Miniseries Review:The 10th Kingdom

Television is trying its hand again with a Fantasy miniseries. "The 10th Kingdom" is one of the most ambitious Fantasy films attempted in recent years. At ten hours, it tells a tale of two people from our world in the world of fairytales. The story is trying to demonstrate what happens after happily-ever-after. This is done through an intricate plot, dazzling special effects, characters that grow and some interesting twists to the world of fairytale.

The miniseries opens with a vivid sequence of Manhattan transforming into a fairytale kingdom. Viewers are introduced to janitor Tony and his daughter Virginia. They are drawn into the fantasy world when Virginia helps Prince Wendell escape from those chasing him. After a brief interlude of wish making and silliness, Virginia, Tony, Wendell and Wolf are pursued back to the fairytale realm through a mirror by the three troll king's sons. With Wolf as a guide, Tony and Virginia embark on a long journey through the magical nine kingdoms to help Wendell save this world from an evil queen bent on revenge. They travel through settings full of special effects.

From the opening sequence through the rest of the miniseries, this film is filled with lavish special effects. There is the beanstalk forest, castles, fairytale creatures and many other sights. Magic is always present but has a price and is done in some interesting ways. The effects give the film a fantastic feel. They are good enough to provide the miniseries with a realistic touch. Effects aren't everything. Characters make the setting and plot come alive.

There are many interesting characters here. Some are good and others can be annoying. Tony and Virginia are a little two dimensional, but grow by overcoming their personal problems. Wolf is a half human half wolf creature. He fluctuates between his wolf and human sides with persoanality changes that lead to some funny moments. Thr evil queen and Huntsman are nasty villains. Different characters from fairytales appear throughout the film to add more character. The three sons of the troll king are the most annoying. Their antics and dialogue border on insulting at times.

"The 10th Kingdom" has an interesting twist to the world of fairytales. All of the fairytales we are familiar with are the history of this world. Nine kingdoms were founded by the queens Cinderella, Snow White, Gretel, Rapunzel and Riding Hood. There are statues to heroes like Jack and the Beanstalk. Viewers are seeing the story two hundred years later, after the golden age of this world. Our world is the mythical tenth kingdom to them. This world has changed seriously, and it's up to the characters to right things like in most Fantasies.

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