Sucker Punch is a movie that from the first trailer, I was not only intrigued but looked forward to seeing this movie. In a world filled with mindlessly violent movies and flimsy plots with practically noting to substantiate the actions of the characters, I went into this movie expecting mindless action/violence and girls with guns and not much more. Sucker Punch ended up not being what I was expecting, which is not necessarily a bad thing. This movie was not about a girl escaping reality by setting up a fantasy within a fantasy and use that to escape from the reality of an institution. This movie is in turn about a young woman who had lost all hope and was willing to accept that, but is saved by someone she eventually calls an angel, told from the angels point of view.
The acting while not superb is sufficient for the needs of the movie. Emily Browning stars in this film in the role of Baby Doll . While the dialogue is far from strong Browning does an admirable job and comes across as being very believable. She is a young actress who this is the first movie I have seen her in and I saw some potential for the future. The part of her that was interesting is she is this petite, innocent looking girl, but then once she goes into her fantasy world, she is the same innocent girl who at the same time can beat up anyone that gets in her way. The supporting cast around Browning does a good job as well. For me it was totally different to see Vanessa Hudgens in the role of Blondie this was such a hundred and eighty degree difference in all of her previous roles (yes, I have seen the first two High School Musical movies). Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone and Jamie Chung as well doing fine jobs themselves in their roles and each one of them brings something different to the pack of girls. There is definitely chemistry between the five main girls and with the amount of time when they are on screen together this chemistry is vitally important.
The direction of Zach Snyder is so visually stunning , that it works perfectly in these fantasy worlds to immerse the viewer into and forget the life that they are all in. It was great to see Snyder directing his own source material for the first time. While he has been successful in his directing of graphic novel material in 300 and Watchmen, the visionary imaging and cinematography can lose all of its awe making ability it can get muddles in a weak storyline. Snyder has a keen touch to blend his vision with some finesse with this being a movie with tough girls. one instance that showed this finesse with strength at the same time is when Baby Doll is in her fantasy world and in the heat of battle, she pulls out a gun that has little charms hanging from it.
The story of Sucker Punch ended up being one that was not what I expected. This is a story where one has to sit back after watching and think about what actually happened in the story throughout the movie to actually understand whose story we are actually being told. The story that is told is a lot deeper then what gets portrayed in the trailer. The action that goes along with the story blends perfectly together in that it does not feel disjointed like you get out of some movies. The action sequences end up being imaginative and are true strengths for this movie. The different villains Baby Doll and the girls go up against in the fantasy world are out there and a lot of fun. Personally I enjoyed them going against the zombie Nazis. The imagery and color contrast in the different worlds makes for the stronger fight sequences to be all the more immersing.
Sucker Punch is a movie that ended up being a lot deeper and completely different from what I was expecting. Snyder shows once again how much of a visionary and talented director he is and I am now even more excited to see how his vision comes across on the Superman reboot movie. The acting, story and action all work very well together. Sucker Punch exceeded my expectations and that is why I am giving it three buckets of popcorn out of five. Sucker Punch is a movie that is well worth your time to see.
-The Movie Man
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