Movie Review #1 Action/Adventure

47 RONIN    Director: Carl Rinsch   Cast: Keanu Reeves                                                                               I read the novelization by Joan D. Vinge before watching the movie so  I had great expectations for the film. Truthfully, I found the movie quite entertaining, but there was just too much...vagueness...it seemed as if the direction the movie went was uncertain of where it wanted to go. The character development and back story should have been more enlightening and detailed. The novelization was excellent in this aspect and the audience was well informed and emotionally involved with all the characters and their motivations toward building and enhancing the story. Now as for the star, Keanu Reeves, who I like, appeared , at times, to be ...uninspired. Maybe the director was overwhelmed with the scope of the project, perhaps a budget that ballooned beyond what was planned, or Reeves accepted a role beyond his grasp. Who knows? But I do know this it should have been a better movie. I really wanted this to be a successful film, but it is probably going to bomb. Too bad what a great story. This is actually based on true events during a time of peace in feudal Japan.  Interesting fact: A movie titled, The 47 Ronin was released in Japan on December 8, 1941       ( one day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.)               SCORE:  6/10         Read the book to see how good this movie could have been.