Sucker Punch

Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Sucker Punch Directed by Zack Snyder. Written by Zack Snyder & Steve Shibuya.

Review #113

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving sexuality, violence and combat sequences, and for language.

Runtime: 109 min

Cast

Emily Browning - Baby Doll

Abbie Cornish - Sweet Pea

Jena Malone - Rocket

Vanessa Hudgens - Blondie

Jamie Chung - Amber

Carla Gugino - Dr. Vera Gorski

Oscar Isaac - Blue Jones

Jon Hamm - High Roller / Doctor

Scott Glenn - Wise Man

What do Frank Darabont, Darren Aronofsky, Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson, Akira Kurasawa, The Coen Brothers. Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher all have in common?

They are some of my all time favorite directors. Zack Snyder was very quickly approaching this list. With his previous three films, Dawn of the Dead, 300 and Watchmen, Snyder had made a name for himself as not only a visionary but a pretty good storyteller. The only hiccup was that each of these films had no originality. Dawn of the Dead was a remake and 300 and Watchmen were comic book films. So when Snyder announced he was making a film that came from a blank slate. I was very excited to see how many steps closer he was going to come on board my fab nine list and be #10.

He took a step back.

Baby Doll is locked away in a mental asylum by her wicked stepfather where she will undergo a lobotomy in 5 days time. Faced with unimaginable odds, she retreats to fantastical world in her imagination where she and four other female inmates at the asylum plot to escape the facility. The lines between reality and fantasy blur as Baby Doll and her companions battle various creatures and enemies to retrieve the 5 items they need that will allow them to break free from their captors before it's too late.

This film from the opening frame showcases it's ambition. It makes any and every attempt to flaunt it's panache. This was good at the start. The problems begin when the characters start talking. The story is very flat and poorly structured. Snyder tries too hard when exposing us to Babydoll's fantasy world. He never gives us a chance to connect with her as she attempts her escape. Instead we get action beats that double for her and the rest of the girl's going after the actual items needed for the plan to work.

Now this is where the film absolutely SHINES! As expected, Snyder just kills it with the action scenes. The actual stunt work is impressive but the visuals are an orgasm for the eyes. Snyder's imagination  clearly has no bounds. I mean a 10 foot tall samurai firing a mini machine gun? Just a brilliant display of geek awesomeness. Unfortunately as great the action scenes were and believe me they were phenomenal, it also points out how badly constructed the narrative is. I won't explain how because it will give away major plot points. Let's just say the action scenes contain a certain amount of "predictability."

If you're paying attention enough you'll see what I mean.

All of this leads to the very unsatisfying ending. At first glance I was VERY annoyed at what transpired. Then after taking it all in and stepping back, I came to the conclusion that the ending at it's core makes sense but I still didn't like it. Again I can't go any deeper into it because it will spoil things. All I'll say is I felt cheated.

I know it sounds like I hated Sucker Punch. I didn't. There's a TON to like here. Amazing style and visuals. Hot chicks with guns who kick ass. What's not to like? I just had much higher expectations for a director who was able to avoid the dreaded S.O.S form of film making. He almost did it here. The plot needed more foundation and exposure.

So close.

On the 5 star scale. Sucker Punch gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. This concludes my pretty nice March run. I'm not sure what's next right now but I know something will come up soon.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"