I sat down unsure of what the movie was going to offer. My best guess was a coming-of-age film. It clearly had Catholic elements as well, though I wasn't sure if that was just a backdrop.
After watching it, I still wasn't sure. The movie tries to be light-hearted, but is too angry and cruel. The Catholic elements tend to weigh a bit against the religion but even there the movie vacillates. The movie doesn't try to stay out of the argument, mind you, it just seems very confused as to what it thinks.
The animated sequences, meant to illustrate the lead character's emotional thinking, are the best element of the film. And even they aren't terribly well done. They don't give much extra insight into his mind, nor do they progress the main movie.
I generally try to find a way to recommend a movie, even if it's a qualified recommendation. Most films have entertaining qualities that some can enjoy. And some have clearly enjoyed this one.
If you like comics, there are a few nice references to existing titles plus the characters created by the boys (and featured in the animated sequences). Or, if you are a Jodi Foster fan, she turns in a decent performance as the nun.
Overall, however, I'd just avoid this one.
4 out of 10.
After watching it, I still wasn't sure. The movie tries to be light-hearted, but is too angry and cruel. The Catholic elements tend to weigh a bit against the religion but even there the movie vacillates. The movie doesn't try to stay out of the argument, mind you, it just seems very confused as to what it thinks.
The animated sequences, meant to illustrate the lead character's emotional thinking, are the best element of the film. And even they aren't terribly well done. They don't give much extra insight into his mind, nor do they progress the main movie.
I generally try to find a way to recommend a movie, even if it's a qualified recommendation. Most films have entertaining qualities that some can enjoy. And some have clearly enjoyed this one.
If you like comics, there are a few nice references to existing titles plus the characters created by the boys (and featured in the animated sequences). Or, if you are a Jodi Foster fan, she turns in a decent performance as the nun.
Overall, however, I'd just avoid this one.
4 out of 10.