.jpg)
An ambitious tale of ancient magic let loose in modern times, Day Watch (the anticipated sequel to 2005's cult classic Night Watch ) is completely loony and chaotic, making little-to-no sense whatsoever—but in a thoroughly fantastic way. Featuring a wonderful sense of randomness where anything is possible and nothing needs an explanation, it is an absorbing film-going experience that you just have to totally give yourself over to.
Less crazily kinetic than its predecessor, but even more mental in story and structure, Day picks up the story of Anton Gorodetsky (again played by Konstantin Khabensky) an indiscriminate time after the end events of Night . The barmy—and almost impossible to explain—plot finds Anton framed for an unsolicited murder of a member of the Day Watch , putting his son and girlfriend—who are also two "Great" others on opposing sides—on a collision course that will shatter the truce that has existed since medieval times. That's unless Anton can retrieve the ancient "Chalk (!) of Fate", the only thing powerful enough to save the day…
Directed once again by true visual innovator Timur Bekmambetov (a combination of James Cameron, Ridley Scott, Roger Corman, the Wachowski brothers and Quentin Tarantino), Day sees the return of Night 's hyper-realistic world, as well as its ingenious use of interactive subtitles and eye-popping, budget-belying special effects. Added to the Molotov cocktail is an increase in humour and an overall lightening of mood, mainly through the considerable acting talents of Khabensky.
Epic in both length (running to nearly 140 minutes) and scope, Day 's kinetic style does start to wear a bit thin towards its effects-heavy climax. Surprisingly, it also neatly wraps up all its multitudinous plot strands, even though a third film— Dusk Watch —is expected in the future.
Undoubtedly eye-candy of the highest order, as ball bearings and a giant Ferris wheel take out much of downtown Moscow, said conclusion is actually somewhat of a disappointment, feeling rushed and slightly contrived. It's a shame considering the overall quality and originality of the two films otherwise.
Four stars out of five