| | I wanted to watch this on Christmas day but ended up snagging a Saturday showing. I am both a fan of Frank Millar (from Dark Knight Returns and Sin City movie) and The Spirit (from the recent relaunch by Darwin Cook). The Spirit comic was created by graphic novel visionary Will Eisner about a cop that gets killed and returns as the Avenging Spirit. Upon earlier trailers for this movie, many saw this as a Sin City cluster-f of Eisner's creation. Few know that Eisner has been a mentor for Frank and have been great friends for years. A discussion of theirs has even been made into a book (Miller/Eisner on shelves now). This movie is an eternal homage from Frank to his late mentor, and that’s the way it should be.
This movie is a C grade movie, and that is not a bad thing by any means. You had A+ movies like Iron Man and Dark Knight using big characters. The Spirit isn't very well known character, mostly operating by independent publishing only recently being published by DC Comics. I wouldn't think this will be a mega hit but it doesn’t make this a bad movie. The story is pretty solid with the Spirit coming to terms of who (or what) he is while facing his arch-enemy the Octopus. The style of the movie is a blend of the comics 50's noir and little hints of the modern city. The visuals break the mold of Frank Miller's Sin City, busting that complaint from the trailers. Some shots are simplified for added punctuation to the scenes but everything else looks very rich and colorful. The cast is spot on perfect for this story, I know some people thought Sam Jackson's Octopus was over the top, but thats what kind of character Miller envisioned the never seen villain to be. Gabriel Macht was perfect as the Spirit, women are going to swoon over this guy. He captures the soul of this character. Eva Mendez is just hot all over this movie, and has the best running gag ever. All the supporting characters fit like a perfectly crafted puzzle.
So why is this a C movie? Well most people will not get snagged into the story, the visual style and over the top characters. It is a fun ride but not made for everyone. I will say hit it as a matinee or wait to rent it. I know a few people will truly appreciate this film and all its layers. Frank Miller poured his soul into this movie for a man who made him the man he is today. Miller fans will notice nods to his own works. It is a message to those watching of how much influence Eisner had on him and all of his works (from The Dark Knight Returns to 300). This movie just didn’t knock me out of my seat like other comic book movies. Though after watching this movie, I wondered how Hollywood would have made this movie. They would have made more modern with maybe a couple of Oscar Award winners as the cast, limited special effects and probably made more money in the box office. But would have made it a better movie? I kind of doubt it because it may lose... pun warning... the "spirit" of the comic, which most comic book movies tend to miss out on. I recommend it if you want something different to watch, you'll get a good story, funny moments and just a fun time of escapism.
What would have made it an A movie, hard to say. I think I'll hold out on that grade until they make a sequel (which seems very up in the air, hopefully DVD sale can seal the deal). I have a formula for the future movies of this franchise. Make it like the James Bond films, with different directors and stories but keep the same actors. The comic franchise has many more adventures to dazzle us. Though if it is a one and done film, they did a fan-tastic job. |
| | Posted 12/29/2008 7:57 PM - 55 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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