The Dark Tower Reviews: 9 Early Reactions You Need To See
6. At Least It's A Visual Spectacle
"It's a competent and watchable paranoid metaphysical video game that doesn't overstay its welcome, includes some luridly entertaining visual effects, and - it has to be said - summons an emotional impact of close to zero. Which in a film like this one isn't necessarily a disadvantage." - Variety
"It's a visual spectacle of action and fantasy that leaves the audience wanting more, while delivering one of the last thrills in store for this summer's box office season." - CinemaBlend
It isn't all bad news for Dark Tower fans. The movie has at least been praised for its visual effects and bullet-ridden set pieces.
This will come as little surprise to anyone who's seen the trailer footage, complete with Roland locking and loading in Matrix-esque slow motion. It's breath-taking stuff.
But perhaps the most disappointing thing of all is that the kindest things that are being said about Dark Tower are related to its special effects and action.
Had they nailed the adaptation, critics would have been heaping praise on the mind-bending story, layered characters and emotional depth.
It's worrying that the movie only appears to work on the same level as an '80s Arnie flick.