First off, the high points, there were few. Some pop culture references (Elephant Man, RCA Records), some truly funny moments (costuming scene, initial confrontation between Smith and Branagh), and some interesting inventions created by Mr. Gordon. These brought some light hearted breaks to the proceedings, and the movie had held onto that spirit, it might’ve been in better straits. As it is now, the journey is about to get rocky Mr. Sonnenfeld

Most directors know how to handle a big budget when it’s handed to them. Spielberg, Lucas, Stone, have all proven that in the past. Barry Sonnenfeld however, seems to be like a 6-year old turned loose in Toys-R-Us, with a Gold card, and a dream. The plot moves forward in a choppy uncomfortable manner, only to be broken up by said moments of joviality and intelligence mentioned above. When those failed, Sonnenfeld threw some explosions, gadgetry, or other special effects, to distract us away from the fact that the story just was not very interesting, and doesnt flow very smoothly. Ultimately, as in the case of Star Wars, Sonnenfeld tried too hard to live up to expectations, instead of leaning back and going with the flow of the lighthearted nature. I had fun, but it could’ve been more fun

Also, not that I am complaining at all, but other than to draw in the male audience, and be a potential love interest, what in the world was Salma Hayek’s purpose in this movie. She is rarely dressed, and does not advance the plot at all, and mainly falls into the category of eye candy that defines this movie so well. Branagh hams it up effectively as Loveless, a sex-obsessed paraplegic, with a vendetta against the President, which is explained. He does not go overboard at all, and does not steal scenes either, but as a villain, he succeeds better than Connery did in The Avengers. The letdown of the cast is Kline. He plays straightman to Smith, and seems like he wandered in from another, better movie, his expression is bland, and unemotional, and there is between the two. The key here though, is Smith, and he does his best to save this sinking ship, but like a fly flailing in a draining sink, there’s only so much you can do before you go down with the ship as well. His cuteness, charm, wit and timing work in all the successful scenes, but it’s too little, and way too late. This movie has a spirit, and sense of fun, but not enough of one. The humor works for the most part, Branagh is entertaining, as is Smith, and I have to admit, I was smiling when I left the theater. It wasn’t a bright one, but still a smile, because I had fun. The effects were cheesy, and overblown, the plot was paper thin, but it still had a campy, slightly energetic, lighthearted appeal at times.  The filmmakers should take a lesson from The Mummy, in how to use campy humor, a sensible easy flowing plot, and neat effects, all together in a nice neat package

Actor and movie information courtesy of the Internet Movie Database

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