Tuesday, July 15, 2003

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

In a Nutshell: Fairly entertaining, visually stunning. All in all, not a bad flick, but it may have helped that I didn't go into this film with high expectations.

Quick Plot: The mysterious M recruits various Victorian literary heroes (Allan Quatermain, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll (and his alter-ego), Mina Harker, The Invisible Man, Dorian Gray, and Tom Sawyer) to protect a summit of world leaders from peril at the hands of a mysterious nemesis, The Phantom.

In Detail: Allow me to preface this review with the following statements: I have not read the graphic novels this film is based on, and I have not read most of the literature the characters are based on, though I certainly will after seeing this film. Now, like I said, it was fairly entertaining (even with Stuart Townsend trying (and failing miserably) to be Johnny Depp). Based on the previews, I was skeptical of this movie. It could have been so so bad. Thankfully, it wasn't (though I don't think anything would seem bad after seeing Hulk). Wasn't overly good, mind you, but it wasn't bad. It was a visually amazing film. Very dark and gothic, and the Nautilus is beautiful; over the top and totally out of place, truly stretching that "willing suspension of disbelief" boundary, but beautiful nonetheless. If you like the visual aspects of movies, then see it in the theater (preferably a matinee), or much of the amazing detail will be lost. If that's not such a big thing for you, then just rent. Not really recommended for children; the end creature is quite disturbing, as is the Jekyll/Hyde transformation.

Will I Buy It? No. Fine for a one-time viewing, but I don't care to see it again.

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