Review of Sucker Punch (2011) by Baggins_Oz — 18 Apr 2011

I liked this film. I'm not sure that I understood it, but I did _like_ it. I walked out of the cinema satisfied that I had just watched a movie that entertained and has left me pondering various elements for the last day or so. I will definitely watch it again to see if I can make more sense of it.

Unlike so much of what Hollywood is producing lately this was different. The storyline, the style, the action sequences, the anachronistic elements of the plot...it was all obviously and deliberately chosen to push boundaries and buttons. Which boundaries and which buttons appears to depend on what you bring with you...those who want to see misogyny will see it, those who want to see simple video-game action will see it, those who want to see nonsensical plot will see it. Those who go in with an open mind will probably come away with something more. I can see where the critics have traction - the plot is convoluted, the costumes are sexy, the action sequences seem to be video game inspired, there are sexist/misogynistic elements.

BUT.

There is more. There are so many layers and explanations for those layers and many and varied. Are the imaginings of Babydoll actually happening? Are her 'team' various parts of her psyche? Is the whole thing her lobotmised "reality"? My friends and I love action movies, but of late they have become so predictable or over-the-top that we often pass comments and have little discussions during the film...not this one. We were all glued to it, straining to analyse and understand, and thoroughly entertained.