This wasn't screened for the critics. Was it THAT bad?
Hell, no. A LOT of money was sunk into the production of this film and it showed: the sets, the costuming, the direction, the lighting, the effects -- ALL very good. Vanilla Sky certainly sucked worse. I thought it was better than Elektra, but someone disagreed with me. And someone who saw Catwoman said Catwoman was better than this -- so a lotta varying opinions here.
Were you a fan of the original cartoon?
No, and I only saw it sporadically back in the day on MTV. I don't recall much of it, and what I did remember went over my head.
Well then, why do you think they didn't screen it for critics?
Hmmm . . . maybe a lot of little reasons (which is too bad because the "bomb" stigma is now in place before its out of the gate). I don't think the general public knows who the hell Aeon Flux is or cares. I saw this with my sister (a non sci-fi and non-comics person) and about 1/3 into it, she shook her head, laughed, and poked me saying "this is stupid and too much like a comic book." Well, yes, there ARE fantasy elements to this, what did you expect? Frances McDormand is unrecognizable in this and didn't impact the film or story with her performance any. Aside from page ads in comics, there's been NO publicity for this.
The film TRIED to set-up/explain and give some backstory, but it still was a little confusing in places. It did have a "Logan's Run" feel to it. And there's some twists as to who the real "bad guys" are in this. These things maybe added up. I can only guess someone(s) at Paramount didn't like it. But I thought it deserved a fair shake.
How was Charlize Theron?
Damn easy on the eye and very credible as an "action heroine." I bought her in this, more than say, Garner as Elektra or Berry as Catwoman (a cheap shot, perhaps, still ...). I thought Theron would do an "okay" job, but she exceeded my expectations. And if you want to see her running around in a tight-fitted catsuit, you won't be disappointed. I never considered her as a potential Wonder Woman before this, but I do now (though I suspect ONE "action heroine" part is all she'd want to do).
Was it crowded?
About 1/3 of the room full for a Saturday matinee. There were some older guys in their 60s there, each sitting alone, and I doubt THEY were fans of the MTV cartoon IF you get my drift ... IF anyone LOOKED pervy like they were hard up in the hopes of seeing Charlize Theron wear something tight, there they were.
Any potential for a sequel?
No, not really. The story kinda didn't open any windows for it.
|