SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW Discussion

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

Knock yourself out. I really want to hear from those who have seen this, and get my hype on because this one and THE LIFE AQUATIC are the only two films for the rest of the year that I'm genuinely excited about.

And I think Kerry Conran is going to be one to watch.

[JenGe Chick Flick Destroyer]

Sky Captain is the other film that I'm really excited about besides The Incredibles. So far the trailers look awesome. There's nothing I love more than a stylized action flick. Here's hoping that the actual story grabs me as much as the visuals have. Too often I've been disappointed by style over substance.

[Lady Snowblood]

When I saw the trailer at BNAT5 last December, they had my money right there.

[devincf]

Junketing this in the morning.

[GimelMartinez]

Lucky...I would love to catch a screening of this. Very excited about its potential...certainly has the cast, love to hear how it turns out.

[El Topo]

This and Aviator are the only films I'm looking forward to see soon... Although soon might mean a few months since they may both get released well later here than in the States.

I just hope the story holds up to the concept, which is indeed very cool. The stills and trailer didn't look too exciting to me because of that fake glassy look CGI can have when overdone, but I'm sure once you're seeing the film and are used to it it should be OK.

Story has to be the main issue at this point, and whether it doesn't fall into campiness too much à la Flash Gordon.

[Andrew Woods]

Junketing this in the morning.

Have you seen the film?

[Rufus Rockefeller XIII]

I'm REALLY not digging the ad campaign right now. All the TV spots, while visually impressive, have your average dumb action film voice over.

"Man versus machine in the final battle for supremacy!"

I think ignoring the campiness of the film is going to hurt it in the long run, but we shall see. I really do love the footage I've seen so far though.

[devincf]

Have you seen the film?

i have

[Andrew Woods]

i have

What did you think?

[Ian Turkey]

I fondly remember when, many time ago, I opened a thread in these forums about this film. The only information then was a L.A Times article and a couple of rumours. I was accused of being a "shill" and a "plant".

Now the film is in the can, everybody is talking about it and I am still looking forward to finally see it. I had great faith in this project. Now is the time for that faith to pay off....

I.WANT.TO.SEE.THIS.FILM.NOW

[devincf]

What did you think?

It's very good.

[moovyphreak]

I am glad to hear this, as I have been wanting to see this film ever since I first read about early last year, before any production stills were even released. The premise sounded very cool and Conran lined up a strong cast as well.

[Jim Barg]

Do you think it'll play for the general public, Devin?

[devincf]

No, this is going to die in theaters. It's a pity because it's really good, and it's very true to its influences, which means that it isn't full of quick cut action scenes and shaky cam and stuff. And it's pretty corny and it's very earnest - the character of Sky Captain is the least cynical movie hero since probably Superman.

[JenGe Chick Flick Destroyer]

No, this is going to die in theaters. It's a pity because it's really good, and it's very true to its influences, which means that it isn't full of quick cut action scenes and shaky cam and stuff. And it's pretty corny and it's very earnest - the character of Sky Captain is the least cynical movie hero since probably Superman.

Sounds like I'm gonna love it then...and the entire family as well!! Thanks Dev.

[Jim Barg]

No, this is going to die in theaters. It's a pity because it's really good, and it's very true to its influences, which means that it isn't full of quick cut action scenes and shaky cam and stuff. And it's pretty corny and it's very earnest - the character of Sky Captain is the least cynical movie hero since probably Superman.

It'll be a shame, I'm sure. But this has had 'cult classic' written all over it since that first trailer hit before Christmas. It may make $40 million tops at the box office (I'm hoping it'll double its budget personally), but I can see it being big on video. We'll see, my fingers are crossed for a financial surprise...

[chappers]

Well I personally have little interest in this film(I don't like the idea of a move beingf 99% cgi, and IMO Jude Law is the most overrated actor in some time, and trailers flat out do nothing for me) I think this will at least gross its budget due to the PG rating.

[Dario Delfino]

I finally saw an ad for this (been without a TV for a while), and I have to say.... I hope this is good. It has the potential to be a completely new mythos, like our generation's STAR WARS, if handled right.

I'm also a big Angelina Jolie mark, and have been anxiously awaiting her to appear in a film I'd actually pay to see.

[The Prankster]

There's a really weird level of pessimism about this movie that I don't get. Not just the BO but the general "Well, I think it's just going to be another Lucas-style soulless computer movie." I mean, sure, it's entirely possible, but a lot of people just seem to be ASSUMING that. It's especially strange since the buzz has been nothing but positive, now with Devin's review to add to the pile (thanks Dev). Go look at the "pessimism" thread--it's the #1 whipping boy right now. I know it's the PESSIMISM thread and all, but why more angst about this movie than any other?

Ironically, I think the geek coldness towards this film may not matter. After all, the general public tends to make stuff we hate into hits, this movie has been marketed quite well, and what is it up against in mid-september? Unless "Wimbledon" is some kind of breakaway hit.

