OK, without discussing what happens in any way (which is always my hope), I think it sums Sky Captain up nicely to say that this is a film for late 1930s, early 1940s fans. And just about no one else.
It's not awful. And I like the 1930s, so I found it charming. But that's where it ends. Melodramatics aren't a sin, but they do get old and predictable with surprising quickness in 2005. Visuals in this film are truly the star, with a better "aged" film look than any nostalgic piece I've ever encountered. There is that to be said.
But there are no new ideas, no surprising characters, and several points at which things happen sloppily. Actions pivotal to plot occur so haphazardly that they often jolt the viewer out of the very tenuous grip of belief. In short, the script should have been either retooled, or used for radio.
I'm tempted to say that sci-fans might get some use for this film, but I doubt it. Even the odd-numbered Trek films are better organized that the action in Sky Captain. Of course, this film does not pretend to be believable; its got it's tongue firmly planted in-cheek. But who is the joke on? Most likely, the audience. Farce has elements of wit; this appears to be an homage to old-world radio days. And with that, we're back to the 1940s. All in all, you sit back in your chair at the close of the film and say, "so......yeah....ok." I mean, nothing against mediocrity....
.....but I wouldn't call it art.
It's not awful. And I like the 1930s, so I found it charming. But that's where it ends. Melodramatics aren't a sin, but they do get old and predictable with surprising quickness in 2005. Visuals in this film are truly the star, with a better "aged" film look than any nostalgic piece I've ever encountered. There is that to be said.
But there are no new ideas, no surprising characters, and several points at which things happen sloppily. Actions pivotal to plot occur so haphazardly that they often jolt the viewer out of the very tenuous grip of belief. In short, the script should have been either retooled, or used for radio.
I'm tempted to say that sci-fans might get some use for this film, but I doubt it. Even the odd-numbered Trek films are better organized that the action in Sky Captain. Of course, this film does not pretend to be believable; its got it's tongue firmly planted in-cheek. But who is the joke on? Most likely, the audience. Farce has elements of wit; this appears to be an homage to old-world radio days. And with that, we're back to the 1940s. All in all, you sit back in your chair at the close of the film and say, "so......yeah....ok." I mean, nothing against mediocrity....
.....but I wouldn't call it art.