Did Disney Remove God from a Christian Blessing?

Although I purchased the book Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, I have never read it. So therefore, this review is just a review of the movie. You know the saying, the book is better than the movie! I agree in almost all cases. However, since I do not have the book’s viewpoint, I felt comfortable doing a Christian Review of Disney Artemis Fowl without any preconceived ideas. If you want to know the guidelines I use to review movies, visit My Movie Review Guidelines.

The Synopsis of Artemis Fowl

From the Studio:

​Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he desperately tries to save his father who has been kidnapped. In order to pay his ransom, Artemis must infiltrate an ancient, underground civilization–the amazingly advanced world of fairies–and bring the kidnapper the Aculos, the fairies’ most powerful and coveted magical device. To locate the elusive object, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan–so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.

My Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl (Ferdia Shaw) lives in the Fowl Manor on the coast of Ireland. He is living with his father, Artemis Fowl, Sr. (Colin Farrell).  Artemis Sr. is gone much of the time and is a “criminal mastermind.” However, when he is home, he always recites The Irish Blessing to his son at bedtime, and tells his son stories about fairies, sprites, goblins, and banshees.

The Fowl Mansion and Artemis Jr. are taken care of by Dom Butler (Nonso Anozie). When Artemis’ dad is kidnapped and held for ransom, he sets out to find the “Aculos” which is the payment for the return of Artemis Fowl by the “mysterious individual” holding him hostage. 

While uncovering the secrets of his father, Fowl II realizes that the stories he has believed to be fables are actually true. 

Josh Gad appears in this film as a giant dwarf named Mulch Diggums, and Judi Dench plays the commander of the fairies. 

CHRISTIAN REVIEW of DISNEY ARTEMIS FOWL

The Good:

First let me start by saying, the imagery of this movie is fantastic. Artemis Fowl was filmed in and in England, Northern Ireland, Vietnam, Italy and Scotland. The scenes in Ireland are gorgeous.

Furthermore, I never felt that the film dragged, and in fact, the movie could have been longer. 

Finally, the soundtrack is very good. I enjoyed the musical score of this film.

The Bad:

Language: “Son of a” is said without completing the phrase. A word is said that is supposed to be a swear word in the fairy language.

Violence: While the movie is rated PG, it is pretty tame. However, there are several action scenes that may scare younger children.

Spiritual elements: A spell is spoken. Magic is employed to keep a person alive. 

Mulch is a criminal dwarf and is seen pickpocketing several times. 

MY BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT as a Christian Reviewer of Artemis Fowl

Since this is a Christian Review of Artemis Fowl, I try to pay attention to things that may offend Christians. While I recognize that all Christians are different, something just bothered me. During the movie, I was shocked when Artemis’ father began to recite The Irish Blessing. In fact, I thought that it was such a great prayer to include in the movie.

However, I should not have thought for one instant that Disney would keep the original poem intact. The last line is not in the original Irish Blessing. 

In the original poem the last line is:

“may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

and in true Disney fashion, they avoid the mention of God so as not to offend. This is how history is subtly changed and how people actually begin to think differently. Furthermore, Disney has a history of offending Christians.

However, had Disney kept the original poem, this would have been a significant moment in this film. 

My Recommendation for Watching Artemis Fowl

While the critics absolutely hated this movie, was this a harsh judgment? Furthermore, it has been said that fans of the books are greatly disappointed in this movie. 

Quite frankly, my family felt that the movie lacked depth, and the young man who played Artemis Fowl II was lackluster. However, I feel the movie is worth watching. Again, I will mention that I have not read the book. I will give an update after I read it.

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About the Movie: 

Rating: PG

Release Date: June 12, 2020

Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Genre: Kids & Family, Action-Adventure

Studio: Walt Disney Studios 

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Written by: Conor McPherson, Hamish McColl

Producer: Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund

Editor: Martin Walsh, Matthew Tucker

Music By: Patrick Doyle

The Cast of Artemis Fowl: 

Artemis Fowl Jr. played by Ferdia Shaw

​Holly Short played by Lara McDonnell

Mulch Diggums (Gigantic Dwarf) played by Josh Gad

​Artemis Fowl Sr. played by Colin Farrell

Commander Root played by Dame Judi Dench

Domovoi Butler played by Nonso Anozie

​Juliet Butler played by Tamara Smart

Fairy played by Hong Chau

Dr. Po played by Gerard Horan

News Reporter played by Michael Rouse

Miss Byrne (teacher) played by Simone Kirby

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where Can I Watch Artemis Fowl?

Artemis Fowl can be watched on VOD (video on demand). In fact, it can be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime and other VOD services.

Is Artemis Fowl Streaming on Disney+? 

While Artemis Fowl originally was streaming on Disney Plus, it was removed from that platform in May 2023. 

How much did it cost to produce Artemis Fowl? 

Artemis Fowl had a production budget of $125 million.

Is Artemis Fowl a boy or a girl?

Artemis Fowl is a boy.

How Many Books are in the Artemis Fowl series?

The Artemis Fowl series is a popular book series. Furthermore, the Fowl Adventures includes eleven fantasy novels. Additionally, the author says that the first book, which is entitled Artemis Fowl, is Die Hard with fairies. Book two is entitled Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident. 

Is Commander Root a man or a woman?

In the book, Commander Root is a man. However, in the Artemis Fowl movie, Commander Root is a woman played by Judi Dench.

Why is Artemis Fowl not on Disney+?

In an attempt to save money, Disney removed a few movies and some series that were exclusive Disney+ content. While originally slated for theatrical release, Artemis Fowl was released on Disney+ due to the pandemic. Before the movie was released, Artemis Fowl was believed to be Disney’s version of Harry Potter, but it was not well-received.