Disney is known for taking popular stories and turning them into movies, but they've never looked quite like this. After years in development the popular book Artemis Fowl is finally on its way to theaters and now we have our first look at the boy genius and the world of fairies. Check it out.
The trailer doesn't show us very much, it's less than two minutes long, and if you're not familiar with the books that the film is based on, then it probably doesn't make a lot of sense. However, what we do see is impressive. An old woman who transforms into a young woman and sprouts wings, ray guns, and somebody fighting with a bow and arrow. The pieces don't necessarily fit together, but the trailer certainly does its job of making you want to see more.
The trailer does lay out the basic premise of the novels, that there is a second world amongst out own that is hidden from view. While the trailer doesn't specify what that world is, beyond showing a woman with wings, it is the world of fairies. The plot summary that comes along with the trailer explains that Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind, will find himself doing battle with this world, which may be responsible for the disappearance of his father.
Those familiar with the books will know this appears to make some changes from the original novel. The disappearance of Artemis' father was a major focus of the second book in the series, so it's possible this film will look to combine the two.
It should also be pointed out that, in the first novel, the battle between Artemis and the fairies begins because Artemis starts it. While he is the main character of the book, he's not exactly a nice guy. They don't call him a "criminal mastermind" for nothing. Artemis is focused on regaining the fortune that his family once had, and knowing the wealth that the world of fairies contains, he sets his sights on it as a way to get his family back on track. Basically, it's a heist story, with magic.
The description of the plot seems to put Artemis in a more sympathetic role and one certainly wonders just how much the story will change for the film. There are always some changes when a story gets adapted from one medium to another, but this one may be seeing a lot of substantive shifts.
Of course, even if the movie is different than the book, it doesn't mean the movie will be bad, and with a cast that includes Judi Dench and Josh Gad as well as Kenneth Branagh as director, there's every reason to believe this one will be another hit for Disney. We'll find out when it arrives next summer.
