Review of The Spirit (2008) by Erik G — 26 Jan 2012

Above shadowy, crime-infested streets is a masked avenger who was one of Central City's finest cops and returns mysteriously from the dead. Fate has now brought him back from the beyond as the Spirit, a street-hardened hero who faces off against seductive foes like the voluptuous Sand Saref and the alluring Silken Floss. Most importantly, he follows his evil archenemy - The Octopus, who plots to wipe out Spirit's beloved city while pursuing his own version of immortality - from the warehouses to the waterfront.

Directed by Frank Miller, 'The Spirit' features great acting performances from the following cast:

1.) Gabriel Macht (The Spirit).

2.) Samuel L. Jackson (The Octopus).

3.) Sarah Paulson (Ellen).

4.) Eva Mendes (Sand Saref).

5.) Scarlett Johansson (Silken Floss).

I thought it was cool that 'The Spirit' gets to be released on Christmas Day while theaters often feature holiday flicks - and I find that not unusual every winter season. And if the majority of critics and audiences are totally bashing it, I try not to pay attention to them: The film was great viewing for me, and it was like reading a graphic novel while following all the visual effects, action sequences, and even flashbacks colored in sepia print. Here the background of Central City is like a combination of both Sin City (which Frank Miller also did) and Gotham as I can definitely see some grittiness inside it. I haven't read the original comic book series from Will Eisner so I don't know if there are any particular differences between that and the movie. Despite that I can say 'The Spirit' is entertaining for me to watch, especially when I get amused with baddie Samuel L. Jackson do that Nazi acting thing in one scene.