Bionicle (film series)

Last updated
Bionicle films
Bionicle 4 wordmark.jpg
The logo variant used for the last entry in the series, Bionicle: The Legend Reborn (2009)
Directed by
  • Terry Shakespeare
    David Molina (2003–2005)
  • Mark Baldo (2009)
Based on Bionicle
by The Lego Group
Music by
Distributed by
Release date
2003–2005; 2009
CountriesDenmark
United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$8.5 million – $10 million (first two films only)

Bionicle is a series of direct-to-video animated science fantasy action films based on the Lego toyline of the same name.

Contents

In total, four films have been released. The first three from Miramax serve as a trilogy, while Universal's Bionicle: The Legend Reborn is a stand-alone, originally intended to be the start of a new trilogy of films in the series, but following Bionicle's cancellation in 2010, the sequels were ultimately scrapped. [1]

Films

FilmU.S.
release date
DirectorScreenwriter(s)Producer(s)
Original trilogy
Bionicle: Mask of Light September 16, 2003Terry Shakespeare
and David Molina
Alastair Swinnerton,
Henry Gilroy and Greg Weisman
Sue Shakespeare,
Janice Ross
and Stig Blicher
Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui October 19, 2004Henry Gilroy,
Greg Klein,
Tom Pugsley
and Elliot Gabrel
Sue Shakespeare
Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows October 11, 2005 Brett Matthews Sue Shakespeare
and Bob Thompson
Stand-alone film
Bionicle: The Legend Reborn September 15, 2009Mark Baldo Sean Catherine Derek
and Greg Farshtey (story)
Kristy Scanlan and Joshua Wexler

Original trilogy

Bionicle: Mask of Light (2003)

The first film began production in 2002, with production being completed in 13 months. [2] The film was co-directed by Terry Shakespeare and David Molina of Creative Capers Entertainment with Bionicle co-creator Alastair Swinnerton, Henry Gilroy and Greg Weisman serving as writers. Sue Shakespeare, Janice Ross and Stig Blicher served as producers. It was the only film in the series to be written by Greg Weisman, who was fired during production for "yawning". [3]

Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui (2004)

Originally intended for a theatrical release, [4] production on the second film was completed in 12 months, [5] one month shorter than the first feature. The film was co-directed by Terry Shakespeare and David Molina of Creative Capers Entertainment with Henry Gilroy, Greg Klein, Tom Pugsley and Elliot Gabrel serving as screenwriters, with a story by Bob Thompson and Henry Gilroy. Sue Shakespeare served as producer.

Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows (2005)

Also originally intended for a theatrical release, [6] the film was co-directed by Terry Shakespeare and David Molina of Creative Capers Entertainment with Brett Matthews serving as screenwriter, with a story by Bob Thompson, Henry Gilroy and Greg Farshtey. Sue Shakespeare and Bob Thompson served as producers.

Stand-alone film

Bionicle: The Legend Reborn (2009)

The film was directed by Mark Baldo with Sean Catherine Derek serving as writer, with a story by Greg Farshtey. Kristy Scanlan and Joshua Wexler served as producers.

Music

The first three films were composed by Nathan Furst, while John D'Andrea composed the fourth film. Mask of Light, Legends of Metru Nui and Web of Shadows had their soundtracks released on March 10, December 12, and December 22, 2017, respectively by Rising Phoenix Records, although The Legend Reborn's soundtrack has yet to be released. [7] [8] [9]

