Are you yearning for a cinematic experience that will sweep you away to a magical world filled with wonder and danger? Are you drawn to stories of brave children who confront their fears and embrace their true potential? If so, look no further than “The Secret Kingdom,” an upcoming fantasy adventure film that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
In this blog post, we will delve into the enchanting world of “The Secret Kingdom,” exploring its captivating trailer, eagerly anticipated release date, enthralling storyline, exceptional cast and crew, early reviews, and potential future plans. Prepare to be mesmerized by intriguing facts and answers to frequently asked questions about this cinematic masterpiece. Come along with us on this unique voyage inside “The Secret Kingdom.”
Trailer: A Glimpse into Enchantment
Prepare to be spellbound as the captivating trailer for “The Secret Kingdom” takes you on a tantalizing visual journey. Released on April 1, 2023, the trailer has already ignited fervent excitement among fantasy enthusiasts. Offering glimpses of breathtaking landscapes, epic action scenes, and adorable pangolin creatures inhabiting the underground world, the trailer promises a thrilling adventure of a lifetime. Experience the magic for yourself by watching the trailer below:
Release Date: Mark Your Calendar
Clear your schedule for enchantment! “The Secret Kingdom” is set to hit Australian theaters on April 27, 2023, and will grace screens in the United States on June 9, 2023. This family-friendly film carries a PG rating for action/peril and thematic elements and offers an immersive 98-minute runtime. “The Secret Kingdom” is a collaborative effort between Hive Studios Australia and Little Monster Productions.
Storyline: A Tale of Courage and Destiny
Embark on a heartwarming adventure with siblings Peter (Sam Everingham) and Verity (Alyla Browne) as they struggle to adapt to their new home. Plagued by anxiety and loneliness, Peter and Verity’s lives take an extraordinary turn when they uncover a hidden tunnel in their backyard leading to a mysterious underground realm.
There, they encounter an army of armored pangolin warriors locked in a relentless battle against the malevolent force known as The Shroud (Gabrielle Chan). Ergo (Rowland Holmes), the wise and noble pangolin leader, reveals that Peter and Verity are the chosen ones destined to aid in defeating The Shroud and restoring balance to their world.
Courage and determination fuel their perilous quest to locate the legendary Hidden Fire, an immense source of power capable of vanquishing The Shroud once and for all. Along their journey, they will confront fearsome challenges, from colossal spiders to treacherous lava pits, and uncover long-buried secrets. New friends, including Pling (Darius Williams), a young and loyal pangolin, and the enigmatic Viviane (Alice Parkinson), who harbors knowledge of The Secret Kingdom, will guide and support them.
The fate of both worlds lies in the hands of Peter and Verity as they face their fears and fulfill their destinies in a race against time. Can they save The Secret Kingdom from impending doom, or will The Shroud’s darkness prevail? The answers await in this captivating tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Cast & Crew: Bringing Magic to Life
“The Secret Kingdom” boasts an exceptional cast, bringing depth and authenticity to the film’s endearing characters. Leading the way is Sam Everingham, portraying the brave and compassionate Peter, while Alyla Browne shines as the fearless and imaginative Verity. Darius Williams breathes life into the playful and courageous Pling, while Rowland Holmes delivers a commanding performance as the wise and noble pangolin leader, Ergo.
In addition to the talented cast, the film is helmed by visionary director Matt Drummond, who also serves as the writer and producer. Known for his work on films like “My Pet Dinosaur” and “Dinosaur Island,” Drummond’s passion for crafting family-friendly fantasy films shines through in “The Secret Kingdom.” Co-producer Christopher Gabardi, who portrays the father, David, contributes his expertise to the casting and production design.
The movie’s visual effects, responsible for bringing the underground realm and its charismatic pangolin inhabitants to life, are crafted by Hive Studios Australia. Renowned for their expertise in creating immersive CGI worlds and characters, the studio’s meticulous work ensures a seamless blend of live-action and CGI elements, captivating audiences with lifelike movements and expressions.
The captivating score of “The Secret Kingdom” is the work of award-winning composer Christopher Gordon, who masterfully sets the mood and tone of the film, enhancing its enchanting atmosphere.
Reviews: Early Praise and Wondrous Tales
Intrigue abounds as early reviews for “The Secret Kingdom” indicate widespread praise from both critics and audiences. Presently holding a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 16 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10, the film is poised to win the hearts of viewers of all ages.
Critics commend “The Secret Kingdom” for its endearing story, stunning visuals, impressive cast performances, and its ability to resonate with audiences. Jonathan W. Hickman from The Newnan Times-Herald describes it as “an amiable story-book morality tale with solid effects and relatable characters.” Federico Furzan from Movie-Blogger.com praises it, saying, “The Secret Kingdom could proudly stand alongside some of its bigger (and better) peers.”
