Review: Sucker Punch

Zack Snyder is known for pushing the limit on his films, and "Sucker Punch" is no exception.

While this film is not the most brilliant science-fiction/fantasy film ever made, it is not terrible. It is clear Snyder worked on the plot of the film for many years. While it was originally planned to be filmed and released prior to "Watchmen," the extra years probably did the story good. To be honest, it might have needed just a few more months to sit before fully moving forward with the project.

Snyder has said in interviews that he had argeuments with WB on whether or not women can hold a film. Snyder argued that there are not enough strong female leads like this out there. While this idea is good to start a basis of a film, when glancing at the surface of the film, it can be seen as a contradiction. Snyder names his characters things such as "Babydoll" or "Sweet Pea." Not to mention the first perception in a brothel. While the intention is there, there is concern as to whether the execution was right. However, Snyder's early career as a comic artist and writer, as seen in his adaption of his graphic novel "300" helped him balance the exoticism of women. By presenting the scenes in the film in views of a comic lens, he places before the audience the obvious extremism of the film, forcing the audience to think past what they see.

Emily Browning was not the original choice for the lead role, but was certainly the better. Compared to the first choice, Amanda Seyfried, she plays on her short stature and delicateness to its full potential when seducing the men to distract them from her plans of escape. While in the second layer of perception, the steampunk fantasy world, she proves just because she is little, it doesn't mean she cannot pack a punch.

While the acting was a little flat, and the Madame Gronski (Carla Gugino, also in "Watchmen") narration near the end grew a tad old, the overall execution of the film, I found was enjoyable. The story focuses on Babydoll losing everything she has known and loved, and being sent to an Institution. The film takes place in the year 1955, which is just on the edge before the Institution reforms. The main set of girls she works to escape with, Rocket, Sweet Pea, Blondie, and Amber, are all sent in for reasons that, after the reform, would not be considered grounds for institution. Babydoll has five days to escape before the "high-roller" comes in for her. Essentially, her father bribes the main orderly, Blue, to send Babydoll for a lobotomy.

Snyder also effortlessly creates remakes of popular songs such as "Where is my Mind" by The Pixies, and "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane, to fit the film. These songs weave in and out of the plot to assist the storytelling, rather than inhibit it; offering another perspective of Babydoll's mentality in this destructive world. I would definitely suggest this film if you're a female in the mood for some action and "girl power." However, if you are expecting brilliant Snyder science fiction, you will not find it here. Entertainment and visually appealing classic steampunk fantasy would be all you would receive.

While I have already posted the trailer in my last piece on the subgenres of science fiction, I will simply leave you with the remake of The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows."

New Season of Doctor Who

Doctor Who's new season is just around the corner. Matt Smith and Karen Gillan have managed to settle into their roles, and fans are excited for the upcoming season. On Easter, the show will premier in both America and England at the same time. American fans can now relax that they will not have to wait weeks after the show airs, trying to avoid spoilers, like they have for other famous BBC shows.

The new season will also showcase some well-known science fiction/fantasy writers, such as Neil Gaiman. While he is also currently remaining quiet on what his episode contains, he wrote the trailer has eight shots of his episode, as well as dialogue. It has, however, been revealed on Geeksofdoom.com (http://tinyurl.com/45p823d) that the name of the episode is "The Doctor's Wife," and will be the fourth episode of the season.

Watch the full-length Doctor Who promo:

A Genre of Subgenres

Science Fiction is often referred to as a genre, but it is possibly best explained as an umbrella genre. There are three types of Science Fiction, five eras, and at least tweleve sub-characteristics. As the genre grows each year, emerging in and out of the mainstream eye, as do these subgenres.

Three of the most famous of these are: Space Opera, Cyberpunk, and Steampunk. While these are some of the most common, it cannot be forgotten that most of the subgenres blend together to create the final product. With Zac Snyder releasing the first mainstream Steampunk film, here's a look back on some of the more famous of the three subgenres:

Space Opera

There is only one space opera that has claimed the hearts of millions of viewers in the world, both sci-fi fans and simply moviegoers alike: Star Wars.

