It looks like Frank Miller has decided to make the jump from his successes with 300 and Sin City and direct a movie all by himself. There are some comic book writers that are continually dissatisfied with the product that Hollywood releases based on their work (Alan Moore). And then there are the writer’s that let Hollywood do whatever they want with their classic characters (Stan Lee).
Frank Miller’s effort at the helm of “The Spirit” gives us a typical comic book made large on the screen. It looks amazing, it’s way out there, but the story is, well, comic-bookish.
The stark black and white and red stands out vividly on the screen but still hasn’t worn out its welcome (yet). The action is meant to directly mimic that found in comic books and stands out as such. The way-out-ness of the the story is made even more awesome by Samuel L. Jackson doing his thing all over the place. This also kind of segues into the comic-bookishness of the movie. Sam Jackson dressed as a Nazi. Didn’t see that plot point coming. The dialogue sounds like it came straight off the page, and while this may be something good for lovers of comic books, it isn’t something good for lovers of movies.
Glad I saw it. Not glad I had to pay for it.