Sucker Punch (2011)
Full review: Zack Snyder, the visionary director of "Watchmen" and the astounding "300", brings his latest visual extravaganza, "Sucker Punch" - a ludicrous, yet striking mishmash of various different genres, that features everything from samurais, to fire-breathing dragons to Nazi zombies to Moulin Rouge-style burlesque, and while many would understand what the director had in mind, it often feels like Snyder got lost in his own imagination in his attempts to bring his first original story to life, as the end result is a big hot flashy mess. Despite its 'muddleness', "Sucker Punch" still manages to achieve its purpose, which is to entertain. Yes, you might be quite disappointed by the lack of coherence, satisfactory plot and decent writing, but you'll certainly be unprepared for the massive amount of stupendous action and imposing visuals this movie has to offer. The CGI backgrounds are uniquely-crafted and breathtakingly beautiful, the special effects are as slick as it gets, and the action is first-rate. The variety of camera angles and different techniques that Snyder uses during the first-rate fight scenes are simply admirable, and his trade mark slow-mo sequences are mind-blowing as usual. Each of the 'dream' sequences is 'painted' in different color, and totally unique in terms of style, settings, action and cinematography. The robo-samurai action scene in the first half is the highlight of the movie, and deserves a special mention, as it's сo beautifully-shot and out-of-this-world spectacular, it's sure to blow you away. The music score contains various alternative rock tracks, with the updated version of Bjork's "Army of Me" being in the lead. Sadly, in terms of acting "Sucker Punch" fails to impress, with most of the performances being sub-par. Emily Browning as is as gorgeous as she's dull in her role as Baby Doll, Carla Gugino just doesn't have much to work with, and Vanessa Hudgens is almost unnoticeable. Abbie Cornish does her best as Sweet Pea, and she's the only real standout in the movie. Jena Malone is also good, but her screen time is extremely limited, and Oscar Isaac does a fair job as the villain, Blue Jones .
Overall summary: Zack Snyder's latest flick may be pointless, humorless and pretty incoherent at times, but it's so spectacularly action-packed and visually jaw-dropping, its plot weaknesses could be easily forgiven. Whether "Sucker Punch" is a video game-inspired movie or a movie-inspired video game, it's hands down a feast for the eyes.
Overall summary: Zack Snyder's latest flick may be pointless, humorless and pretty incoherent at times, but it's so spectacularly action-packed and visually jaw-dropping, its plot weaknesses could be easily forgiven. Whether "Sucker Punch" is a video game-inspired movie or a movie-inspired video game, it's hands down a feast for the eyes.
32 comments:
Missed this one, as that was the weekend I took off with my wife - and the reviews were really awful. I'll leave my brain at the door and just go enjoy.
Alex, yes, the reviews were terrible, probably because it didn't meat anyone's (and that includes me) expectations in terms of story.
But, hey, it wasn't that bad... the action was absolutely spectacular, and the visuals were splendid! Girls looked amazing, too.
I, unfortunately, have yet to square away some time to see this. It sounds like a terrific visual feast, though and I expect nothing less from Snyder. His f/x are always stunning. From the trailers, I didn't anticpate much in the way of plot, more a fanboy's wet dream, really, with hot action and pretty girls, but I will happily turn off my brain to see this.
Excellent review. I love your descriptions and turn of phrase. :)
Thank you so much, Mel! Your compliments mean a lot.
Yep, Snyder can do no wrong visuals-wise. He's a genius visionary! Turning your brain off will be necessary, hun. Otherwise, you might find yourself disappointed.
Whoah, your description does make me wonder...Nazi Zombies and Moulin Rouge, what a blur for the brain.
Sounds like "Inception on drugs" lol
Ella, yep, it's a mess! :) It's "Inception" on steroids, but without the brain.
Just popping over from Alex's place to check things out and say hello. New follower :-)
My husband and I had been looking forward to this one, being big Zack Snyder fans. Oh, well -
We're going to Hobo With a Shotgun, instead!
Nicely written review. And that is certainly, one of the highest scores I've yet seen for Sucker Punch. Indeed, Snyder's visual boldness is spectacular. And I know you're one of his most earnest backers!
I've heard a bunch of negative reviews of this, but in the end it still seems like a thrilling, fun, reality-escaping movie.
Didn't think it was so bad. It was a pretty good watch, especially when I got to see it for free.
Thank you so much for stopping by and becoming a follower! I really appreciate it.
I've heard several people say the same thing. Nice to meet you; I'm over from Alex's blog :)
Hello, Martha, and welcome to CineMarvellous! :)
Ah, I'm so grateful to Alex and for the mention on his wonderful blog. He's a great friend of mine. The "A to Z Challenge" rocks, especially Alex's "C" post. :)
I've checked all your blogs, and wow, they're fantastic. Thanks for becoming a follower. I followed back, of course ;)
Julia, I'm a huge Snyder fan as well... I've seen every one of his films, and I have to admit, I love them all. "300" is my absolute favorite!
