The long-awaited yet, mixed opinionated US Death Note live-action film is finally out on Netflix for streaming. With a ton of source material changes and a rather impressive cast, Death Note is a noble effort which falls short due to the usual anime/cartoon to Hollywood big screen issues, at the very least Death Note is a more meaningful attempt than most.

Death Note is a 2017 live-action film remake of the Japanese live-action film adaptation of the shonen manga series of the same name, it is produced by Vertigo Entertainment & Lin Pictures, and distributed by Netflix, it is currently available as a Netflix exclusive.

Editor’s Note: A Death Note review screener was provided by Netflix.

Light (left) meets Ryuk (right).

Ever since it’s initial announcement way back in 2007 fans of both the critically acclaimed anime and manga versions of Death Note have loathed the then in production US Death Note live-action film. Having gone through a spell of development hell since it’s initial announcement, the final version of the film has gone live on Netflix. With a more Hollywood direction Death Note really, really tries to be a decent film, and in some ways it succeeds, in fact if it wasn’t for the source material it was attached to, had this been an original movie with a similar direction it more than likely would have succeeded completely, but there’s too much detachment from its source to make Death Note the best it can be.

Nat Wolfe is cast as the film version of Light Yagami, this time named Light “Tucker”.

THE GOOD: If there’s one thing you should give Death Note credit for it’s the rather impressive casting performances, each member of the core cast really gave it their all in portraying their characters especially Nat Wolfe & Lakeith Stanfield who played Light and L respectively. They really took their balls and ran with them with the material given. The direction of the film is actually one of the more respected efforts from recent Hollywood adaptation attempts (this not limited solely to anime and manga of course). Director Adam Wingard tried his damnedest to bring out the best of the film with the limitations provided and that commends a bit of respect from a fan perspective. Honorable mention, Willem Dafoe was also rather amazing as fan favorite Ryuk.

Willem Dafoe makes a monstrous showing as Ryuk.

THE BAD: One of Death Note’s major problems is the fact that it’s quick to let you forget that it’s supposed to be adapting its source material. And often times it feels like it doesn’t know what it wants to be between a supernatural film, teen drama, and a thriller.

Death Note is just shy of being a truly special Hollywood adaptation.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Death Note is a valiant attempt in a long list of Hollywood adaptation face palmers. While it struggles to find it’s identity, cast performances and a solid direction puts it a step above the Hollywood remakes before it. Otaku Dome gives Death Note a 65 out of 100.