Review of The Spirit (1987) by Noah Abraham G — 01 Mar 2013

Every now and again, I have to take a stand against the mainstream media and defend a film that I love wholeheartedly. This is one of those times.

"The Spirit" is a fun superhero romp about its eponymous hero, formerly deceased cop Denny Colt (Gabriel Macht) resurrected and given the powers of invincibility by the dastardly Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson). Now Denny is the hero of Central City, keeping its citizens (and cats) safe from harm. He is assisted by Commissioner Dolan (Dan Lauria), his daughter Ellen (Sarah Paulson) and a plucky young officer called Morganstern (Stana Katic). The Octopus has a femme fatale Silken Floss (the lovely Scarlett Johansson) and an army of identical clones (Louis Lombardi). Eventually, the two must come to a head when an old flame of Denny's, Sand Saref (Eva Mendes), comes to town looking for a box that the Octopus happens to possess; in turn, she has something he's looking for.

I'm in the minority here, but I like Macht as the Spirit. He has a deadpan sense of humor and really makes a dashing figure. He's a hero, frankly. Samuel L. Jackson is a lot of fun as the Octopus, hamming it up in a way that works all too well. Scarlett Johansson provides a bit of sardonic wit, and although the camera ogles her quite often... well, it's Scarlett Johansson, so who's complaining? (My apologies to feminists everywhere).

"The Spirit" really wants you to have fun while watching it. It's full of jokes and one-liners, complete with over-the-top action sequences. I suppose the whole thing is over-the-top. It's a bit silly, yes, but if you're willing to accept the movie on its own terms, then I think you'll find yourself enjoying the ride.

The film is also gorgeous to look at, as should be expected from "Sin City" creator Frank Miller. The colors are great, and a lot of symbolic shots are used throughout to give the film a look that is distinctly its own. Even if you hate everything else about the film, you have to admire its look.

Is "The Spirit" a great movie? Well, I think so, but I can see how people might not enjoy it. It's silly, yes, and often deliriously so. There are times when the film will stop in its tracks to give some exposition. I don't mind, because I think it works, but there are some who won't like that. Frank Miller's screenplay also succumbs to typical Frank Miller writing, but I think it works here. Some plot points are forced and weird, with no bearing to the actual story. Most of the women are overtly sexualized by the camera, I admit. And if you're a fan of the comics, don't even bother.

But if you're like me, ignorance is bliss with this movie. It may not be the best superhero movie of the century, but it gets its job done. I loved every second of it.