"Hobo With a Shotgun"? OK, that one sounds very promising :) Go check "Sucker Punch" next week. It's not as good as Zack's previous efforts, but still worth-seeing. Thanks for the follow, Julia! :)
Well said. It was a magnificent work of art visually. The soundtrack was my favorite part of the film. Did you know that Emily Browning covered I believe 03 songs on the soundtrack? She actually did really good. She covered The Smiths which was simply awesome. Fabulous review, you definitely found the beauty in the film despite it's flaws which is wonderful. : )
Thank you so much, Matty. Well, I've seen highest scores than mine... even on of the critics gave it a perfect 5/5 :) I thought everyone gave it lower rating, because it wasn't as good as we all expected it to be. Poor storytelling, but mind-blowing visuals and action. And, yes, I'm one of Snyder's biggest fans :)
Lydia K., well-said! "thrilling, fun, reality-escaping movie" is the perfect description for "Sucker Punch". It was a mess, but a hot one :)
Thanks for becoming a follower.
LoneIslander, I'm so glad you agree with me on SP. Yes, actually it wasn't that bad.. at all. In fact, all the action sequences were pretty amazing. The story not so much.
Bossy Betty, you're welcome :) I loved your blog - it's so fresh-looking and full of wit. :) Thanks for becoming a follower, too.
Becky /The Words Crafter/, nice to meet you, too, and thanks for the follow. Your blogs look incredible! :)
I always try to deliver honest reviews, though I'm mostly subjective. LOL. :) Glad to hear there are other people that share the same thoughts about SP.
Nicole, thank you so much! Yep, the visuals blew me away. I wish I could say the same about the story. LOL.
Emily Browning covered? Are you serious? I didn't know that. Well, she obviously did a better job singing, than acting :) Loved Bjork's "Army of Me" version, and most of the other songs as well.
will watch it tomorrow in theater, very excited after reading your review!
Never heard of "Sucker Punch" but did read a blog yesterday that talked about how this movie unfairly got slammed by critics. Now that you gave it a good review, that puts a nice balance on it....2-0 with the critic reviews that I didn't even know about on the losing end so I won't bother to find out what the critics are saying and just go off of your word and the other young lady on the blog I came across yesterday.
I'm not a gamer but did watch those Lara Croft movies and those Resident Evil films so if Sucker Punch is action packed like that, then I'm willing to give it a looksee :)
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Awe, you are way too sweet to me!! Thank you soo much for your kind words. I can't help but always thank you for the ultimate support you have always given me ever since I began my blog. I appreciate you so much. : )
As for where I'm from... I live in Kansas and everything here is a bit blah, unfortunately. I try to find the beauty in this state because it truly does exist. However, I think since I grew up here I take it for granted where others may find it beautiful.
Thank you again you are truly so wonderful!! : )
Maynard, it's quite spectacular, but don't be too excited :)
Hey, Nicole! :) You've never heard of SP? Well, that's interesting :) Yep, the critics were way too hard on "Sucker Punch". It's not half as bad as they claim it is.
If you like brainless action flicks like Lara Croft and Resident Evil, you're gonna love SP. It's beyond action-packed ;)
Nicole, sweetheart, your welcome! :) And I'll always be supportive ;)
You blog became hugely popular in very short time, which showcases what an awesome person and blogger you are. Keep up the good work, Nicole! :)
Kansas sounds good to me. If you could only see the place I grew up, you'd love your city even more. :)
I hit the avoid button on this because of every review I read pointing this movie to the shallow end of the pool, but your review has give me some hope for it.
Dempsey, it's not Snyder's masterpiece, but it deserves to be seen for the spectacular action and eye-popping visuals. In those terms, it's a winner! Over the years I realized that people get too affected by the critics and their opinions, which shows how weak most viewers are, and how they struggle to decide for themselves weather they like it or not, without being affected by the professionals' opinions.
finally I've seen it.
Well, visually it's stunning, I adore the soundtrack and the acting is also quite terrific (most notably Jena Malone).
However, it's not perfect: it has its lengths, there are too many 'dance' scenes and the ending was a bit of a letdown.
Nevertheless, I had a great time watching it!
7/10
Maynard, buddy, I'm so glad we agree on this one. Loved the action and the visuals, too, but I wasn't surprise, since those are Snyder's strengths.
Of course it's not perfect.. the 'dream' secens felt a bit out of place, and the plot was incoherent.
I absolutely agree about Jena Malone - she did her best, though I thought Abbie Cornish did better.
I had a great time watching it too. 7 is a fair rating ;)
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