By Malice Intended

Much to the chagrin of “serious” cineastes and critics, movies have primarily become a form of elaborate escapism.  This transition has been fostered, in part, by the advances made in special optical and visual effects over the past 30 or so years.  Such tools aren’t always used in the service of a strong story and often become a means to an end.  Filmmakers long ago realized that visuals need not be meaningful or even coherent to move an audience.  When viewed through that prism, the evolution of movie technology has been both a blessing and a curse.

Despite the lukewarm reception to his adaptation of The Watchmen, Zack Snyder has emerged as one of the most exciting visual stylist working today.  In his upcoming Sucker Punch, we finally get see this skill set in service of a story that was conceived by Snyder himself.   Sucker Punch tells the story of Baby Doll (Emily Browning), a young girl who uses her imagination as a safe haven after being locked up in a mental institution.  Her journey inward proves to be much more than an escape from reality, and might just put her on the path to salvation.

The trailer plays like the fever dreams of a video game designer.  We see awesome sights with seemingly no connective tissue.  Warriors from generations past exist on the same plain with mythical beasts and heavy artillery.  Characters glide through the air in slow motion as if reveling in their newfound freedom from the laws of gravity.  Scott Glen, who plays resident mentor character The Wiseman, offers a few scant details that will only have meaning within the context of the film.

Zack Snyder crafts films that are beautiful to see.  With each successive film, his eye for detail becomes increasingly meticulous.  As long as he specializes in escapist entertainment, his talents will not be acknowledged in certain circles.  He makes movies for audiences instead of his peers.  Perhaps one day he will find the happy medium that exists between crowds and critics.  If Sucker Punch has a decent story to go along with the pretty pictures, Zack Snyder may want to consider writing his own scripts from now on.

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrIiYSdEe4E[/pro-player]

Follow Us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/planetill

Follow Malice Intended on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/renaissance1977

Join Us on the Planet Ill Facebook Group for more discussion

Follow us on Networked Blogs