Cast
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Melanie Stone
as Marek
Adam Johnson
as Thane
Jake Stormoen
as Dagen
Nicola Posener
as Teela
Rocky Myers
as Qole
Christopher Robin Miller
as Hammerhead
Kevin Sorbo
as Gojun Pye
Natalie Devine Riskas
as Caeryn
Robert Jayne
as Peregus Malister
Matthew Mercer
as Szorlok
Brogan Johnson
as Althalos
Ryan Palmer
as Kishkumen
James C. Morris
as Rawhead
Kali Wright
as Dagen's Lady
Michael Flynn
as Vagamal
Crew
Director
- Anne K. Black
Writer
- Anne K. Black
- Jason Faller
- Liska Ostojic
- Kynan Griffin
- Justin Partridge
Producer
- Jason Faller
- Kynan Griffin
Reviews
Wuchak
RELEASED IN 2015 and directed by Anne K. Black, "Mythica: The Darkspore" is the second film in the five-film fantasy/adventure series about a limping servant girl with blossoming magical powers named Merek (Melanie Stone), who teams-up with a heroic warrior, Thane (Adam Johnson), a miscreant lothario, Dagen (Jake Stormoen), a priestess, Teela (Nicola Posener), and a hunky elf, Qole (Rocky Myers), for a journey to obtain all the shards of the Darkspore to keep it from the diabolical Szorlok (Matthew Mercer). Kevin Sorbo has a cameo.
The story takes place in an adventurous Medieval-like world where sorcery, elves, orcs, dragons and other fantasy creatures are real. If you like The Lord of the Rings, D&D, Warcraft, Conan or Sinbad you’ll probably like the Mythica franchise. These movies were partly funded by a Kickstarter campaign with all the movies costing less than $100,000, except the fifth and final one. The first movie, “A Quest for Heroes,” cost $94,294 while this sequel cost $81,099. The production quality is incredible for such meager budgets, particularly if you’re familiar with micro-budget productions. The Mythica films are basically just as good production-wise as “Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God" (2005), a TV movie that cost a whopping $15 million (for a TV flick, that is).
“The Darkspore” is disappointing in comparison to the dynamic first film, in particular the first half where the transition from “A Quest for Heroes” is clumsy and unexciting. Thankfully, things perk up in the second half and make up for the weak first act, especially a fight with a dragon in the desert. In any case, be sure to see “A Quest for Heroes” before viewing this one.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 47 minutes. WRITERS: Anne K. Black, Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin.
GRADE: B-
Mar 8, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Mythica: The Darkspore distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Anne K. Black brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mythica: The Darkspore took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 2389 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mythica: The Darkspore shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mythica: The Darkspore subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Ewok Adventure and Eragon explore similar territory, Mythica: The Darkspore stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 24, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 48m
Where to Watch