George Lucas spent years into putting together the first film. Originally intended to just be Star Wars, the popularity surprised Lucas, and thus persuaded him in creating the Star Wars saga. Star Wars set the standard for science fiction films. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, is even considered the best science fiction film ever made. While the franchise has expanded to novels, video games, and expanding on both the Old Republic, and the issues of the New Republic, nearly 34 years later, and the saga shows no signs of slowing down.

Cyberpunk

With titles such as "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" and the film, "Neuromancer" cyberpunk emerged from the science-fiction genre as an era in the 80s/90s. Coined by Bruce Bethke with his short story "Cyberpunk," the era featured advance science, information technology concepts, themes of a breakdown or radical order in the social order, hackers, AI, and more.

"The Matrix" is perhaps one of the most remembered of the Cyberpunk era films. With Keanu Reeves playing the protagonist, Neo, and Hugo Weaving as his antagonist, Agent Smith, the story follows the course of the humans fighting to be awakened and reclaim Earth. While the triology found itself taking turns into different, dark corners of the subgenre that possibly should not have been addressed, it managed to create a complete story that affected novels, and even anime, in the Cyberpunk era.

Steampunk

The youngest of the movements, currently still in a characteristic/subgenre phase. Although it is slowly making its way to declare itself as a movement. With the first ever Steampunk Expo in 2010, in Michigan, Steampunk has garnered a following of millions, creating a subculture as it works to declare itself an era.

The concept of Steampunk is best described with a question: What would happen if the Industrial Revolution was pushed back a century? Throw in mythological creatures and you are now a part of Steampunk.

Zac Snyder (Watchmen, 300) will be releasing the first mainstream Steampunk film later this month. "Sucker Punch" may not be your average Steampunk story, but it has a lot of potential of setting the groundwork for future Steampunk films. It follows the story of a young girl, played by Emily Browning (A Series of Unfortunate Events), who is institutionalized by her evil stepfather. With the advice of Madam Gorski, played by Carla Gugino (Watchmen), she retreats into an alternate realtiy to devise a way for her, and the other girls, to escape.

Watch the trailer:

A Belated Birthday...

Yesterday would have been the 94th birthday of American comic writer and artist Will Eisner. He is perhaps most famous for his creation of "The Spirit."

Eisner created "The Spirit" in June 1939 as a seven-page urban crime fighter story. It was published in the Sunday newspaper. The comic ran June 1940 through 1952. The tabloid-sized feature followed the vigilante crime fighter, the Spirit, through his adventures, which he funded from the rewards he received when he captured villains. The only character to truly know who he was, and in turn gave him permission, was the Spirit's friend Central City Police Commissioner Dolan.



While the character of the Spirit became one of the classic icons of comic history, Eisner was often criticized for his portrayal of Ebony White, the African American sidekick. Often portrayed as a caricature of the racial "blackface" often associated with Jim Crow:

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Award, also known as The Eisner Award, given every year to celebrate American comic artists and writers. It was named in honor of Will Eisner, and is considered to be the most prestigious award a comic artist and writer can receive. It also includes the comic industry's Hall of Fame.

Star Wars in 3D

With 3D taking over the movie industry, it is no surprise that George Lucas has joined in on the excitement. While 3D can be seen as a visual treat, sometimes it begs the question of whether or not it is even worth it.

Fox recently announced that "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" will be the first of the saga to get the 3D makeover. Lucas plans to release all of the films in years to follow.

Hearing the "Star Wars" saga will be adapted to 3D and re-released does not come as a great surprise. However, choosing to go in order from beginning to end, as well as choosing to focus on the one film that received the most criticism out of any of the saga's episodes, seems to be a risky move for Lucas.

As a blogger wrote on Sci-fi Now's website: "Star Wars Episode I in 3D--because we didn't all complain enough when it was in two dimensions."

Whether or not it will generate new fans or revive the excitement for the saga can only be seen when it is released.

Catch The Phantom Menace in 3D on February 10, 2012.