Customer Reviews

The Spirit (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

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.

I remember seeing the trailer for this film and telling myself that I had to see it. Unfortunately, I was warned early on that it was hot garbage and not worth the [...] bucks at Harkins. Now that it's out on BluRay, I figured it was worth a rental. Turns out to be a well spent couple bucks! The movie had excellent cinematography and beautiful women. 5 stars in that regard. Had to knock it down a little though due to a subpar script. overall, the movie wasn't bad, maybe a biproduct of low expectations. Worth a rent to see if you want to buy it. if you're into the comic book genre or stunning visual effects, definitely worth a buy.

All movies are in fact storyboarded like a comic book. Well at least most of them are. "The Spirit" is a tribute to the great Will Eisner who changed comic books and opened them up both in style and in content
back in the 1940's and for many years later.
The Spirit was always eccentric and not your average story in comics. This movie tries to stay close to that legacy. Most of these overly critical people obviously have never read the spirit comic books that are available out there in book form as well. They bought this expecting 300 or a standard movie superhero, but the spirit was never that. I love the standard comic heroic figure, but to make the spirit like them would betray what Will Eisner had created. So Frank Miller deserves kudos for his work on this movie. It's alot of fun and not for everyone but it shines on blu ray. The acting is not weak either it's just in line with the Spirit legacy. The picture is excellent and the directing solid as any miller movie, however every miller movie is existing is a strange place that doesn't reflect reality so that's what you get here. If you want a regular superhero story then perhaps this movie isn't for you but if you want a movie that is as eccentric as the comic strip; then you will enjoy this one.

I liked it. The cinematography was interesting and reminiscent of Sin City. As for the plot, light, out of the 40's and amusing. The actors did a fine job given the kind of script they had and they fit well into the "atmosphere" the film created. It's not easy to make a comic book into a movie, but Miller's attempt to do so...and to do so well...made this film worthwhile for me.

there seems to be an immense amount of hate for this movie, i cannot understand why. this is no sin city, granted but there is still a lot to love. it is a visceral, over the top, stylized and violent. the director holds nothing back, everything is over the top with layers of CGI above that. a guilty pleasure to be sure, and a wild ride, just dont come in expecting a serious movie.

Based on the bombardment of negative reviews that have plagued Frank Miller's adaptation of his idol Will Eisner's The Spirit, I was expecting possibly the worst comic book adaptation ever made. Well, The Spirit surely isn't that (at least in my eyes), but it's far from being anything quite good either. For me, The Spirit falls somewhere in the middle, between being intentionally campy and unintentionally funny. Gabriel Macht stars as former cop Denny Colt, who was killed and mysteriously found himself back among the living. Fighting crime as the masked vigilante known as the Spirit, he soon finds himself uncovering a plot by his arch nemesis the Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson) while re-discovering his lost love Sand Saref (Eva Mendes). In between all that are a variety of women played by Sarah Paulson, Jaime King, Paz Vega, and Scarlett Johansson; all of whom provide ample amounts of eye candy. It's obvious that legendary comic scribe Miller learned a thing or two working with Robert Rodriguez in bringing Sin City to the screen, as The Spirit is wonderfully stylized and rendered, but is plagued by an inconsistent script that doesn't know if it wants to be gritty or campy. Macht is stale in the title role, while Jackson is clearly having a blast and chews up his scenery. All in all, it definitely isn't something for everyone, but for what it's worth, Frank Miller's take on The Spirit is worth a look for comic fans, albeit it offers little for everyone else.

I think the movie, "The Spirit", which was a comic series created by Will Eisner and premiered in 1940, catches the spirit of the original series. I can see how people would be disappointed if they expected to see another Sin City or 300 and I expect as much from main-stream society. Blame it on Hollywood for promoting this as a "from the makers' of Sin City and 300" movie.

On the other hand, most dedicated comic book fans will at least like this movie if not love it. It is over the top, cheesy, and never takes itself too seriously which means they nailed it. It was exactly what it was supposed to be and I'm proud of them for making it that way instead of selling out to the majority.

If you love comic books and realize that movies are often books before they are movies, then you will likely enjoy the Spirit. Otherwise, go to Starbucks and download America's Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest to your I-Phone because that is who you are and Ryan loves you.

Take everything that everybody has told you about this movie and chuck it out the window.

Despite all of the bad reviews about this, I was turned away because of what others have said about this movie but after having finally sat down to watch it, I have to say that anybody who cannot enjoy a movie that is fun, silly and contains some great, talented actors and actresses, needs to take a careful look in the mirror and stop over-analysing each movie as if it's some heavy Oscar contender for a drama award. The one thing this movie won't win is an award, but, that doesn't mean it's not a good movie.

Upon watching this movie, I was reminded of those old pulp comics from the 20's, 30's and 40's, where you had such pulp heroes like Dick Tracy, The Shadow, and yes, even The Spirit. Samuel Jackson was perhaps only one of the many talented actors who actually looked like he was having a lot of fun with his character, The Octopus. I cannot remember the last time when I watched a movie with Samuel Jackson in it and how his character was always this serious, unfunny character. The highlight of the movie was that Mr. Jackson never once took his character seriously and that's the biggest asset in this movie.

Then, when you have such talented cast as Dan Lauria, Eva Mendes and Scarlet Johanson ... you simply cannot go wrong. It was so refreshing to see a movie based on a comic book character, that took on the very characteristics portrayed in its original source material.

Would I recommend this movie? Well, if you're not looking for a serious movie and would like to sit down and watch a fun movie where even the main characters don't take themselves seriously, then you've found the right movie. Gabriel Macht is perfect as "The Spirit" and he coomes off like some gigolo but I have to say that the best parts of the movie are the ones with Gabriel Macht and with Samuel Jackson. Even the beginning of the movie is hilarious because of the battle between "The Spirit" (Gabriel Macht) and "The Octopus" (Samuel Jackson) will surely have you laughing.

I know I did ... most hilarious fight scene ever.

Amazon has this listed as a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo with a Digital Copy, which is why I purchased it; I have a Blu-Ray player at home and a DVD player at work, and like to bring movies back and forth. Unfortunately, when this movie arrived from Amazon, it turns out that it's just a Blu-Ray and a Digital Copy, no DVD. In fact, the disc with the digital copy has a warning printed on it "WILL NOT FUNCTION IN STAND ALONE DVD PLAYER". I've contacted Amazon about this, got an email back saying "Sorry, our bad", but apparently no one cares enough to correct the product description.

A lot like a Frank Miller comic, The Spirit wont be for everyone. The first time I saw it, I wasnt sure if I liked it or not. There are alot of things about it that are actually what like to call "smart funny", it wont crack you up but its VERY clever and well written. The women in the Spirit are very much like their inspiration in the original Will Eisner comics. There are stand out performances from Eva Mendez, who vamps it up and is completely engaging in the role. Scarlett Johannsen, equally charismatic plays it samart and funny. Samuel L Jacksons Octopus is a ton of fun, and Jackson fans will love it. Gabriel Macht does a great job in the title role. Hardcore Spirit fans will be disappointed he doesnt wear his trademark blue suit. Miller is able to explain this in the extra features, and in the commentary. Over all solid, not a complete knock out of the ballpark, but solid.