending. Totally predictable and unbelievable. Again, at best 2 stars.

  • 8 - Greg P.

    Jan 30, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    I haven't seen this yet, but it looks like it'll be a really fun experience. From the trailer, all I can say is that it looks very artsy. So Anon, make sure you understand what you're talking about before say anything. Im just saying that it has style. Just like 300 or Sin City, many people disliked the way the movies looked and thought the special effects were bad and riddled them with criticism. Whomever they are, they're wrong. It's style. You may not like it, but don't discriminate it. Anyway, I am definitely looking foward to this movie...

  • 9 - Jack K

    Feb 15, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    One of the worst films i have ever had the misfortune of watching. After 45 mins i couldent take any more and had to turn it off. Dreadful.

  • 10 - A Steaming Pile

    Apr 19, 2009 at 4:40 am

    I just got done watching the whole thing. Worst movie I have seen since "The Strangers" and that movie is the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. I would have to rate this one about the fifth worse movie I have ever seen in my life. This won't make it into the main theaters... thank god.

  • 11 - Stephen

    Apr 22, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    I downloaded this movie off the net and watched it (well i did kind of fast forward on and off to get me through it quicker)

    Can honestly say its the worst film i have ever seen! I cant believe this film got funded and made??? Also the most fake CGI youll ever see! No plot, No point, So fake, so cheap, so pointless!
    The ending doesnt even make any sense! Either did the start!

    I cant think of a movie that is worse? Can u?

  • 12 - SteveC

    Apr 30, 2009 at 3:21 am

    Actually not a bad movie at all ... though I can understand the strong negative reaction from some and most who look for a tightly wound story will feel the same way -- but I can recall few sci-fi movies that had such powerful scenes of impending doom and dread. I'd give it a strong 7 and possibly more when I watch it a second and third time. The plot is a mish mash and most of the characters you might care about die - but that's the power of this flick. You are not meant to understand everything all at once - just enjoy the ride and have faith - you will be entertained by this movie!

  • 13 - Dave Web Guy

    Jun 30, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    You couldn't pay me enough to sit through this movie again. While I commend the actors for getting paid for what they do, I dont think they were "happy" with this movie.

    The best part for me was the ad in the middle of the movie on SciFi selling the DVD and BluRay. My roomate and me both cracked up.

    The CGI was good for SciFi TV standards, which I appriciated. It was the only real reason I kept watching.

    I am not familiar with the Role Playing that this movie was based off, so I didnt go in with any background into the story. If I had, I imagine that I would still be pretty pissed that I just spend 2.5 hours on the couch.

    Please SciFi, stick to your TV shows like Battlestar, Eureka, etc. Leave the movies to Showtime or something.

  • 14 - Tom

    Jul 29, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    There was nothing about this movie that was enjoyable. I really have no idea how I lasted through the entire thing. The plot was unexplained and the actors looked like they didn't want to be there. It is far beyond me to understand how anyone could like this horrid movie.

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for May 29, 2012

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for April

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs