Fun first act, serviceable third act
I can see I'm not the only one who saw the new version and was excited to revisit the old! The new one didn't take any risks or do anything unexpected, and that's where the 2005 version really shines. The first act in particular is exploding with personality and fun! And unlike the new version, this one always had me really feeling for the characters.
Unfortunately, the second act spends a lot of time spinning its wheels, admittedly. But it comes together in the end, and got us excited for the sequel too.
Ultimately an enjoyable movie that achieved what it set out to do. And its shortcomings can honestly be forgiven, given what expectations the world had on comic-book movies back then. I'd like to see the newer installments taking notes on what these older films were unafraid to do.
Unfortunately, the second act spends a lot of time spinning its wheels, admittedly. But it comes together in the end, and got us excited for the sequel too.
Ultimately an enjoyable movie that achieved what it set out to do. And its shortcomings can honestly be forgiven, given what expectations the world had on comic-book movies back then. I'd like to see the newer installments taking notes on what these older films were unafraid to do.
- SureCommaNot
- Jul 25, 2025