subego

I thought this movie was simply a good time, without the sometimes serious undertones that inhabit more well established "superhero" movies. I am especially in awe of the relationships that develop between the stars of the film. It was said that much...if not most...of the dialog was improvised, giving the cast a chance to really play off of one another scene by scene. This tactic works well with regards to how they relate...and ultimately become friends over the course of the film. this could actually even be compared to another movie which shares similar motifs: "Galaxy Quest." This becomes a movie of ultimate redemption by the underdogs - not by the use of any inherent REAL superior powers, but they succeed simply because the cast in BOTH movies eventually live up to what they believe to be their destinies...by the belief in themselves!

Most of the movie-going public and critics alike panned "Mystery Men" right out of the gate, which is a shame. I have watched this picture multiple times and find new, subtle nuances that make this just a pleasure to behold. if you desire a movie to just lose yourself into with no expectations of and groundbreaking epiphanies, THIS is the film for you!

I wont review the film here as it has all been said before. I did want to praise Val Kilmer's portrayal of "Doc" Holiday. Throughout the entire film, his acting and character embellishments are so nuanced and well done that by movies end, we feel his loss in a very personal way. Credit must also go out the the costumers and make-up artists for their contribution to the overall effect of his role. All the way through the film, he looks sickly, pale and world-weary. His mannerisms and intensity of gaze profoundly establish this character as a focal point in this production. But as for what I started this off with, I consider this role as probably the very best for Val Kilmer. It required subtlety and careful restraint and made the viewer believe that we weren't watching an actor merely regurgitating lines and hitting their foot-marks. I, for one, was entranced by the carefully studied body language and facial expressions...the sweaty desperation of a man who sensed his own mortality but strove to enact his own justice for justices sake. This was just very well done!

First off, lets dispense with all this hooey about this movie being a failure...both critically and according to box office receipts. Sure, the reviews weren't as grand as those of M.Nights previous works...but the same could be said of most directors...the George Lucas sagas, Francis Ford Coppola's "Peggy Sue Got Married" as opposed to his "Godfather" movies. Like everything in this big world, success and failure are cyclical. With regards to profits? well, it has made back its investment many times over...can the same be said for "Matrix Revelations?"

OK, now to brass taxes: This movie is great for several reason, not the least being that it does what it initially sets about to do...build suspense, create drama, and finally, crescendo and resolve. I suppose if there is a complaint, and this I will freely admit, it is that the plot threads at times take too long to develop. This has been a quibble with many of this directors films. It isn't necessarily a bad thing. With a movie such as "The Sixth Sense" the languid pace accentuated the thrill of discovery. But in "Signs" the slowness of development serves to hinder the overall feel of the film...which is to say that what should have been a very tense last half hour, gets sidetracked with explanation too often.

That aside, however, I thought this movie was a near masterpiece of the genre. The web of characters are all drawn convincingly to a very satisfying conclusion. The movie is rich with convincing portrayals and though slow in developing, the plot elements are well thought out. I think that this film suffered from some questionable promotion...and that its audience was perhaps expecting something more fast paced and typically "Hollywood" in presentation. But that's OK, let those who expect the typical grumble about it...I am perfectly content enjoying something that uses style and cunning to build tension rather that an explosion every ten minutes ala Michael Bay.