Entertaining, emotional, and empowering; Zack Snyder's latest film Sucker Punch lands a killer blow. A haunting, traumatic story leads our protagonist, Baby Doll, through ordeals, dream sequences, and reclamation of strength. She collaborates with a group of women to work and fight together. Though, much like in other powerful female films (Thelma and Louise), painful sacrifices are made.
Often reminding the viewer of Tank Girl, there are skimpy punk clothes, villainous men, apocalyptic imagery, violence, and heavy weaponry. Bjork's ballad "Army Of Me" also makes an appearance. Unlike Tank Girl, this film holds a highly emotional note instead of Lori Petty's whimsy and shtick. Looking at Zack Snyder's past films, this aspect is both unsurprising and expected. Much of Sucker Punch's content may strike a nerve with some viewers who have experienced similar trauma. While some may be validated by this, others will need to use caution before viewing this intense movie.
A predominantly female cast and element of sisterhood put this movie apart from most Hollywood fare. It passes the Bechdel Test with flying, vivid colors. These characters argue, scheme, fight, and bond together. They demonstrate strength and capability, as well as weakness and vulnerability. This film incorporates a good deal of humanity compared to an average thriller or fantasy.
Sucker Punch offers a soundtrack comparable to Watchmen; perfect for the mood, but with the volume set too loudly at times. Both movies seemed to enjoy setting their volume knobs up to eleven.
In a nutshell, this movie is an entertaining, welcoming change from most Hollywood films. With plenty of action, vivid imagery, and unexpected surprises, Sucker Punch is a success.
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