The Spirit (Lionsgate)
A Lesser Superhero
The new film The Spirit is based on the graphic novel by Will Eisner and is directed by Frank Miller of Sin City fame. Gabriel Macht stars as the crime fighter who can not be killed. He can be hurt but so far can not be killed. His main nemesis is the Octopus (Samuel L Jackson) and his girlfriend is Dr Ellen Dolan (Sarah Paulsen). These and many more characters are shown in this strangely photographed film that is long on action but short on plot.
Denny Colt (Macht) was a cop who was killed in the line of duty. An experimental drug was used on him that brought him back to life and gave him immortality (maybe). He starts wearing a black mask across his face and a black suit with a red tie. He calls himself the spirit.
When Denny was a teenager his girlfriend was Sand Saref (Eva Mendes). They had a disagreement and she left town. Now years later she is back and is involved in a scheme in which the Octopus is also involved. The Spirit finds out about it and is instantly drawn back to the days when he and Sand were involved with each other.
Mendes is the stand out in the cast of this film. She is the modern day Raquel Welch, sexy but with just enough talent to make an impact in a movie. Opposite her Macht is only passable as an actor and an action hero. You never get a feel for who or what the spirit is.
Sarah Paulsen, Dan Lauria, Louis Lombardi and Scarlett Johansson add to the fun of the film. They each have small segments of screen time and they make the most of it. Jackson is bizarrely made up for his role and he gives an over the top portrayal. He eats up the scenery as he makes his presence known.
The movie is very liberally rated PG-13 for profanity, violence and nudity.
In comparison to films such as Iron Man, Spider Man, or X-Men this action hero is a non-starter. The Spirit has a unique look and features Eva Mendes but that is all it has going for it. In the world of super heroes he is a minor character and it is doubtful further adventures will be brought to the screen.
I scored The Spirit a wispy 5 out of 10.
