Directed by: Frank Miller. Drama, Action, Fantasy. Starring: Gabriel Mecht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johannson, Eva Mendes, Louis Lombardi. Drama
SYNOPSIS: THE SPIRIT GOES AGAINST THE OCTOPUSS, HIS ARCHENEMY AND THE EVIL GENIUS CRIME LORD OF THE CITY, LITTLE DOES HE KNOW HE HAS VERY MUCH IN COMMON WITH OCTOPUSS.
Well, o.k. Wow. Not sure how I really feel about this one. Strong feelings both ways, actually. (Guess I have to be a little clearer than that, don't I?) The thing is, I'm not really positive about how to accurately tell you what I thought about this one. Did I like it, you might ask? It was o.k. Did I think it was a good movie? Nope, can't say that. Did I think it was a bad movie? Nope, can't say that. Was it mediocre, you might then ask? (Impatiently) Can't say that, either.
O.k., here goes. Visually, its stunning. Those of you who like the "comic book come to life" effect that worked so well in Sin City & Max Payne will want to check this one out on visual effect/cinematography alone. I do think the preoccupation with the color red is a little over the top, but that was kind of the point.
But, alas, when you get right down to it, this flick, its impressive cast notwithstanding, is just not as good a flick as Max Payne and its not even close to being as good as Sin City.
The chief problem, in my humble opinion, is the story. And what is wrong with the story, you might ask?
Well, there wasn't much of one. Or at least one that can be easily discerned, followed, or is very interesting. Now, having said that, I will say that there are some very good scenes. And, when you have actors like Samuel L. Jackson (Basic, 187) playing the arch enemy Octopuss along with Scarlett Johansson (Just Cause, Black Dahlia) playing his faithful sidekick, you're going to walk out of the theater or eject the DVD with some indelible, if slightly ridiculous, images in your mind.
The sight of the two of them dressed in Nazi garb, for example, while they explain their wicked plans and attempt to use the Spirit (Gabriel Mecht) for the evil deed is something that is hard to describe.
As is most of the movie, as I've said before. It is probably appropriate that such a visually stunning movie has not one, but two, stunning cast members in Johansson and the Spirit's childhood flame gone bad (Eva Mendes, The Women, Stuck On You) ( I know, ladies, I know...that is just the male point of view. But, its the only view I've got. I realize some of you probably won't mind looking at Messrs. Mecht or Jackson during the flick) But, once again, an actor like Ms. Mendes is not only visually stunning, but very talented and, in my view, once you see her in this flick you will not think of it as one of her better performances.
Mecht is o.k. as the Spirit, a kind of cartoonish caricature of the good guy who can't be corrupted, is so honest it borders on being square, has spent a significant portion of his life in the gym, and has the gift (curse?) of being nearly impossible to kill...just like his arch enemy, Octopuss. But, I think that is just how the Spirit is supposed to come off.
What I'm saying is, I believe it is the story, not the performers. In fairness, I have to say that I know this flick is based on a comic, which I have never seen. So, possibly, those who are familiar with the Spirit in comic form will some, or much, to appreciate that went over my head.
If you're like me, and loved Sin City, and saw Miller's name as the director, I think you will be somewhat disappointed, if that is the only reason you want to see this flick: thinking it will be as good. Its important to remember, however, that although Miller got a director credit for Sin City, it was really directed by Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn), the director credit for Miller was just an acknowledgement of Miller granting movie rights for his successful graphic novel.
I'm not putting down Miller. I just don't think this flick worked very well and I'm sure some of those involved were disappointed, though I don't know of any of them saying it publicly.
But, I wouldn't stamp this as one to avoid at all costs. Lets be honest, seeing Samuel L. going way (and I do mean way) over the top in an over-the-top role, or seeing Ms. Mendes or Ms. Johansson move around the film in the epitome of sultriness notwithstanding one-dimensional and silly roles, is not exactly the worst way to spend a couple of hours if you love flicks.
Not to mention, you may see something in The Spirit that your old pal here missed.
Hell, you just might even really like it.
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