Sucker Punch Review

Sucker Punch Review

Zack Snyder's first self written project is 'Sucker Punch' after his remakes (Dawn of The Dead) and projects based upon comics and books (300, Watchmen, Legend of The Guardians.) I was quite looking forward to seeing him pen his own work finally after being a fan of his other works and after seeing the trailer for 'Sucker Punch' I was pumped to see it. The trailer made 'Sucker Punch' look like the biggest and strangest action movie I've ever seen, however it didn't pull through on all my hopes.

Baby Doll played by Australia's Emily Browning (The Uninvited) is sent to an Asylum at the start of the film following the opening scene of the movie, which is all played out in silence and to a quite wonderful version of 'Sweet Dreams are Made of These.' The film then spins of into it's 'dreamworld' or whatever you want to call them. When Baby Doll dances in the film she's enters another world, where the action sequences takes place and most the movie is told. Fights with Samurais, Orcs, Dragons and Space Men follow. These do have context in the film and make sense if you're going along with the film's premise.  

The dream sequences provide the films biggest problem unfortunately, even though they are the most exhilarating. Most of the character's development takes place in these sequences and that leaves the problem of the film having no characters at all really, though after seeing the film you may even question that. My example is; if Alice had dreamt all of wonderland would the film be as appealing?

Emily Browning as 'Baby Doll'

Browning's performance is rather wonderful however, even though her first line in the film isn't until at least 20 minutes in. She provides allot to her character through facial expression, unfortunately the rest of the cast provides little in expression in any way and I blame this on the above mentioned.

Action sequences will be the main draw point to this film for most the audience, either that or the skimpy outfits the entire cast wear. Some might have a problem with the wardrobe but it does make sense with the film, though I did hear two girls behind me commenting on the size of Baby Doll apparent huge thighs. However inappropriate (her thighs weren't big) this is, it does lead me to my next comment on the action sequences. To be commenting on such things surly they'd have to of been bored and unfortunately 'Sucker Punch' does become rather boring even with all the action. The first action sequence was amazing to watch, the action was over top and the visuals were amazing. However after the first fight set the bar so high the following scenes weren't the same and I wasn't as excited.

From Left to Right: Abbie Cornish (Sweet Pea), Jena Malone (Rocket), Emily Browning (Baby Doll) Scott Glenn (Wise Man), Vanessa Hudgens (Blondie) Jamie Chung (Amber).

The best thing about 'Sucker Punch' is the visuals and sound. If you miss this in the cinema be sure to get the Blu-ray and blast the surround sound. Music, superb sound design and stunning visuals makes 'Sucker Punch' candy to ears and eyes, even if you don't like the certain style of music chosen.

Unfortunately I left the cinema confused about what I'd just watched and not in a good way. I appreciate a film that makes you think as much as the next guy, but usually there's a point in a film that you can think about after, to come to your conclusion on what you have just watched. 'Sucker Punch' doesn't have one, it has to many and none that stick out that you can build your theory upon. Themes of rape arise in the film but because of the PG rating (M in Australia) the film doesn't explore them enough. I don't know if this was Snyder's choice as writer and director or the studios, but the film's plot would have been allot more accessible as a more mature film.

It seems like I have allot of bad stuff to say about 'Sucker Punch' and unfortunately there is allot I didn't like about it. I did however enjoy myself, 'Sucker Punch' is a certain kind of experience I've never had before and thus maybe I just didn't get it. 'Sucker Punch' is however an enjoyable experience even if you don't understand what you just watched after leaving the cinema.

Acting: 6

Writing: 5.5

Direction: 5.5

Production: 8

Overall: 6.5