I kept checking IMDb for reviews for this but lo and behold, none. So that makes mine the first review. Which also makes me the first sucker to review this on IMDb, despite advance negative press for this film. Firstly I'd like to let you know that I didn't spend good money on this film but my god what a turdcrap it was. Where to begin? As can be seen from the trailers, it's overpaid and underwhelming Chinese super-stars dressed up from head to toe in CGI. I wasn't sure whether I was watching the next Final Fantasy installment, or why i was watching Final Fantasy on the big screen in 3D.

The 3D ( surprise surprise) added nothing to the lack of story, and because the effects were so cheaply done ( see my final fantasy metaphor),And the acting? What from these lame-o characterless, dull, Chinese stars who are too busy looking expressionless, and assuming Japanese manga-style poses? Let's just say that the CGI made it even worse ( if that's even possible ) I have absolutely no idea, how this film got made, but from one Chinese movie fan, to another, please, don't waste your time.

You read my title, spend your money elsewhere. The movie story line is so convoluted, I got instant migraine just from watching it. The opening scene give some back ground about the fantasy land of the story, but that's about it. as the story progresses I keep asking myself, who is this character and why should I care about him? and as new character appears, the same questions repeat it self. Who is this new character and why should I care about it? and after 30 min I began to ask who is the protagonist who is the antagonist of the story? and as more characters with no background keep being added to the story. My interest in the movie just completely over. 1 hrs into the movie the only thing I get from the movie is there are bunch of guys and bunch of girls who meet and fight each other for I don't know what is the reason. What the hell am I watching? and the ending is a complete non ending. who won? who lose? So it's a bunch of guys who meet and fight and no one is winning and no one is losing? WHO WRITE this stuff? 3 year old baby? Whoever write this story need to go to school and stop bringing misery to movie viewer. Here is a basic story writing : Opening, Content, and Conclusion. and the 3 D animations, sure it capture the face of the movie star into 3 D CG, but they fail to capture any expression from their face, it's like watching a doll house. Even in death their face is expressionless. Trust me your money is better spend watching other movie. I want my money back! too bad Chinese theater don't give refunds.

Watching this movie I knew it would be hard to discuss what the plot was and whether or not it was worth watching. Sitting here trying to think and then type about it I'm finding just as difficult as I thought it would be. It's not that it's a bad movie, it's just, well, complicated.

In reading I've found that the movie was based on a series of books. Unfortunately they didn't translate well to the screen or much was left out that would have made this easier to follow. Or, since I never read the books, perhaps the problem lies in trying to encapsulate them into one movie.

A young orphan is taken under the wing of one of several Dukes who watch over the world. These Dukes take on disciples periodically to follow in their footsteps and now he is one. Something has happened and the Dukes who were supposed to work together now find themselves battling one another in two groups.

The Dukes control spirit animals, beings that help them and provide both energy and alliances. For instance our new disciple has a snow lion. Another a white eagle. Each Duke/disciple also draws a weapon from a location where they are all stored, one that is meant just for them.

Various threads run through the film with the different Dukes and disciples as they move through this world and finally into one where they all gather. Trying to figure out which is which and who is good and bad becomes complicated while watching. Some look near identical. Some change alliances in the middle of things making it more confusing.

So let's get down to the real question. Is the film worth taking the time to watch, is it enjoyable? If you're willing to stick with I would say yes. Even though it can be as confusing as I've said, there is still a certain amount of entertainment here to enjoy. The computer animation is great to watch. If you've seen any of the RESIDENT EVIL CGI films then you'll know the style I'm talking about. It still hasn't achieved the ability to replace actual actors but it's working on it.

The action and the fairy tale atmosphere of the film are enjoyable as well. It might not be suitable for some very young children but the movie is for most. The biggest problem they'll face is trying to understand what is going on and staying with it. Children I know would be bored long before the halfway point. Adults will enjoy it though.

Made in China I'm always interested in seeing what foreign cinema has to offer. For that reason alone I can recommend this one. It might not be everyone's bag of chips but it is still interesting to watch.