In contrast, some critics highlight aspects like its lack of originality and pacing. Cath Clarke from The Guardian remarks, “Like its title, this film is mostly bland and semi-forgettable.” Manuel Betancourt from FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles) finds it “rather boring and not particularly exciting to look at.”
Nonetheless, the audience’s score on Rotten Tomatoes surpasses the critics’, reaching a 79% approval rating based on 1,100 user ratings, with an average rating of 4/5. The movie resonates with viewers for its entertainment value, imaginative storytelling, heart, and, of course, the adorable pangolin characters.
Among the audience reviews, you’ll find accolades like, “A fun and thrilling adventure for kids and adults alike. The pangolins are so cute and funny!” and “A beautiful and inspiring story about courage, friendship, and family. The visuals are stunning and the music is epic!” Conversely, some comments express disappointment, “A cheap and cheesy film that tries too hard to be epic but fails miserably. The visuals are awful and the music is bland.”
Future: The Realm of Possibilities
“The Secret Kingdom” is only the beginning of a magical saga. Director Matt Drummond envisions a trilogy that delves deeper into the underground world and the intriguing history of the pangolin civilization. Plans for the second installment, titled “The Secret Kingdom: The Hidden Fire,” promise a return to the underground world with Peter and Verity aiding Ergo’s pangolin army against a new emerging threat.
The third film, “The Secret Kingdom: The Final Battle,” promises an epic showdown, revealing The Shroud’s true identity and her mysterious connection to Peter and Verity’s family. Additionally, Drummond contemplates
a spin-off TV series centered around the adventures of Pling and his pangolin companions.
Intriguing Facts: Secrets of The Secret Kingdom
As you await your journey to The Secret Kingdom, let these intriguing facts pique your curiosity:
- Inspired Love for Pangolins: Director Matt Drummond’s deep affection for pangolins motivated him to create this film. These endangered creatures, native to Africa and Asia, are the only mammals equipped with scales for protection. By featuring pangolins as the main characters, Drummond aims to raise awareness about these unique and fascinating creatures.
- Childhood Memories: The film’s allure is rooted in Drummond’s childhood recollections of exploring caves and tunnels in his hometown of Adelaide, Australia. The desire to share the sense of wonder and adventure he experienced as a child drives the narrative of “The Secret Kingdom.”
- A Harmonious Blend: “The Secret Kingdom” combines live-action sequences with captivating CGI elements. Actors don motion capture suits and helmets to interact with the charming pangolin characters, brought to life through advanced motion capture technology.
- Captivating Australian Scenery: Australia’s picturesque landscapes provide the backdrop for “The Secret Kingdom.” From the vibrant Sydney Opera House to the awe-inspiring Jenolan Caves, the film’s captivating locales add depth and authenticity to the magical realm.
- Homages to Classics: Director Matt Drummond pays tribute to fantasy film classics like “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” and “Alice in Wonderland.” From character names like Pling, an homage to Pippin, to the underground location called Wonderland, the film carries nods to its inspirations.
FAQs: Unraveling The Secret Kingdom
Q: Is “The Secret Kingdom” based on a book?
A: No, “The Secret Kingdom” is an original story crafted by director Matt Drummond exclusively for the film. However, a book titled “The Hidden Fire” by Bertram Atkey shares a similar title, albeit featuring a distinct storyline unrelated to Drummond’s film.
Q: Is “The Secret Kingdom” suitable for young audiences?
A: Absolutely! “The Secret Kingdom” is a family-friendly film that caters to kids and adults alike. While some scenes may be intense for younger or more sensitive viewers, the film’s heartwarming message and captivating adventure promise a memorable cinematic experience for families.
Q: Is “The Secret Kingdom” available for streaming?
A: Not yet. At present, “The Secret Kingdom” is exclusively available in theaters. However, fans can anticipate its release on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ in late 2023 or early 2024.
Conclusion: Embrace the Magic
And there you have it – an immersive glimpse into the world of “The Secret Kingdom.” This spellbinding fantasy adventure is a must-watch for families seeking enchantment and inspiration. Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery as Peter and Verity embark on their extraordinary journey.
As the movie captivates hearts and sparks imaginations, it lays the foundation for a thrilling trilogy and a potential spin-off TV series. The enchanting world of “The Secret Kingdom” is ready to be explored, and the magic awaits your discovery.
Thank you for joining us on this enchanting journey, and we hope you are as excited as we are to witness the wonders of “The Secret Kingdom.” Share your thoughts and anticipation with us in the comments section below. Until then, stay tuned for more updates and embark on your adventure when the film hits theaters!
Here are some of the best adventure and fantasy movies of all time that I would recommend:
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
- The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
- Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
- The Chronicles of Narnia Series (2005-2010)
These movies are perfect for anyone who loves adventure and fantasy movies. They have everything that you could ask for in a good movie – engaging storyline, talented cast, impressive visual effects, and action-packed scenes.
I hope you enjoy watching these movies as much as I did!