scotts863

I hate the fact that everyone is calling this a "comic book come to life" because, visuals aside, its idiotic cartoonish nature gives the genre an immature bad reputation. It's like stating that all comic books must be over-the-top and ridiculous.

This movie wants to be an exploitation romp film but even fails on that level. It's not fun, it's tedious and over stylized to the point of absurdity. It unintentionally slips in to self parody of the first film far too often. The pace is bad and actually boring for this type of effort because they can't even deliver cheap thrills unless you're talking the Eva Green scenes. The honest highlight of this film is Eva Green. Her performance and constant state of undress elevates the movie from completely unwatchable. Unfortunately, her case is concluded when the movie is only half over.

Like the first film, all this thing had to do was to deliver fun with its stupid. Instead all they delivered was the stupid.

BTW- anyone putting together the worst dialogue ever put to film has to include this laughably bad effort right at the top of that list.

This really hit under the radar for me. The January release date and lack of seemingly big advertising had me worried. All for naught. I genuinely enjoyed this film. Either it was lowered expectations or else it really is a high quality adventure film. As the film unfolded, I was amazed at the set up. It's crisp, smart and intriguing. Each character is established enough for this type of film and all the pieces fell right in to place. Before the final act, I honestly had it pegged as a 10/10 classic. It doesn't fall apart by any means but the third act turns on a lot of plot contrivances and a few liberties with reality.

I haven't read what the critics have said but I bet some must have mentioned tones borrowed from other films. I honestly don't care about such things. When a film like this gives off vibes of Jason Bourne mixed with Mission Impossible mixed with other Jack Ryan efforts then I consider that a strength. The cast was more than solid with Kevin Costner actually stealing the show in my opinion. Kenneth Branagh's villain is a bit weak but his performance is stellar and his directing is again top notch. I really hope this springs in to a multi-picture franchise because I was on the edge of my seat from the halfway point on.

Yeah, I'm sorry but this thing is NOT funny. That's the bottom line. The bizarre choice to film it with a type of a story does not help it at all. A few minor laughs in what is a drab and unintelligent attempt at comedy. No ad-libs worked or seemed clever which is what disappointed me the most. They never even took anything too far and seem to go out of their way to be nice. Maybe the need for written consent after the camera stopped rolling took all the bite out of this lame dud?

I actually enjoy the Jackass films and was expecting more hidden camera gems instead of whatever this thing tried to be and failed.