Sucker Punch

There is an emerging trend in films lately where the story follows different levels of reality. This was first explored in 'Inception', continued in 'The Adjustment Bureau' and with this film as well.

We are always hearing that Hollywood is run by the marketing department. Films only get made based on how well they can be marketed to the most amount of people. I think Zack Snyder and his films are testament to how that theory is wrong. His films are very daring and not easily categorised so they can be marketed. While it worked with '300' he had some trouble with 'Watchmen' and this film. I've had friends and heard critics say that they found this film confusing because of the levels of reality involved. Now I think that this is because of the marketing. People did not expect to have to think so much about the film. I think many thought it was just another big action film with hot chicks. But the film is so much more than that. The way Zack Snyder has crafted the story is brilliant. The action sequences are integrated into the story so well and the meaning they have for the main plot is amazing. It is not just a group of girls fighting in highly stylised scenes but has a bigger impact on the film as whole. The action scenes are very much like scenes in a video game. The girls do not get hurt much or even dirty for that matter. That does play into the whole fantasy element of the scenes. But they are still a lot of fun. What makes them even better though is the music used. Zack has chosen some excellent songs to help accentuate his action scenes.

This film is the perfect showcase for a couple of Aussie actresses. Emily Browning gets to prove she can be an action hero. She brings that sweet and innocent look to her character but behind the eyes we know she is a tough powerful young woman as we see in the action scenes. Abbie Cornish too is excellent. Although her character is a bit of a cliche as the doubter of the group you still come to care for her. This is also a great breakout role for Vanessa Hudgens. It is nice to see her doing something to move away from her previous roles. While I loved Oscar Isaacs in the film, I am getting a bit worried that he is being typecast as the bad guy all the time.

As long as you go in expecting so much more than just an ordinary action film then you should enjoy it. You have to actually think and concentrate on whats going on. Hopefully that won't put you off it though.