The Spirit (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray] (2008)

The Spirit (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy and BD Live) [Blu-ray] (2008)
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes Director: Frank Miller



Reviews

By Mark Turner

This week's best bet for rental is SPLINTER. But rather than focus on just horror films here I thought I'd let you know about another good one to hit shelves this week, THE SPIRIT. If you missed it at the theater you weren't alone as most audiences didn't quite know what to make of it.

Based on the classic comic book series of the golden age of comics drawn by Will Eisner, the Spirit became a popular icon and comic again during the late 60's and early 70's. Eisner became the hero of comic book industry insiders so much that awards for comics are named after him, The Eisners. But it was fan and comic icon himself Frank Miller that decided to bring the character to the screen.

Like Miller's own comic series SIN CITY, THE SPIRIT takes place in a not to distant path world of gangsters and molls, good guys and bad and a city that never sleeps. The city is as much a character in these stories as are its heroes and villains.

The Spirit (Gabriel Macht) is awakened by a phone call from an old friend, a cop who thinks the nefarious Octopus (Samuel Jackson) is involved in something bad going down. Tossing on his clothes, which must include his fedora and red tie, The Spirit hits the rooftops trying to get to the site.

Unfortunately things were going down and the cop in question was shot. The Octopus IS involved and a toss down between him and The Spirit ensues that involves them smashing one another with everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink. Yes, this is not your realistic comic book adaptation but a comic brought to life true to the original form. And many of the antics involving The Spirit played themselves out like Tex Avery cartoons with hyped up weaponry and fisticuffs.

The Octopus escapes with the help of his henchmen (hilarious cloned creatures) and his right had gal, Silken Floss (Scarlett Johansson). A clue left by the wounded cop leads The Spirit to a second culprit involved here, one Sand Saref (Eva Mendes), the girl who broke his heart when they were both just teens.

The story unfolds with two boxes, both containing ancient artifacts that Sand and The Octopus each want. The problem is both have the boxes that the other wants. And of course criminals can't be trusted for an even trade. Just what is in the boxes and why they are so important is revealed as the story breaks out.

As the two jostle for control of the boxes, The Spirit tries to find them and bring them both to justice. Along the way he gets lectured by the Police Commissioner Dolan (Dan Lauria) and shot or wounded several times which gives him a chance to see his gal, Ellen Dolan (Sarah Paulson), a doctor and the daughter of the Commissioner. Hopelessly in love with The Spirit, she hurts with each flirtatious glance he gives another woman. Which is about every one he sees.

The final showdown between bad guys and good eventually plays out. But not before this stylistic examination of the comic book art form is brought to life on screen. Shot mostly in black and white much like SIN CITY was, the film offers a splash of color here and there.

Miller (who wrote and directed) could have gone for the straight forward hero/action flick that many would have. But never one to take the easy route, he opted instead for the irreverence and full blooded slapstick that was commonly found in the comic books. And it actually works when you go in knowing this.

The specials on this disc are interesting in their own right. One involves Miller talking about the making of the movie. A fascinating short gives Miller time to talk about Miller and his own contributions to the comic art form, complete with illustrations of his works.

The disc in blu-ray is exquisite, giving a crispness and clearness that is needed to make the black and white images seem to pop right off the screen. If a story is based in that film noir genre, why not make it appear that way as well.

The leads and supporting actors all do a fantastic job but leave the viewer with one sad note. As poorly as this did at the box office, the chances of seeing them together again seem slim. So if you like a good hard boiled detective story, a comic book hero or just a bit of fun, then make sure you watch THE SPIRIT. It deserved better and maybe it will get just that on DVD.

From Amazon.com