Saved by a bunch of mismatched adventurers (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (DVD))

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (DVD)
Date:	01/04/08 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good score and special effects

Disadvantages: Bad casting and disappointing transition from comic to film

As far as comic book adaptations go, this had the makings and the opportunity to be a huge hit on the screen, with a brilliant collection of historical greats working as a team to fight crime and save the world. The transition from comic book to film, however, has gone through a vortex of 'oops'. Read on.

The Plot

In a Victorian age, an unknown enemy called 'The Fantom' is terroriseing the world, threatening a new Armageddon and the end of the world. Legendary adventurer Alan Quatermain is drafted in to lead a team of adventurers, superheroes and creatures to seek out the Fantom and stop him in his tracks before the world ends.

The Cast and Performances

In theory, these characters are a formidable team with a good cast playing them, but I have to say that the casting is a bit amiss here. Sean Connery is cast stalwart English adventurer Quatermain, and does so with his usual strong Scottish accent! Jason Flemyng plays Dr Jekyll and, by default, Mr Hyde, a CGI monster with a heart. Peta Wilson plays Mina Harker, vampire who turns herself into vampire bats with no emotin whatsover. Stuart Townsend is rather debonair as Dorian Gray, but leaves a lot to be desired when a little action is required. The rest of the League are standard, and rely on the comic book legend to see them through. Richard Roxborough plays 'M' the government minister who drafts them in, but is largely lost in the majority of the film.

My Opinion

Despite my initial statement, this is not a disaster. I merely expressed my disappointment that a film with such potential was badly dealt with a produced something far inferior in quality than it could be. The plot is a solid one, and the superpowers and strengths of each of the league are exploited and used to great dramatic effect and plot interweaving. The acting is a little suss throughout the film, but the direction from Stephen Norrington seems to save it a little with the setting of the mood of the film.

I am going to rate this film at 3 stars out of 5. I am a fan of comic book adaptations, no matter the review before I see it. There is enough basis here to avoid the film being a disaster, and the special effects and score make the suspenseful moments a vague pleasure to watch. It is a 3 star film for me, others are likely to rate it lower.

Conclusion

Disappointing but not a complete disaster

The DVD is available to buy from amazon.co.uk for £3.97

This review may also be posted on ciao.co.uk

Thanks for reading.

Summary: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)