Review of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004) by Jared T — 09 Jul 2009

Visually beautiful, but in terms of everything else, the opposite. I suppose it was supposed to be this way, though, in the comic book movie style of (depressingly, to me) thin dialogue and characters and emotionally vacuous situations.

Or maybe it wasn't supposed to be this way. It does seem unnecessary and perhaps indicates a failed adaptation, which may have captured the audience visually to some extent (as well as confused) but did not capture the imagination of the heart.

This movie seemed like steampunk to me (something I only recently discovered), and while it is a very interesting style, it rubs me the wrong way, as though it is escapism into a lie, perhaps even in a rebellious way that tries to use creativity to bolster regression. But perhaps I am just afraid of having beautiful technology ripped out of my hands and replaced with stuff that is stuck in the steam age.

Angelina seemed quite unmemorable in this movie. I don't think she did a bad job -- I don't think it is her fault. It seemed to merely be a resume padding minor role for her.

I liked Gwyneth (and Jude) but in nearly every movie I have seen her (or him) in, except Ironman (and Enemy at the Gates after 2nd viewing), her character seems confused in terms of having an identity of heart, and I tend to think it is the fault of the director or writer. Perhaps it is just that I don't relate to their personalities, though.

Or the soullessness of the vapidly steampunk movie could be due to acting on blank green screens and being told "ok pretend you're somewhere interesting. Action!" was too much of a stretch for the director and actors.

PS - They use the Stargate theme in the trailer!? That is just wrong.