"Ultramarines" isn't the kind of movie that will win awards or much praise from the likes of Roger Ebert because it's not even supposed to. It just follows one Ultramarine squad on a single, short mission, that's its whole scope.
It has the general feel of an episode of Generation Kill except with the WarriorsofUltramar instead of First Recon, and in this viewer's opinion it gives us a very solid picture of what a Space Marine actually is - that is, not really a human anymore.
The Ultramarines do have personalities (thin ones) and some bone-dry humour, but it's all overshadowed by their fanatical devotion to Emperor, chapter and to the warrior ethos in general. The scene in which Proteus assumes command conveys this brilliantly, showing how easily the battle brothers' personalities become subsumed once their commander shouts one of the slogans that have been burned into their minds. Even Pythol, a 100+ year veteran and by far the most cynical of the lot, is not exempt, nor is he any slower to take up the chant.
The whole movie is full of subtle hints about the dehumanization of the Marines, but they're not needed because of the big one that's rubbed in our faces throughout: "And we shall know no fear," the aforementioned chant, said in response to the commander's "We march for Macgragge". Fear is one of the most important tools of survival and a very important part of what makes us humans, for better or worse.
Certainly, Space Marines were never meant to be used as focus characters for high drama.
Perhaps even the unimaginative fight scenes were intentional, or make a point by accident: they show that because of their insane bravery on both sides, the Marines all use very naive tactics. As for the Black Legion dashing at the enemy in a Zerg Rush, it seems from the fluff that, aside from the World Eaters, they (and the Black Templars, maybe others too) would actually do it. Conversely, the Big Bad, while not a genius, is not adverse to ambush tactics and knows how to use its Super Speed... most of the time.
All in all, it's not great but worth a watch for anyone with at least a passing interest in Warhammer 40 K, and it's only a bit over an hour of your time.
Passable, especially for a low budget film
"Ultramarines" isn't the kind of movie that will win awards or much praise from the likes of Roger Ebert because it's not even supposed to. It just follows one Ultramarine squad on a single, short mission, that's its whole scope.
It has the general feel of an episode of Generation Kill except with the Warriors of Ultramar instead of First Recon, and in this viewer's opinion it gives us a very solid picture of what a Space Marine actually is - that is, not really a human anymore.
The Ultramarines do have personalities (thin ones) and some bone-dry humour, but it's all overshadowed by their fanatical devotion to Emperor, chapter and to the warrior ethos in general. The scene in which Proteus assumes command conveys this brilliantly, showing how easily the battle brothers' personalities become subsumed once their commander shouts one of the slogans that have been burned into their minds. Even Pythol, a 100+ year veteran and by far the most cynical of the lot, is not exempt, nor is he any slower to take up the chant.
The whole movie is full of subtle hints about the dehumanization of the Marines, but they're not needed because of the big one that's rubbed in our faces throughout: "And we shall know no fear," the aforementioned chant, said in response to the commander's "We march for Macgragge". Fear is one of the most important tools of survival and a very important part of what makes us humans, for better or worse.
Certainly, Space Marines were never meant to be used as focus characters for high drama.
Perhaps even the unimaginative fight scenes were intentional, or make a point by accident: they show that because of their insane bravery on both sides, the Marines all use very naive tactics. As for the Black Legion dashing at the enemy in a Zerg Rush, it seems from the fluff that, aside from the World Eaters, they (and the Black Templars, maybe others too) would actually do it. Conversely, the Big Bad, while not a genius, is not adverse to ambush tactics and knows how to use its Super Speed... most of the time.
All in all, it's not great but worth a watch for anyone with at least a passing interest in Warhammer 40 K, and it's only a bit over an hour of your time.