Titillation can only go so far

Rating: 5/10 (26 March 2011)

** out of (****)
After Snyder's inexactitude movie productions such as "300" and "Watchmen", one should be skeptical of how Zack's titillating eye-candy spectacle will pan out. With the plethora of negative critical reception, it's easy to say this project will not be a satisfying one. While that is true, "Sucker Punch" may be the most underrated film of the year so far. Granted, it's not a good film, but there's no way it's deserving of a "1" or even a "3". Despite the film's main selling point being the sex dolls gracing the silver screen, there's a little more meat on these bones. Snyder's first self-written screenplay attempts at a more meaningful, complex world. However, great ideas don't always guarantee a solid execution. "Sucker Punch" is a pitch perfect example.
"Punch" revolves around Babydoll (Browning), our fragile protagonist who is verbally and mentally abused by her stepfather. After a horrible incident, Babydoll is sent to a mental institution, and is expected a lobotomy in a matter of days. However, while serving her time at the place, she dances for others, and is the best of the bunch. Although, when she dances, she's mentally, inside her own world. The others join her in her little fantasy, with a hope to escape. There, the line between reality and fantasy is drawn. Will the girls escape?
First of all, the acting is just decent. Browning is the best of the bunch, but then again, she doesn't have too much to work with. Anyone can bat their voluptuous eyes, and carry a melancholy attitude. Malone is the charismatic, inspiration stereotype. Here she does her job, but doesn't add too much for the camera. The others are pretty much either insignificant or nothing note-worthy of a performance. How's the story? Surprisingly, I think the story fits despite what others say. One being the film's incoherence. The film ties everything up pretty nicely, and has a few twists and turns.
The action? Nothing short of awesome. Snyder has a nice eye for visual entertainment, and he brings it here. The babes? Pretty, but they never bring their expected sex appeal to the screen. Is the film too long? Not really. The film, despite its lengthy running time, doesn't overstay its welcome too much. It's pretty straightforward. Also, not to mention the cinematography is just gorgeous. Snyder is like God in that department.
Now onto the bad. This film just does not work. How can you enter the fantasy world by dancing? Won't that cause distraction, especially since those hot sweaty pedophiles are staring at you. Also, are they that stupid not to realize stealing things will be suspicious? That's a non-spoiler by the way. It's partly shown in the trailer, and happens early on in the movie. These factors kind of got to me. Also, while this is a lovely film to look at, it leaves you in the cold. It really doesn't have any emotional depth and character study, when that's what the movie promises.
All in all, "Sucker punch" isn't a complete one to the stomach. The film doesn't rely too heavily on gratuitous nature, but when it relies on characters and story, it gets lost in a way. This film, while flawed, isn't half as bad as the critics say it is. It just isn't as good as some people are saying it is. Stick with a matinée.