Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of stylized violence and action, some sexual content and brief nudity.
Directed by Frank Miller (Sin City)
Starring Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, Jaime King, and Sarah Paulson
“Down these mean streets a man must come. A hero born, murdered, and born again.” Rookie cop named Denny Colt (Gabriel Macht) returns from the beyond as The Spirit, the hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces of Central City. The Octopus (Samuel L Jackson) is the bad guy whose plan is to wipe out the entire city. The Spirit tracks this cold hearted killer from the city's rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill the masked crusader.
Frank Miller has had some huge success with Sin City and 300 so it makes sense that Hollywood would be sending him offer after offer (yeah, he is currently working on Sin City 2 & Sin City 3, as well as a 300 sequel). Nobody is questioning his talent. He created the Sin City and 300 comics, plus The Dark Knight Returns which heavily influenced Christopher Nolan’s Batman reboot, but filmmaking may be something he should leave to the professionals.
Before you fact check me on imdb.com, I know Frank Miller directed Sin City, but let’s face it – he had some help. Robert Rodriguez was the co-director and I suspect he was THE director with Frank helping out.
Visually it’s very similar to Sin City, (which is kinda strange because it’s actually a pretty colorful comic) but this time there really is no substance behind the style.
Gabriel Macht is dull and unlikeable as The Spirit. He faces off against his arch nemesis The Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson), a madman who's intent on acquiring a potion that will render him immortal. I love Samuel L. Jackson, but his performance just might be the worst of the year. He’s just so ridiculous. He overacts in EVERY SCENE that writer-director Frank Miller gives him — even getting to dress up like a Nazi officer in one scene. Why? I have no idea. In their first battle, The Octopus smashes a toilet over The Spirit's head, laughs maniacally, and declares, “Toilets are always funny!” Seriously, does he even read scripts anymore?
All that being said, The Spirit’s greatest crime is that it is so boring. I struggled to stay interested, struggled to follow the story, and ultimately struggled to care.
Frank and Sam, I’m sorry and embarrassed for you and this “Coaster.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
While it is mild compared to Sin City or 300 (with a PG-13 rating) it still has plenty of violence and sexual content. It’s a definite no for younger viewers and a recommended no for teenagers.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
