From the movie's onset we open with a song, a montage where the "main character" Baby doll is thrust into one unfortunate circumstance after another ultimately leading her to a mental institute by decree of a murder charge. Once there, things seemingly go from bad to worse as her abusive caretaker (step father) supersedes any right to her freedom and upon his wishes, will use this newly found prison to his discretion. Facing an end of life as she knows it, Baby Doll is given just five days to escape.
Most of the plot isn't quite entirely original. Think something similar to Pan's Labyrinth, Coralline, or Alice in wonderland where the characters would create/find alternate realities where they themselves could rule and oversee their future as something of wonder rather then the incarceration they've been emplaced within. But interestingly enough this doesn't really turn out to be the case right away as she correlates the horrors of the mental ward as a vile brothel. A brothel she has neither entire control over her actions nor the captors/captured. Or does she?
Whereas most of those tales who've proceeded have had their two alternating worlds (A main and fantasy reality), Sucker punch manages to pull one more out of the hat. Another subconscious dream world that unlike the main two is one hundred percent imagination. To enter such a world she must first perform an exotic dance which captivates and thereby stuns a room full of detainees, the club's personal, and other onlookers. What follows is both real and figurative. To overcome the oppressiveness forthwith she must discover and use a power within herself. A power that will set her and four accompanying girls free.
But to achieve such a lofty feat Baby Doll and friends will need five things. A map, a knife, fire, a key, and a fifth unknown, veiled as a "deep sacrifice".
The movie will often question freedom, escapism, and reality. Perhaps not as well or as clear as certain films (Inception comes to mind for clarity sake at the very least.). It often reserves itself to fulfilling both a thought provoking response and a fetish for action/women in suggestive wear. But I truly think that observing the movie in such a way (as a fetish) is missing the point and quite frankly the reason reviews have suffered and opinions vary. It is a very polarizing movie. A love it/hate it affair.
Sucker Punch's visual repertoire draws life from many references before it. You have your kung-Fu, sci-fi, steam-punk and manga to name a few. And quite frankly visuals are reason enough to see the movie. While not able to carry it from beginning to end (as I expect so many would assume) the range of the movie's distinct dreamscape offer most viewers a vantage point they may tend to avoid.
Sucker Punch is a film about a great many things. While the movie is a dramatic charmer, at its nestled heart it tries to live up to its assumed action status. It never coasts directly on either. As such it can often be vexing to some, gratuitous to others as it deals with skimpy skirts and tons of (seemingly) nonsensical action/set pieces, or even an endearing tale of true conviction for freedom of the shackles of reality. Its not perfect. The acting is good but never steps out and the character development is low (but not necessary). But the visuals are spectacular. Easily on par or better then any Zack Snyder film to date. And if you let the story swim around in your head, you'll find it much more rewarding then what appears at first glance.
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4/5 Stars
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Happy Independence day! And/or Happy Monday!
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