Characters

CharacterOriginal trilogyStand-alone film
Bionicle:
Mask of Light
Bionicle 2:
Legends of Metru Nui
Bionicle 3:
Web of Shadows
Bionicle:
The Legend Reborn
Primary cast
Jaller Andrew Francis MAppeared
Takua/TakanuvaJason MichasMT
Tahu Scott McNeil T
Vakama Christopher Gaze Tu Alessandro Juliani MT
Christopher GazeTu
Onewa Dale Wilson Tu Brian Drummond MT
NokamaLesley EwenTu Tabitha St. Germain MT
Gali Kathleen Barr
Pohatu Trevor Devall
Hahli Chiara Zanni Appeared
Makuta Lee Tockar Appeared
LewaDale Wilson
Kopaka Michael Dobson
OnuaScott McNeil
MatauAppearedTuBrian DrummondMT
Whenua Paul Dobson M
NujuTrevor DevallY
LhikanMichael DobsonT
KrekkaMichael Dobson
NidhikiPaul Dobson
DumeGerard Plunkett
SidorakPaul Dobson
RoodakaKathleen Barr
Norik French Tickner
KeetonguScott McNeil
Mata Nui Michael Dorn
Metus David Leisure
Raanu Armin Shimerman
Strakk Jeff Bennett
Ackar Jim Cummings
Kiina Marla Sokoloff
Tuma Fred Tatasciore
Gresh Mark Famiglietti
Berix James Arnold Taylor
VastusJames Arnold Taylor
TarixJeff Bennett
Supporting cast
Kolhii AnnouncerDoc Harris
HewkiiMichael Dobson
RahkshiJulian B. Wilson
Ta-Matoran GuardJulian B. Wilson
KonguLee Tockar
BomongaScott McNeil
GaakiKathleen Barr
IruiniTrevor Devall
Vorox Dee Bradley Baker
Bone HuntersDee Bradley Baker
SkrallDee Bradley Baker
VillagersMark Baldo

Release

The first film, Bionicle: Mask of Light, had its world premiere at Legoland in Carlsbad, California on September 13, 2003, and was released in the United States three days after the premiere, on VHS and DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

The second film, Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui, had its world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on October 6, 2004, and was released in the United States on October 19, on VHS and DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label. [10]

The third film, Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows, was released in the United States on October 11, 2005, on DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

A fourth stand-alone film, Bionicle: The Legend Reborn, had its world premiere at Legoland in Carlsbad, California on August 29, 2009, and was released in the United States on September 15, on DVD by Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Promotion

Cartoon Network's anime block, Toonami , hosted a sweepstakes contest for the television premiere of the first film, Bionicle: Mask of Light. Viewers could call-in the channel's number to have a chance to win prizes that included miscellaneous Bionicle sets, one Magnavox 36” TV, one Magnavox Progressive Scan DVD player, as well as the addition of one lucky winner receiving a Platinum Avohkii mask. [11] For the film, fast food chain Burger King also released a set of Kids Meal toys in the United Kingdom. [12] Later, Cartoon Network would host another sweepstakes contest on the Miguzi block, for the television premiere of the third film, Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows, where viewers could yet again call-in the channel's number and have the chance to win miscellaneous Bionicle sets as well as one lucky winner receiving a life-size Visorak Keelerak statue made out of Lego pieces. [13] Scholastic, one of the biggest publishing corporations in the world, also released books made to tie-in with the films from the original trilogy. [14]

Reception

Critical response

The first installment, Bionicle: Mask of Light, received generally positive reviews from journalists upon its release, but in retrospect, has been criticized for its dated visuals. Matthew Attanasio of Comic Book Resources noted that the animation held up but stating for character animations that they are "hit or miss". He also said that the story was "pretty straightforward" while also stating that Takua and Jaller made "great protagonists", but was disappointed to see the Toa, mainly Onua, have little screen time. [15]

The second installment, Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui, received mixed reviews from journalists upon its initial release, but in retrospect, has been viewed more favorably compared to its predecessor, with it being praised for its upgrade in animation, but was criticized for its filling in of plot holes from the first film. Matthew Attanasio of Comic Book Resources gave a negative review of the film, stating that "LEGO's decision to focus on prequel material was received as a slap in the face". He added that the positive aspects of the film included its animation, but also criticized the editing, saying that like the past film, "maintains the problem of poor editing to the point of being laughably bad". [16]

Accolades

YearAwardNominated workResult
2003 Golden Reel Award for Best Visual Effects in a DVD Premiere Movie in December 2003 Bionicle: Mask of LightWon
2004 Saturn Award for Best DVD Release Bionicle: Mask of LightWon
2004DVD Exclusive Award for Best Animated Premiere MovieBionicle 2: Legends of Metru NuiNominated
2004DVD Exclusive Award for Best DirectorBionicle 2: Legends of Metru NuiNominated
2004DVD Exclusive Award for Best Original ScoreBionicle 2: Legends of Metru NuiNominated
2004Saturn Award for Best DVD ReleaseBionicle 2: Legends of Metru NuiNominated
2004 iParenting Media Award for Best Home Video/DVD Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru NuiWon
2004 Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing in a Direct to Video Release Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru NuiWon
2005Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing in a Direct to Video ReleaseBionicle 3: Web of ShadowsNominated
2005 Annie Award for Best Home Entertainment Production [17] Bionicle 3: Web of ShadowsNominated

