lxg

THE FLICK: Some films are fatally flawed. Script problems, bland direction, weak acting Ð take your pick. Like Hill House or the Ford Fury in Stephen KingÕs ÒChristine,Ó theyÕre just born bad. Others suffer from, for lack of a better term, Òbad apples.Ó Creatively and competently executed, there remain enough head-scratching moments of Òwhat were they thinking!Ó to stink up (but not spoil) the whole experience. Yet sometimes those Òbad applesÓ make for an infinite amount of re-watchibility; as if one were hoping the film would miraculously correct itself with each new viewing. And for whatever reason (thereÕs a lot of personal bias in the Òbad appleÓ theory), ÒThe League of Extraordinary GentlemenÓ fits quite nicely into the latter category. A moderately big-budget adaptation of the Alan Moore graphic novel built around the audacious idea of classic Victorian literary figures (Alan Quartermain, Dorian Gray, The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll, Mina Harker, Captain Nemo & Tom Sawyer) banding together to form the first team of superheroes. Not since last yearÕs ÒReign of FireÓ has a concept seemed so outlandish and so incredibly cool at the same time. But where the source material took a more mature approach to the material (Quartermain was a dope addict, for example), the movie is more like a punch in the face with style points. Director Stephen Norrington (the guy who turned ÒBladeÓ into a franchise) has a gift for slick action sequences, and when heÕs not taking advantage of his ensemble cast (Peta Wilson is particularly amusing as an oh-so uptight British vampire) his camerawork keeps things interesting. The film crams in more than enough Ògee-whizÓ effects (NemoÕs Nautilis is breathtaking!) and an exciting jump cut conclusion that gives all the League members a chance to show-off their powers. But the results feel curiously empty, leaving the ring of a watered down ÒX-MenÓ where a truly unique story should be. The early scenes of recruiting League members are lacking in any real excitement. And itÕs not until a plot twist - where archenemy, ÒThe Fantom,Ó is unmasked and the true threat revealed Ð that the film lets its dream team have some fun. From there, ÒLXGÓ takes us from one impressive comic book panel to another, riding high on the talents of its cast of characters but trapping them in an all too familiar good vs. evil scenario. THE FEATURES: Although itÕs not advertised as a special edition, Fox has treated ÒThe LeagueÓ quite well for its DVD debut. A series of featurettes (accessed individually or by a Òplay allÓ feature) include almost a full hour of interviews and behind-the scenes footage. A few highlights: Connery confesses he only accepted the role because heÕd turned down ÒThe MatrixÓ and ÒLord of the RingsÓ and felt he was out of touch with todayÕs audiences (not exactly a ringing endorsement). The filmÕs enormous reconstructions of Paris, Venice and London were ruined during the historic floods that hit Prague in Õ02. In a brave anti-CG statement, Norrington insisted that Mr. HydeÕs ÒHulkÓ-like musculature be achieved by a practical body suit rather than post-production effects. Some 20 minutes of deleted scenes focus mostly on extended conversations and quieter character building moments. Not bad stuff, though. And two separate commentaries (one from the effects crew, another with select cast members and producers) offer even more inside information. Producer Don Murphy seems like a fan-boy himself and gets down to business quickly about ideas that didnÕt pan out (Fu Manchu was pegged as the filmÕs original villain but rights to the character couldnÕt be secured) and reaction to the addition of Tom Sawyer to the team (a last-minute studio request for a marketable American actor). Actors Jason Flemyng and Tony Curran spout off like a couple of British lads having a pint at the pub, which is entertaining in its own way, as well. Each track is edited together to make a very satisfying whole. FINAL SCORE: As quick as ÒLXGÓ came and went in theaters, itÕs ripe for a re-discovery on DVD. Sure, itÕs a superhero knock-off. But itÕs got more inventive action than ÒDaredevilÓ and better effects than ÒThe Hulk,Ó both of which pulled in bigger numbers. As bad apples go, ÒLXGÓ hasnÕt fallen too far from the tree.