Corporate Line: Based very loosely on the Alan Moore graphic novel epic of the same name, this is the story of a group of characters drawn from famous works of literature, including Captain Nemo, Allan Quatermain, The Invisible Man, Mina Murray and Dr. Jekyll, banding together to combat criminal undertakings of the highest order near the turn of the 19th century. Rather than remain true to the comic roots, the film also incorporates Tom Sawyer and Dorian Gray, in an apparent effort to keep the cast from being entirely without Americans, and it is set in New York.
The Good: Going in with no hope for a good film I was surprised to find myself basically entertained. The special effects are good and there is a good deal of inventiveness. Sean Connery as Allan Quatermain does a good job considering what material he was given. The fact that each character is based on a fictional character from a book like Quatermain or Tom Sawyer or Captain Nemo played as if they were real life people can be good or bad. Mina Murray is the best character as a very creepy vampire. Mr. Hyde is nothing more than a blown up Hulk.
The Bad: Very thin plot and even thinner care for the League to actually win in the end. The bad guy, The Phantom, is almost without merit or fierceness. The funny thing is, The Phantom seems to always be running away. It’s actually quite funny to think of some ultimate bad guy being dumb enough to get caught in the situations he often finds himself. That’s poor writing.
Also, what is up with Nemo’s ship? Why is it so damn big? It really makes no sense. Sure it’s fantasy, but this time it is blown out of the water and rolled into pure stupidity.
Frankly: I’m not sure what to say. I’m without a real care, good or bad about this film. It has its points but is it something we’ll be talking about after a few weeks are up? I doubt it. Even saying that it’s not possible to say stay away from the film as it will take you away from your everyday hum-drum.
+ Charlie Craine
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