One of the first notable movies to be released during the age of Covid 19, The New Mutants has so far been a box office flop, earning back only around two thirds of its production budget.
The film has numerous issues that may have turned viewers off – not the least of which is failing to be either a true superhero film, or a horror film despite its dark tone. One huge problem for the movie is the relationship between Rahne and Dani Moonstar. Fans of the comic know that the girls never had any sort of romantic relationship. It’s a major retcon for which there was no need whatsoever, and only serves to weaken the development of the two characters. In addition, the overall acting in the film is lacking. Henry Zaga’s protrayal of Sunspot is the poor quality of acting that one expects to see in a slasher film where such things don’t matter as the character is destined to die quickly. Only Sunspot isn’t supposed to – and doesn’t – die, but because of Zaga’s lackluster job, his build up towards being a superhero in the future is almost nonexistant. The New Mutant‘s also lacks the awesome soundtrack that many comic basedmovies boast these days.
But, despite all these problems, the New Mutants is a good movie.
Anya Taylor-Joy truly shines as Magik. She captures the essence of the character perfectly, and kicks major butt in her fight scenes. The re-imagining of Kitty Pryde’s dragon, Lockheed, belonging to Magik and being a puppet that comes to life instead of an alien is awesome, and in fact, most enjoyable moments of the film invlove Magik. The other likeable character is Sam Guthrie aka Cannonball, protrayed by Charlie Heaton, and he succeeds not only in bringing the character to life, but also in bringing depth to Cannonball’s tortured past.
The film is as good as updated version of the classic Demon Bear saga as a company such as Sony is likely capable of producing. While not a movie that is action packed, the New Mutants, if recognized for what it is, an adaptation of the classic Demon Bear saga, is well worth watching.
