The magical worlds of the fantasy genre have been showcased in some of the most iconic films to date. The possibilities to bring a fantasy film to life are endless, and the 2000s brought more than its fair share. With some of the most memorable films on their list, it’s easy to see how the era that brought Harry Potter And Lord of the Rings the series missed a few gems.
While the 2000s is known for its top-notch comedies, popcorn action films, and family entertainment, it is best known for being the age of advanced special effects. The fantasy adventures of some of the era’s most popular heroes are well known for their influence on the genre.
9 “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” (2009)
Thousands of years ago, Dr. Parnassus, the head of a traveling show, exchanged his daughter Valentina (Lily Cole) soul to hell, and now the devil has come to collect. Out of time, the doctor bets that he can collect five souls first to win Valentina. Tony arrivesHeath Ledger), a man rescued from hanging by Dr. Parnassus’ troupe, agrees to help gather the souls needed to win Valentina’s heart.
Director Terry Gilliam, the film received generally positive reviews, with many praising the director for the beautifully dark and imaginative film and his performance. Unfortunately, Ledger’s death temporarily halted the film’s production early on, forcing him to recast his character through transformations. Marking his final performance, the film was dedicated to the actor and co-producer. William Vince.
8 ‘Peter Pan’ (2003)
Wendy Darling (ur.Rachel Hurd-Wood) goes on the adventure of a lifetime with his brothers John (Harry Newell) and Michael (Freddie Popplewell) after their story time is interrupted by Peter Pan (Jeremy Sumpter) myself. Peter, who magically never ages, invites Wendy and her brothers to Neverland Island, where they soon encounter the Lost Boys. However, everything changes when Wendy and her brothers are kidnapped by Captain Hook (Jason Isaacs), Peter with the help of the fairy Tinkerbell (Ludivine Sagnier), runs into Hook to save his new friends.
The film received positive reviews, with many praising the film’s visuals, romantic atmosphere, and outstanding performances, but this did not appeal to audiences, making the film a box office flop. This version of the beloved classic is considered the most faithful adaptation of the source material.
7 ‘Stardust’ (2007)
Tristan (Charlie Cox) goes to the realm of the fairies to get a fallen star for his beloved Victoria (Sienna Miller), but instead finds a woman named Ywain (Claire Danes). He soon learns that the woman is in danger, as the king’s sons need her power to secure the throne, but the wicked witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) wants to use Ywain to achieve eternal youth and beauty.
Critics were delighted with the director Matthew Vaughn and its faithful interpretation of the novel of the same name gave the film generally positive reviews. On its opening day, the film finished in fourth place, and although considered by many to be a classic, it is not as well known as other films in the genre.
6 ‘Zatura’ (2005)
Zatura follows the Walther brothers (Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (John Bobo), left in the care of an older sister (Kristin Stewart) after their father (Tim Robbins) is called to work. The boys understandably get bored when told to stay inside, but that all changes when they discover the space-themed board game Zathura. Things get confusing as the game isn’t what it seems and the boys are launched into space where they try to get home with the help of an astronaut (Dax Shepard).
Based on the book of the same name Chris Van Allsburgthe movie is a spin-off Jumanji, which was also based on the Allsburgh books. Although the film received positive reviews from critics, it is considered a box office flop, budgeted at $65 million, and earned just over $13 million in its opening weekend.
5 ‘Kate and Leopold’ (2001)
Keith McKayMeg Ryan), the modern executive, the career-minded woman trying to make it in the corporate world, and the 19th century Leopold (Hugh Jackman) is the third Duke of Albany. The two live different lives, but they are united by Stuart (Liev Schreiber), Kate’s ex-boyfriend and descendant of Leopold, when he accidentally creates a time portal that sends a man forward in time and creates a modern love story.
The film received mixed reviews, with many fascinated by Hugh Jackman, but found the story to be “bland and predictable” with a time travel plot lacking logic. Despite harsh comments, Hugh Jackman was nominated for a Golden Globe and the film won in the Best Song category.
4 ‘Fountain’ (2006)
In another time travel movie Hugh Jackman plays Thomas, a man who travels through time in search of immortality in order to save Izzy (Rachel Weisz), the woman he loves. The two have been linked for centuries as Tom is always trying to find a way to save his love from death. The film, intertwining three stories, shows Tom going through time again.
Darren Aronofsky the movie was supposed to be made Brad Pitt And Cate Blanchett but was closed when Pitt pulled out of the project and Warner Bros. closed the film. Even with the new script, the film received mixed reviews, with many calling it unfocused as history repeats itself. In the years that followed, the film gained a cult following.
3 The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Intrigue Brothers Grimm, Wilhelm (Matt Damon) and Jacob (Heath Ledger) scammers who travel from city to city and convince people that they are getting rid of demons. When the mysterious Cavaldi (Peter Stormare) bring their brother to a French general, they are persuaded to fight the evil that kidnapped ten girls from a small village. As their journey continues, the brothers become convinced that real magic must work.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, who considered it visually beautiful but lacking in plot. Arguing with a disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein and his brother during the production of the film, Terry Gilliam was forced to delay the original theatrical release by ten months.
2 ‘Penelope’ (2006)
Penelope Wilhern (ur.Christina Ricci) is imprisoned in her home after being born with the face of a pig. With the belief that she must break the curse by marrying a member of her own species, Penelope goes on many dates but is repeatedly rejected. When two men, one of whom is jealous of her family, hire a man (James McAvoy) to act as one of her dates, complications arise when he slowly falls in love with her.
It is praised for its charming cast and engaging message. Penelope still received mixed reviews and was far from a box office success. The film, classified as a contemporary fairy tale, was a hit with audiences despite less than positive reviews from critics.
1 “The Lemony Snicket Accident Series” (2004)
Orphaned by a mansion fire, the Baudelaire siblings meet their distant relative, Count Olaf.Jim carrey). Seemingly caring for the siblings, Olaf’s intentions become clear as his scheming begins to show, and it becomes clear that he only wants the fortune of his older brother, Violet (Emily Browning) is set to inherit. The kids run away from Olaf living with his quirky Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) and phobic aunt Josephine (Meryl Streep), but the villain is always one step ahead.
Although it does not have hard fantasy elements, the film plays out like a Grimm fairy tale. While praising the production and Jim Carrey’s performance, the film received positive reviews from critics, although some criticized the comedic tone and short running time. It was Nickelodeon’s highest-grossing film until it was surpassed in 2010 and nominated for an Academy Award with one win in the Best Makeup category. In 2017, Netflix released a TV adaptation to high praise.
Source: Collider
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