PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Set in the Twisted Childhood Universe, also known as the ‘Poohniverse,’ Bambi: The Reckoning is a modern-day monster movie loosely based on the 1928 story, Bambi, a Life in the Woods, by Felix Salten. The movie begins with an animated storybook retelling of the original story of Bambi, who experiences death and destruction at the hands of mankind. Soon after, a mother (Roxanne McKee: Game of Thrones 2011-12) and son (Tom Mulheron: Black Mirror 2017) are caught in the crosshairs of the newly mutated and rabid Bambi.
Will they make it out of the woods alive, or will Bambi get his vengeance for the death of his mother?
The plot smartly asks the audience who the real victim is here, the hunter or the hunted? In an unexpected turn, there’s a somber moment that unfolds to elicit an emotional response from the viewer. Screenwriter Rhys Warrington takes the opportunity to write a story that revolves around the concept of loss and grief, while also including commentary on the relationship between man and nature.
The film’s release coincides with the original story entering the public domain, thus allowing for the use of its characters. While this could’ve been a cheap attempt to throw out a Z-grade film to capitalize on the story going public, director Dan Allen appears to care about making an enjoyable monster flick. Even though the main antagonist shares the name of the titular character, there isn’t much that connects the movie to the source material. Apart from the naming convention, Bambi feels like it could’ve come out at any point long before the story entered the public domain.
As the star of the show, Bambi looks great. The CGI that is used for Bambi and his animal friends is far better than one might assume. The CGI’s not at the level of Avatar, but it’s certainly not low-quality like The Ring Two. This isn’t a movie where the monster is lurking in a cloak of shadows; Bambi is on full display. The design and sheer scope of the towering buck make it apparent that all who cross him are in danger. There’s a visual weight to the monster that makes him all the more terrifying. He feels as though he is actually in the scene with everyone (for the most part). Things get a tad bit wacky when Bambi is placed in narrow corridors and hallways, but there’s humor to be had in the idea that Bambi can turn doorknobs.
Without giving too much away, there are far more people who cross Bambi’s path than one might initially assume. Joyfully, this leads to many instances of carnage and viscera that allow for the mutated buck to have his retribution. Mixed amongst the CGI is a healthy amount of practical effects to help emphasize the brutality.
Bambi: The Reckoning is a flawed movie, but it isn’t terrible. There needs to be some self-awareness about the type of movie this is to truly appreciate it. It could be misguided to ever claim that a film is better than it has any right to be, but that’s the case with Bambi. It’s a fun romp in the woods with plenty of animal carnage and destruction that is sure to put viewers off venison for a while.
