We have been inundated lately with superheroes based on characters from comic books. So it is refreshing to get one that originated as a radio series.
To say this film is a mess would be an understatement. I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that it went through many different permeations with the various directors that came and went. There is also the high expectations you have because of the talent involved. Michel Gondry has made films which are visually interesting and a bit (or in some cases a lot) quirky. Which is not what you get here. Whether there was too much studio influence or it came from his star/writer. The film gets off to a bad start with one of the most cliched and corny scenes I've seen in a long time. Then it does not improve much from from there. Michel can direct action scenes quite well which is probably the only good aspect.
The other problem is the casting. While Seth Rogen is a good choice for the role of Britt Reid, I think the fact that he has written the character to be so much like him is not good and conflicts with the tone of the film. I found him to be really irritating and annoying. Heaven forbid he should write himself a role where he has to do some proper acting. Which brings me to Jay Chou. As Kato I do not know what he sees in Britt Reid, except perhaps the fact that he has money to let him do his inventions. Otherwise I do not know why Kato follows Britt. I get the feeling he only did the film to raise his international profile. Then I think Cameron Diaz only did the film to have the chance to work with Michel Gondry. Her role is very sexist and not the type you expect her to do. Christoph Waltz disappoints as well. He seems to want to perpetuate the stereotype he started in 'Inglourious Basterds'.
A major disappointment for all concerned. Some good action scenes but comes across as a bit of a mess.
To say this film is a mess would be an understatement. I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that it went through many different permeations with the various directors that came and went. There is also the high expectations you have because of the talent involved. Michel Gondry has made films which are visually interesting and a bit (or in some cases a lot) quirky. Which is not what you get here. Whether there was too much studio influence or it came from his star/writer. The film gets off to a bad start with one of the most cliched and corny scenes I've seen in a long time. Then it does not improve much from from there. Michel can direct action scenes quite well which is probably the only good aspect.
The other problem is the casting. While Seth Rogen is a good choice for the role of Britt Reid, I think the fact that he has written the character to be so much like him is not good and conflicts with the tone of the film. I found him to be really irritating and annoying. Heaven forbid he should write himself a role where he has to do some proper acting. Which brings me to Jay Chou. As Kato I do not know what he sees in Britt Reid, except perhaps the fact that he has money to let him do his inventions. Otherwise I do not know why Kato follows Britt. I get the feeling he only did the film to raise his international profile. Then I think Cameron Diaz only did the film to have the chance to work with Michel Gondry. Her role is very sexist and not the type you expect her to do. Christoph Waltz disappoints as well. He seems to want to perpetuate the stereotype he started in 'Inglourious Basterds'.
A major disappointment for all concerned. Some good action scenes but comes across as a bit of a mess.
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