The next 300. The next Sin City. I'm sure that's what comic book legend Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil) was looking forward to hearing about his directorial debut. Yeah, I love you Frank, but no, this was a terrible modern adaptation of a classic comic book series. Over-stylized to the nth degree, Miller obviously thought the Sin City format would translate just as well here. It didn't. The writing is too much in the comic book fashion, and nowhere near what a coherent film script should read like. The original comic, created by another icon, Will Eisner, was the simple story of a slain policeman's return from the dead as an above the laws of nature vigilante. Miller has concocted an over-indulgent fantasy surrounding the original mythos that is nearly unwatchable.
The ensemble cast is headed by Samuel L. Jackson, so completely over-the-top that it makes his cop from Snakes on a Plane seem completely reasonable and level-headed. Actually, the entire cast is given free reign to go crazy with their parts, and it's a total mess. Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, Eric Balfour, they all go undirected. Gabriel Macht's performance as The Spirit is played so straight, it's unintentionally funny. Like a tasteless joke.
Unfortunately, this movie oozes awful. Sorry Frank, go back to what you are the master of already. I hate to see you do this to yourself. actually, the best part of the movie was watching the closing credits, as Mr. Miller provided the illustration himself. As comic book movies go, definitely a bottom feeder. 3.5/10
Tomorrow's movie: POT LUCK!!! Haven't done that in a while, so here's hoping! See you then, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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