Too intelligent for it's own good.

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2000)

I'm sure most people will hate this movie. Most people in the theater were grumbling on their way out.
However, I thought it was refreshingly understated and intelligent. Which given it's subject matter makes it near brilliant. It's about super heroes and comic books but it's far too slow and subtle to be a comic-book movie, yet it is laid out like one and everything is a reference to a living comic book.
It really is a unique movie. It takes the exact opposite approach to the subject matter and the core of the plot than you would expect and in result a bizarre kinetic energy is created. It flips on itself back and forth, causing infinite reflection.
It has some faults but its merits far outweigh any shortcomings.
The photography sometimes is a little heavy handed. The color scheme as a plot device, as in the Sixth Sense is a bit obvious but still cool.
Some may argue the ending leaves a lot to desired, but I think that was the point and fits perfectly with the theme of comic books.
I recommend it only if you are willing to be patient, open-minded, and you understand the comic book genre (which most people do).
Definitely not as overt as the Sixth Sense. It is much more understated. Where as the subtleties in Sixth Sense made it great. This is all about subtlety.
I'm pleased this wasn't just another Sixth Sense. I applaud the writer/director/producer's brave effort. Sure he could of done the same thing again, but he didn't and the movie will probably been seen as a failure because of it.