Is Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1979)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1979, Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Action, Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction, TV Movie category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The Doctor and Romana arrive on the marsh moon of Delta Magna in search of the next segment of the Key to Time. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction, TV Movie are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The Doctor and Romana arrive on the marsh moon of Delta Magna in search of the next segment of the Key to Time. They are caught in the conflict between the native Swampies and the crew of a chemical refinery. The presence of a gun runner complicates matters; to make things worse, the Swampies intend to awaken Kroll, the giant god that lives beneath the swamps."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Tom Baker, the performance in Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Norman Stewart is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 100 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction, TV Movie, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 1979 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Norman Stewart respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Tom Baker or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.