Notes

Related Research Articles

Miramax, LLC, formerly known as Miramax Films, is an American independent film and television production and distribution company founded on December 19, 1979, by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, and based in Los Angeles, California. Today, it is owned by beIN Media Group and Paramount Global.

Bionicle is a line of Lego construction toys, marketed primarily towards 8-to-16-year-olds. The line originally launched in 2001 as a subsidiary of Lego's Technic series. Over the following decade, it became one of Lego's biggest-selling properties, turning into a franchise and being one of the many factors in saving the company from its financial crisis of the late 1990s. Despite a planned twenty-year tenure, the theme was discontinued in 2010, but was rebooted in 2015 for a further two years.

<i>Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows</i> 2005 Danish film

Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows is a 2005 animated science fantasy action film based on the Bionicle toy line by Lego and the third installment in the Bionicle film series. It is a direct sequel to Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui, and largely adapts the 2005 storyline with the majority of events taking place before the previous film's ending. Like Legends of Metru Nui, Web of Shadows is a prequel to the first film, Bionicle: Mask of Light. This is the first Bionicle film to not be given a rating by the MPAA. It was released on DVD on October 11, 2005, by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd. is one of the oldest and most prolific Taiwanese-American animation studios since 1978. The company, based in Xindian, Taipei and Los Angeles, California, has done traditional hand-drawn 2D animation/ink and paint for various TV shows and films for studios across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

<i>Bionicle: Mask of Light</i> 2003 American animated film by David Molina

Bionicle: Mask of Light, stylized as BIONICLE: Mask of Light — The Movie, is a 2003 animated science fantasy action film based on the Bionicle toyline by Lego, and particularly serves as a direct adaptation to the latter half of the toyline's 2003 narrative. Set in a universe filled with bio-mechanical beings allied with classical element-themed tribes, the story follows two friends from the fire-based village of Ta-Koro on a quest to find the owner of the Mask of Light, a mystical artifact that can potentially defeat Makuta, an evil entity threatening the island.

<i>Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui</i> 2004 Danish film

Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui is a 2004 animated science fantasy action film and the second film based on Lego's Bionicle toy line. It is a prequel to the first film, Bionicle: Mask of Light. This film follows the 2004 storyline and was created using Lego elements from the Bionicle series. It is also the second of the two films in the franchise to be given a rating by the MPAA. It was released on DVD and VHS on October 19, 2004, by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

<i>Bionicle</i> (video game) 2003 video game

Bionicle is a 2003 platform video game developed by Argonaut Games and published by Electronic Arts and Lego Interactive for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. A port was released for Mac OS X, and a version was also developed for the Game Boy Advance. In the home console version, the player controls the Toa, elementally-powered warriors, as they traverse through levels; some levels are 3D platformers, while others utilize mechanics like snowboarding or lava surfing. The game's story, which takes creative liberties with the official Bionicle story, follows the Toa as they defend the island of Mata Nui from the return of the evil Makuta and his minions.

Threshold Entertainment Group, also known as Threshold Entertainment, is an intellectual property company. Its animation subsidiary, Threshold Animation Studios, produces films. Larry Kasanoff is the company's chief executive officer (CEO) after previously serving as president for Lightstorm Entertainment, a company he co-founded with entrepreneur and filmmaker James Cameron.

<i>Mata Nui Online Game</i> 2001 video game

Mata Nui Online Game is a 2001 point-and-click adventure browser game developed by Templar Studios to promote the Lego Bionicle line of constructible action figures. The game follows Takua, a villager on the island of Mata Nui, as he explores the island, encountering other villagers and the Toa, heroic elemental warriors, on their quest to defeat the evil Makuta.

