Sucker Punch Movie Review

It's been three weeks since I saw the new movie "Sucker Punch" and for three weeks I've been at a loss as to what to write about it. "Is it that bad?" you might ask. No, not really. It's just something that almost defies explanation. I've read other reviews that try to describe the story line and what they think it all means, but thus far none of them have been able to truly explain it and I, who have far too little experience at reviewing, know that I wouldn't be able to help you understand what you will see when you go to this movie. When you strip the plot down, you are left with tragedy, fantasy, sex and rock n' roll. Sounds crazy, huh? Yeah, it is.

I'm a huge fan of Zach Snyder films. I thought "Dawn of the Dead" was a lot of fun, "300" was everything "Troy" should have been and I dearly love his "Watchmen" film. I'm also incredibly excited for his take on Superman that is due to arrive next year. So, when previews began playing for his newest film "Sucker Punch", I was sold and knew that I wanted to see it. Little did I know what was in store.

I'll say this up front, I totally enjoyed this film. It is visually spectacular, the sound is absolutely incredible and the action is unlike anything I've seen in quite some time. The only thing is, I'm not entirely sure what the point was. Sure, there are some broad themes in the film that are quite obvious, but why were we taken to so many levels within the main character's mind? We started in reality, travel then to her fantasized version of reality and then went to a completely fabricated world that left out reality completely. But why were we taken there? I'm still trying to figure that out. Did I enjoy the journey? Yes, totally. Think of this as another take on "Inception" but without any drive or purpose.

Although they are two completely different films, I'd like to point out a few things between "Sucker Punch" and "Inception" that, in my mind, make "Inception" the better of these two films that take place in the mind. First, I love what can be done with a green screen. This technology has allowed us to see things we never would have thought possible a decade ago. But, there is something to be said for practical special effects. Most of the effects in "Inception" are real and not computer generated. This brings a weight to the viewing experience because you can tell what you are seeing is real.

In "Sucker Punch" practically everything is shot in front of a green screen and you can tell. I think Zach needs to stop relying so much on the use of green screens and try to think practically. Also, both of these movies are played out in the minds of the characters, however the plot of "Inception" was easier to follow for me because we knew what they were trying to accomplish. The plot for "Sucker Punch" is very confusing and keeps you in the dark wondering what the point is. I'm still wondering myself.

J.Chandler - Grade: C