Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Third in Lego-based series is overly complicated.
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What's the Story?
The Toa have returned to what is left of Mata Nui, in the hopes of freeing the remaining Matoran. They find that their island has been conquered by spider-looking robots ruled by the evil rulers Sidoorak (Paul Dobson) and Roodaka. The Toa are caught by these spiders and captured in cocoons that drastically change their appearances and give them different powers. Emerging from these cocoons, they must learn these new powers as they try to restore themselves to their former selves, while doing everything they can to reclaim Mata Nui and to restore it to its former glory.
Is It Any Good?
Similar to the previous two movies in the series, BIONICLE 3: WEB OF SHADOWS suffers from too many characters who all act the same, and too many needless complications in the storyline. Not to mention an overabundance on fantasy cliches in the dialogue revolving around words like "destiny." The animation is as strong as ever, and it makes the various LEGO action figures look quite nice, but for those who are uninterested in fantasy or the Bionicle line of toy products manufactured by LEGO, there's simply too much to try and understand and keep track of here, with little payoff.
Between the dialogue and the bombastic music, the movie feels at times like a self-parody. However, for those interested in Bionicles and obsessed with detailed fantasy, there is much to delve into, and much to enjoy. The only problem is that it leaves everybody else out in the cold.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about commercialism. Why do you think LEGO would want a series of feature-length movies in which their toys are prominently featured?
Did you find this movie easy to follow? Why or why not?
How was this movie similar to and different from other fantasy movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 11, 2005
- Cast: Brian Drummond, Christopher Gaze, Paul Dobson
- Director: David Molina
- Studio: Buena Vista
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Run time: 74 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 26, 2022
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