Nathan Furst is an American television and film composer.

<i>Bionicle: The Legend Reborn</i> 2009 Danish film

Bionicle: The Legend Reborn is a 2009 animated science fantasy action film based on the Bionicle toy line by Lego. It is the fourth and final Bionicle film to be released. Distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment, the film is a stand-alone sequel to the trilogy of films released by Buena Vista Home Entertainment under the Miramax Home Entertainment label. It follows the toy line's 2009 story and features a different set of characters than that of the first three films. The Legend Reborn was released on September 15, 2009, in the United States and Canada, October 5 in the United Kingdom, and September 2 in Australia. The film stars Michael Dorn as the voice of Mata Nui.

Creative Capers Entertainment is an American animation studio founded by Terry and Sue Shakespeare with David Molina in 1989. Based in Altadena, California, it specializes in Flash and hand-drawn animation in various feature films, television series, commercials, CD-ROMs and video games.

The acknowledgement of Lego in popular culture is demonstrated by the toy's wide representation in publication, television and film, and its common usage in artistic and cultural works.

<i>Lego Bionicle: The Legend of Mata Nui</i> Canceled video game by Saffire Corporation

Lego Bionicle: The Legend of Mata Nui is a canceled action-adventure video game developed by Saffire. Based on the Lego Group's Bionicle line of constructible action figures, the game was intended to release on Microsoft Windows computers in late 2001 and the GameCube in early 2002. The game was designed as a direct sequel to Saffire's Game Boy Advance game Lego Bionicle: Quest for the Toa, which was released in October 2001. The story of The Legend of Mata Nui was meant to serve as a conclusion to the 2001 Bionicle story arc, focusing on the Toa, heroic elemental warriors destined to defeat the evil Makuta, who is attacking the island of Mata Nui with corrupted Rahi animals.

The music of the animated direct-to-video feature films based on the Bionicle toy line by Lego was composed by Nathan Furst and John D'Andrea. Furst composed the scores for the first three films released by Miramax & Buena Vista Home Entertainment – Bionicle: Mask of Light (2003), Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui (2004), and Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows (2005) – while D'Andrea composed the music for the fourth film, Bionicle: The Legend Reborn (2009), which was released by Universal Studios.

Bionicle was a line of toys and associated media made by Lego from 2000 to 2016.

References

  1. "Bionicle #5 Treatment". 15 December 2009. Archived from the original on 11 February 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  2. Maestri, George (16 September 2003). "The 'Bionicle' Universe Expands on Home Entertainment". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  3. "ASK GREG ARCHIVES: BIONICLE". S8.org. 2008-06-06. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
  4. Scott Hettrick (July 27, 2003). "Miramax betting on Bionicle". variety.com.
  5. Feng, Yunda Eddie (October 15, 2004). "Bionicle 2 Screening and Interview". DVD Town.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2006-06-27.
  6. Scott Hettrick (September 15, 2003). "'Bionicle' DVD bows". variety.com.
  7. Amazon.com: Bionicle: Mask of Light (Original Soundtrack) [14th Anniversary]: Nathan Furst: MP3 Downloads
  8. Amazon.com: Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru-Nui (Original Score): Nathan Furst: MP3 Downloads
  9. Amazon.com: Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows (Original Score): Nathan Furst: MP3 Downloads
  10. Mark of MoD (October 12, 2004). "BIONICLE® 2 World Premiere Review". MaskofDestiny.
  11. "LEGO BIONICLE (TM)". Cartoon Network. 2003. Archived from the original on 9 October 2003.
  12. Mark of MoD (December 2, 2003). "Burger King Bionicle In The UK". MaskofDestiny.
  13. Mark of MoD (October 4, 2005). "Cartoon Network Contest Friday". MaskofDestiny.
  14. "LEGO signs publishing deal with Scholastic". The Free Library. 22 June 2004.
  15. Attanasio, Matthew (September 26, 2020). "Bionicle: Mask of Light Is Still Just as Good as Fans Remember". CBR.
  16. Attanasio, Matthew (October 22, 2020). "Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui is Still As Pointless As Fans Remember". CBR.
  17. "Annie Awards - 33rd Annie Awards". Annie Awards. 2005.