Artemis Fowl
Movie Trailer
Release Date
June 12, 2020 (Disney+)
Genre
Fantasy, Adventure
Cast & Crew
- Ferdia Shaw as Artemis Fowl II
- Lara McDonnell as Holly Short
- Josh Gad as Mulch Diggums
- Colin Farrell as Artemis Fowl I
- Judi Dench as Commander Root
- Nonso Anozie as Domovoi Butler
- Tamara Smart as Juliet Butler
- Nikesh Patel as Foaly
- Adrian Scarborough as Mr. Greaves
Director
Kenneth Branagh
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Thor (2011)
- Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
- Cinderella (2015)
Producer
- Kenneth Branagh
- Judy Hofflund
Writer
- Conor McPherson
- Hamish McColl (based on the novel by Eoin Colfer)
Budget
$125 million
Production Company
- Walt Disney Pictures
- Tribeca Productions
- TKBC
Running Time
95 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG
Content Advisory
- Fantasy violence
- Mild language
- Thematic elements
Movie Story
“Artemis Fowl” is a fantasy adventure film based on the popular book series by Eoin Colfer. The story follows 12-year-old Artemis Fowl II (Ferdia Shaw), a brilliant and cunning young mastermind who comes from a long line of criminal masterminds. After his father, Artemis Fowl I (Colin Farrell), mysteriously disappears, Artemis embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue him.
Believing that his father has been kidnapped by a powerful and magical force, Artemis discovers a hidden world of fairies, dwarves, and other mystical creatures. He learns that the key to finding his father lies within the ancient and magical secrets of this world. To retrieve his father, Artemis hatches a daring plan to kidnap Holly Short (Lara McDonnell), a fairy and officer in the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Recon), and use her as leverage.
As Artemis and his loyal bodyguard, Butler (Nonso Anozie), navigate the magical underworld, they encounter various characters, including the kleptomaniac dwarf Mulch Diggums (Josh Gad) and the formidable Commander Root (Judi Dench), who leads the LEPrecon forces. The film combines elements of adventure, magic, and high-stakes action as Artemis seeks to reunite with his father while uncovering the secrets of a hidden world.
While “Artemis Fowl” attempts to capture the essence of Eoin Colfer’s beloved book series, it deviates significantly from the source material, leading to mixed reactions from fans and critics. The movie focuses on Artemis’s journey of self-discovery, his relationship with his father, and his realization that there is more to life than crime and power.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Artemis Fowl” are central to the film’s fantasy elements, with elaborate CGI used to create the underground world of fairies, magical creatures, and high-tech gadgets. The visual effects team worked extensively to bring the magical world to life, including the intricate design of the LEPrecon headquarters, the fantastical creatures like trolls and dwarves, and the magical abilities displayed by the characters.
Box Office Performance
“Artemis Fowl” was originally intended for a theatrical release, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released directly on Disney+. The film received generally negative reviews from critics and fans of the book series, who were disappointed with the changes made to the story and characters. Despite the high expectations and significant budget, the movie did not achieve the success that Disney had hoped for, though it garnered some viewership on the streaming platform.
Filming Locations
- Northern Ireland, UK
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- England, UK
Notable Quotes
- “I’m Artemis Fowl. And I’m a criminal mastermind.” – Artemis Fowl II
- “Magic is real, and so are the people who steal it.” – Mulch Diggums
- “Fairy world, meet human world.” – Commander Root
Behind-the-Scenes
The film’s production faced several challenges, including multiple script rewrites and delays. Director Kenneth Branagh aimed to create a family-friendly adventure that would appeal to both fans of the book series and new audiences. However, the significant deviations from the original story, including changes to character motivations and plot points, led to a mixed reception. Despite the film’s shortcomings, the cast and crew worked hard to bring the magical world of “Artemis Fowl” to life, with a focus on creating visually stunning sets and effects.
Awards
The film did not receive major awards and was largely overshadowed by other Disney releases. It was noted for its special effects and production design, though these elements were not enough to overcome the film’s narrative and pacing issues.
Final Verdict
“Artemis Fowl” is a visually impressive but ultimately underwhelming adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s popular book series. While the film delivers on the spectacle of its magical world, it struggles with pacing, character development, and staying true to the spirit of the original story. Fans of the book series may find themselves disappointed by the changes, while general audiences may enjoy the fantasy elements but feel that the movie falls short of its potential.
IMDb Rating
4.2/10