Alright, so here we go. Back to good old movie reviewing! This one is for a recent movie, Sucker Punch. Before I give my verdict, allow me to review different elements of the movie:
A. Audio: If this movie had one thing going for it, the audio was absolutely astounding and had a life all of its own that went with the movie no matter what scene in the movie was playing. The quality of the sound was impressive as well. Big points here.
B. Visual: Again, very impressive. The visuals were mind-blowing, and could go from the darkest gothic designs to the most over-the-top fantasy designs. Definitely a gem for the eyes, and mesmerizing to watch. However, it does get old after a while as you begin to get deja-vu of George Lucas' prequel 3D obsession.
C. Directing: The direction was done well. The characters acted how they were expected to, the story (to an extent) took reality into consideration, and the consequences, although severe, were a grim possible reality that could be seeable but not ever predictable.
Now, this is where things get critical:
D. Plot: While the plot is fresh and definitely a twist on things, that's... all it has. It's essentially the mental re-telling of a wrongfully-accused asylum girl's over-glorified escape from the compound which her corrupt step-father, who is only seen at the beginning and is then never seen again, put her in to get her money, which then becomes meaningless as a plot device because this movie is so quick to make the present the only reality, other than the even more ludicrous but colorful fantasies, of course. Because the plot only had time to iron out the main villain, a support character, and 2 of the girls, the movie felt very empty despite the many people who are used to help give the movie environment, which as I said in visuals, the environments are rich. But... that's it. Too many characters are needless filler, and even the main character is about as interesting as her namesake: a barely lifeless baby doll. This plot had potential, but dillied around with small little nuances that tried to screw with our mind in no way near the aspect of Inception, but instead in a way that cruelly tricks you, which I'll explain later.
E. Choreography: While the girls are skilled martial artists in the super imaginary world, Snyder decided that he didn't abuse Sniper's Happy Matrix Time enough in any of his past movies, and decided to kick it into overdrive. The amount of slow motion execution moves in this movie were so tremendous, it made you wonder why the girls didn't break the 4th wall and exclaim, "WTF, DUDE?!" Good choreography, bad abuse of the Snyder-Matrix effect.
F. Philosophy and Outlook: While the philosophy the movie was trying to carry out was a good one, it's execution was piss poor. It never explained how Baby Doll was dancing that made everyone love her, or why the great master turned out to be some random bus driver in real life, it never explained what happened to the other 2 girls who were supposedly "shot" by Blue, and for some reason, it feels the need to kill off the main character by making her brain dead. Make no mistake about it, if you're looking for a happy ending and a philosophy that fits its movie, you're not gonna get it with this one. You're just gonna get a big slap on the face and a big HAHA from Snyder.
Overall: A movie that has a very strong superficial feel. Incredible to watch on the outside, but it leaves you hungering for more on the inside. This movie is nothing more than visual/audio candy with good actors who're given a badly written but well meaning plot. If you're looking for a brainless 3D killfest, this is the movie for you. If you're looking for a movie with hot high school girls, this movie is for you. If you're looking for anything remotely resembling what it was advertised to be. You will be disappointed. Using the spill.com movie ratings, this movie is, at best a rental, and at worst some old bullshit.
View at your own risk, but I gotta tell you... what a disappointment. Snyder... why? You were doing SO GOOD! DX
-FIN
A. Audio: If this movie had one thing going for it, the audio was absolutely astounding and had a life all of its own that went with the movie no matter what scene in the movie was playing. The quality of the sound was impressive as well. Big points here.
B. Visual: Again, very impressive. The visuals were mind-blowing, and could go from the darkest gothic designs to the most over-the-top fantasy designs. Definitely a gem for the eyes, and mesmerizing to watch. However, it does get old after a while as you begin to get deja-vu of George Lucas' prequel 3D obsession.
C. Directing: The direction was done well. The characters acted how they were expected to, the story (to an extent) took reality into consideration, and the consequences, although severe, were a grim possible reality that could be seeable but not ever predictable.
Now, this is where things get critical:
D. Plot: While the plot is fresh and definitely a twist on things, that's... all it has. It's essentially the mental re-telling of a wrongfully-accused asylum girl's over-glorified escape from the compound which her corrupt step-father, who is only seen at the beginning and is then never seen again, put her in to get her money, which then becomes meaningless as a plot device because this movie is so quick to make the present the only reality, other than the even more ludicrous but colorful fantasies, of course. Because the plot only had time to iron out the main villain, a support character, and 2 of the girls, the movie felt very empty despite the many people who are used to help give the movie environment, which as I said in visuals, the environments are rich. But... that's it. Too many characters are needless filler, and even the main character is about as interesting as her namesake: a barely lifeless baby doll. This plot had potential, but dillied around with small little nuances that tried to screw with our mind in no way near the aspect of Inception, but instead in a way that cruelly tricks you, which I'll explain later.
E. Choreography: While the girls are skilled martial artists in the super imaginary world, Snyder decided that he didn't abuse Sniper's Happy Matrix Time enough in any of his past movies, and decided to kick it into overdrive. The amount of slow motion execution moves in this movie were so tremendous, it made you wonder why the girls didn't break the 4th wall and exclaim, "WTF, DUDE?!" Good choreography, bad abuse of the Snyder-Matrix effect.
F. Philosophy and Outlook: While the philosophy the movie was trying to carry out was a good one, it's execution was piss poor. It never explained how Baby Doll was dancing that made everyone love her, or why the great master turned out to be some random bus driver in real life, it never explained what happened to the other 2 girls who were supposedly "shot" by Blue, and for some reason, it feels the need to kill off the main character by making her brain dead. Make no mistake about it, if you're looking for a happy ending and a philosophy that fits its movie, you're not gonna get it with this one. You're just gonna get a big slap on the face and a big HAHA from Snyder.
Overall: A movie that has a very strong superficial feel. Incredible to watch on the outside, but it leaves you hungering for more on the inside. This movie is nothing more than visual/audio candy with good actors who're given a badly written but well meaning plot. If you're looking for a brainless 3D killfest, this is the movie for you. If you're looking for a movie with hot high school girls, this movie is for you. If you're looking for anything remotely resembling what it was advertised to be. You will be disappointed. Using the spill.com movie ratings, this movie is, at best a rental, and at worst some old bullshit.
View at your own risk, but I gotta tell you... what a disappointment. Snyder... why? You were doing SO GOOD! DX
-FIN
