Wicked Visuals & Rockin Soundtrack! (possible spoiler alert-just to be on the safe side)

Rating: 9/10 (29 March 2012)

Originally when I saw this was under the "fantasy" genre, I wasn't too interested, being a solid horror movie/true crime fan. But after I read what it was about, I decided to check it out. One hell of a movie! I read the reviews & msg boards regarding "Sucker Punch" & while I respect everyone's opinion, I don't agree with the "depressing" aspect that I kept reading. I didn't remember this movie being released at theatres, but after watching a bit of it, I came in about 20 min after it started, I wanted to know more. My natural "want to know what, why, & everything in between" kicked in, so I recorded it to my DVR. I loved the soundtrack & was able to find both "Army of Me" & "Search & Destroy" on iTunes. I was a little disappointed at the ending though. In the middle of watching the movie I did go to IMDb & the msg boards & yes, I did read the spoilers, but they weren't exactly "spoilers" because they didn't tell what this movie was REALLY about, nor did they tell anything to ruin it. Unfortunately, there are TONS of places like Lennox House & have been for decades. There are also people just like the "doctors" in these same places, just like the characters in this movie. I found myself thinking about this movie long after I finished watching it, which is rare for me. I don't see too many feature length films that I want to see again, but this is one I will add to that list. The action sequences are awesome & the visuals are stunning. The meshing of different eras in time was a brilliant move. I thought at first it would be confusing, but like the 1st review on here, you simply need to pay attention & don't miss anything. You find yourself rooting for the girls to win. But, as it is with real life, it rarely turns out that way. I do feel that I must comment on one of the msg board comments: self-sacrifice IS a virtue. Though you may feel that avoiding self-sacrifice is the virtue, rather than the act itself, I don't agree with that. Throughout history, if not for thousands & thousands of acts of self-sacrifice, we'd find our world a very different & probably not very pleasant place to be. We all look for a happy ending, whether it's in real life, a book or a film, only in a writer's imagination can that be assured. Though, I must say, there are times in real life where a happy ending does happen. The reason I gave this movie a 9 instead of a 10, was simply because of the ending. After all Baby Doll had gone through, from the start of the movie to the end, I really wanted it to be her happy ending. Though many people will criticize this movie for one reason or another, I recommend giving it a chance. It's a cerebral visual feast for the eyes & brain. As with the other reviewer, you just have to take the movie as it is & enjoy. Yes, even "dark" films (not my description, but one on the board) can be just as good.