Review of The Spirit (1987) by Kyle M — 23 Aug 2014

In order to have a full enjoyment, you've read the graphic novel that the movie's based on and you've seen "Sin City" and "300" that are based on the graphic novels created by the same creator who'd placed himself on the director's chair to adapt one of his acclaimed works. But it seem that his adaptation is the continuation of the titular character, meaning there's no time to get familiar with the story if you haven't read the graphic novel.

Superhero films doesn't do this. They give enough time for everyone to grit familiar with the universe while going on with the story to entertain the viewers. But this particular only went on with the story and showed weaknesses and being felt that it's getting out of the viewers' interest.

The film only relies on two things that were shown in the attractive, compelling teaser: the style and Gabriel Machet's voiceover; whilst forgetting or leaving out the bass music. The film only used those two tactics to keep the final product satisfying. But that failed due to long breaks between the appearances of the mentioned qualities. The rest of the film during those breaks was just showing the disappointment that was less than what was expected to be like.

The one minute-and-14 seconds teaser is more entertaining unfortunately. It's complete with the style and atmosphere that was expected to take most of the film. I really don't know why Frank Miller, the creator/director, didn't follow the way to expand the teaser into a feature-length film. It's a brain-stomper, but now we can see why the teaser is called a teaser because it'd inadvertently teased.

"The Spirit" is for only those who've seen creator and director Frank Miller's other adapted works to get to know his artistic style and read the graphic novel to know the style on print and the story to get familiar with it. (C+).

(Full review coming soon).