Search - The Spirit (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy and BD Live) on Blu-ray

COMIC COMES TO LIFE

Mark Turner | 04/19/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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.
"

Very good movie and very underappreciated

Adam L. Cobden | Moore,OK | 05/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Good comic book tribute movie.

Michael P. Dobey | colorado springs | 05/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

The Spirit..A Brief Opinion

James Whelan | New Jersey | 04/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."