Bionicle (film series)

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

Bionicle films
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 onBionicle
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)

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

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Film U.S.
release date
Director Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
Original trilogy
Bionicle: Mask of Light September 16, 2003 (2003-09-16) Terry 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, 2004 (2004-10-19) Henry Gilroy,
Greg Klein,
Tom Pugsley
and Elliot Gabrel
Sue Shakespeare
Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows October 11, 2005 (2005-10-11) Brett Matthews Sue Shakespeare
and Bob Thompson
Stand-alone film
Bionicle: The Legend Reborn September 15, 2009 (2009-09-15) Mark Baldo Sean Catherine Derek
and Greg Farshtey (story)
Kristy Scanlan and Joshua Wexler

Original trilogy

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Bionicle: Mask of Light (2003)

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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)

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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)

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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

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Bionicle: The Legend Reborn (2009)

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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

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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

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  • A dark grey cell indicates the character did not appear in that film.
  • A M indicates a character in the form of a Matoran.
  • A T indicates a character in the form of a Toa.
  • A Tu indicates a character in the form of a Turaga.
Character Original trilogy Stand-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 FrancisM Appeared
Takua/Takanuva Jason MichasM T
Tahu Scott McNeilT
Vakama Christopher GazeTu Alessandro JulianiM T
Christopher GazeTu
Onewa Dale WilsonTu Brian DrummondM T
Nokama Lesley EwenTu Tabitha St. GermainM T
Gali Kathleen Barr
Pohatu Trevor Devall
Hahli Chiara Zanni Appeared
Makuta Lee Tockar Appeared
Lewa Dale Wilson
Kopaka Michael Dobson
Onua Scott McNeil
Matau AppearedTu Brian DrummondM T
Whenua Paul DobsonM
Nuju Trevor DevallY
Lhikan Michael DobsonT
Krekka Michael Dobson
Nidhiki Paul Dobson
Dume Gerard Plunkett
Sidorak Paul Dobson
Roodaka Kathleen Barr
Norik French Tickner
Keetongu Scott 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
Vastus James Arnold Taylor
Tarix Jeff Bennett
Supporting cast
Kolhii Announcer Doc Harris
Hewkii Michael Dobson
Rahkshi Julian B. Wilson
Ta-Matoran Guard Julian B. Wilson
Kongu Lee Tockar
Bomonga Scott McNeil
Gaaki Kathleen Barr
Iruini Trevor Devall
Vorox Dee Bradley Baker
Bone Hunters Dee Bradley Baker
Skrall Dee Bradley Baker
Villagers Mark Baldo

Release

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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

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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

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Critical response

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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

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Year Award Nominated work Result
2003 Golden Reel Award for Best Visual Effects in a DVD Premiere Movie in December 2003 Bionicle: Mask of Light Won
2004 Saturn Award for Best DVD Release Bionicle: Mask of Light Won
2004 DVD Exclusive Award for Best Animated Premiere Movie Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Nominated
2004 DVD Exclusive Award for Best Director Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Nominated
2004 DVD Exclusive Award for Best Original Score Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Nominated
2004 Saturn Award for Best DVD Release Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Nominated
2004 iParenting Media Award for Best Home Video/DVD Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Won
2004 Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing in a Direct to Video Release Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui Won
2005 Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing in a Direct to Video Release Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows Nominated
2005 Annie Award for Best Home Entertainment Production[17] Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows Nominated

Notes

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  1. ^ Under the Miramax Home Entertainment label.

References

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  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.