The Great Wall Review: 6 Ups & 5 Downs

2. Not Enough Willem Dafoe

You'd be forgiven for forgetting that Willem Dafoe is in this movie, but yes, he has a few brief scenes as Sir Ballard, a wanderer who helps Garin and co. in their quest.

Ultimately, though, Dafoe doesn't do much other than creepily stare into the middle distance and provide some occasional exposition dumps for the heroes.

It's a supporting part that really could've been cut entirely, and it feels like the role was more about securing a respected western actor rather than fleshing out the movie's roster of characters.

Sure, it's inherently hilarious to see Dafoe in a movie like this, but he's sadly nowhere near as fun or well-utilised as you'd hope.