Miscellaneous

All right, taking cognizance of the debate this movie has sparked, I thought of a couple of ways to start my review. I think my first sentiments should be that I watched it. Twice.

Yes, I like this flick. Actually, I like Zack Snyder. He first caught my attention when he brought Frank Miller's 300 to life. I enjoyed 300, despite it not necessarily being historically accurate, but as an action-romp, it did the trick. Following that, Snyder directed Watchmen, another project based on a comic book series (like 300), this time a slightly deeper account on what it takes to be a hero - a story with salt.

What I like (maybe even love) about Zack's work, is that he stays true to the comic book. Above an beyond staying true to a story, he uses and sets up his shots like they are featured in the comic book, IE, he uses the comic books to a large extent as his story board - something SEVERELY lacking in other comic book movies, yet extremely prevalent in 300 and Watchmen. It's a great nod to the comic book artists, but also a way to ingratiate yourself with the fans. Additionally, and I think it's pretty rad, Sucker Punch (as far as I could tell) is Snyder's own invention, and it still has an incredible comic book feel to it. I wonder how the new Superman would be if it's shot in this style? Though I sincerely doubt it will be. (Yes, Snyder is doing Man of Steel, the next superman installment in cinemas next December, with the producing power of Christopher Nolan of Batman/Inception fame)

So Sucker Punch? What is it? What are we supposed to get out of it? Perhaps it's a story of self-empowerment through fantasy? Baby Doll escaping to the dark recesses of her imagination from a much darker reality. Or perhaps, like 300, it's an over-the-top fully-loaded action-romp, with slow-mo sequences where it's needed. Yes, some critics find this tactic overused and annoying, but personally I love it when the slow down the action to highlight each epic move. If I had to label it, I would say it's a very lekker action movie locked onto a capable story.

So ja, I enjoyed the movie. It was easy to follow, and though nary a word was spoken in the first couple of minutes, the pictures and music successfully introduced us to the plight of the innocent Baby Doll. Speaking of music, I absolutely love the way Snyder used music through the movie to set the tone, splicing the familiar with the unfamiliar (by using revamped cover versions of cult songs), much like Baby Doll's "dream" sequences - A re-imagining if you will . What i did miss was that edge-of-your-seat feeling. I don't know, I was a bit ambivalent about the fates of the girls. While I liked them, and wanted them to succeed (as you do most protagonists), I was more interested in what random fantasy would be next and how the items will be used, than if the girls are OK or not.

As for the actors, I think Emily Browning (Baby Doll) did a good job of being this master shogun assassin super deluxe el-supremo, whilst still looking like a meek and mild innocent young girl. I don't know, that kinda makes her awesome. That being said, I don't know if that was through pure acting talent, or sheer inability to provide anything more than an artificial emotion. Seeing as she was cast in 'Sleeping Beauty', I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt for now, but we'll have to wait for future projects to make our mind up about her. And it was lovely to see Scott Glen in the role of this film's Yoda.

Last line? I give it a sober/drunk/stoned 7. It's original, but it's not fresh. It's hot girls with guns and swords, epic action in a breathtaking environment, and that's all good and well, but it's really not much more than that. I think if you spend more time developing the characters and the story, this would make a much better game than a movie.