I'm predicting it'll do decently at the BO--make its budget at least--and then become a long-running hit on DVD, like Austin Powers or The Iron Giant.

[M.E. Russell]

A couple of these URLs may be redundant. I'm too lazy to check. Enjoy.

DIRECT DOWNLOADS:

Dinosaur Swoop
http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/skycaptainworldoftomorrow_016404/skycaptain_hjfs_clip05_dl.mov

Glad You Came
http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/skycaptainworldoftomorrow_016404/skycaptainandtheworldoftomorrow_exclip_01_dl.mov

Found It/Dex Abducted
http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/skycaptainworldoftomorrow_016404/skycaptain_efhs_clip02_dl.mov

Camera
http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/skycaptainworldoftomorrow_016404/skycaptain_hhts_clip03_dl.mov

Undersea Battle
http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/skycaptainworldoftomorrow_016404/skycaptain_hhts_clip03_dl.mov

Polly Reflection In Water
http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/skycaptainworldoftomorrow_016404/skycaptain_erts_clip04_dl.mov

FRENCH CLIPS

We Meet Again
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1863&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Running Out of Gas
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1865&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Reflection in Water
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1867&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Pull Up
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1869&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Meet the Competition
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1871&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Flying Back to Manhattan
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1873&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Don't Shoot
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1875&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Disengage
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1877&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

Buy You One for Christmas
http://www.cinemovies.fr/cinetv/cinetv3.php?IDfilm=1281&IDextrait=1879&typext=quicktime&run=moyenne res.

[Jason P. Thompson]

Clips are nice. Thanks for the direct links.

[General Zod]

This looks fucking awesome. I love the retro feel and those killer robots get me everytime.

[Fidelio]

Here's Bill the Butcher's thoughts, a reviewer on my website. I've seen it too at an advanced screening and loved it. Can't wait to see it again.

---------

A Little Indiana Jones, A Little Star Wars, and a Unique World of Yesteryear
By Bill the Butcher

I went into Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow with very low expectations tonight. It looked very cheesy from the previews, including the washed out look. Boy was I wrong. I always like the experience of going into a film not knowing what to expect, and coming out pleasantly surprised. In the case of Sky Captain, first time writer-director Kerry Conran has created a unique vision that is a little Indiana Jones, a little Star Wars, and a distinctive futuristic world of yesteryear.

Sky Captain opens in a WWII era New York City as reporter Polly Perkins (Paltrow) meets with a doctor who tells her he was part of an elite group of seven scientists working for a mysterious Dr. Totenkopf. The other six have been murdered, and he fears he is next. Soon thereafter, an invasion of flying robots begins destroying the city. A signal is sent out, and Joe “Sky Captain” Sullivan is called to save the day. In his WWII fighter plane, he flies into the city, and in a sequence reminiscent of the opening of The Empire Strikes Back, takes down one of the robots.

From this point on, you’re either totally submersed in this futuristic, campy sci-fi world of the 40’s, a take on old b-movie serials just like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, or you’re going to miss the entire point of the film and probably hate it. I for one, was the former. The cheesy campiness, played straight by the actors, along with the stunning visuals and cliffhanger set ups won me over rather quickly.

Kerry Conran created new technology to get the look he wanted for Sky Captain. The actors mainly acted in front of a blue-screen, with not much else, save for a few props. Conran’s goal “was to make a live-action film, but to use conventions of traditional animation.” He used some archival footage of New York City, and dead actor Laurence Olivier.

The look is quite distinct, about 10 times the washed out look of Minority Report. But it really works for establishing the time period, and for trying to look like a 40’s film. There was one scene though, when Polly and Joe first meet each other, it keeps going in and out of focus. The bright washed out look, along with the loss of focus, was really hard on my eyes. It continues to the next scene where they enter the large warehouse with all the robots.

The other small critique is the score is forgettable. The studio really needs to hire John Williams to compose a decent score. Even if his fee is like $1 million, it would be worth it. Williams wrote some of the best scores in film history: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, E. T., Schindler’s List, and Jaws. A film like Sky Captain, that has the potential to be huge and spawn sequels, needs a decent score.

Other than those two small points, Sky Captain is utterly spectacular. The action is exciting, the characters memorable—especially Angelina Jolie’s Capt. Franky Cook—and the comedy is funny. The chemistry between Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow is classic.

Jude Law proves here he can be a lead actor, and an action hero. While he made the transition from supporting roles to lead actor in Cold Mountain, he didn’t quite pull off some of the real emotional scenes in that film. In Sky Captain, he has made the transition into action star with his quick biting comments, and assured confidence. Paltrow, as always, just lights up the screen, and plays a good counterpart to our action hero, with her sometimes ditsy, jealous ex-lover role.

While the robots look cheesy, it works for the film. Even the ray gun that Dex Dearborn (Ribisi) designed adds to the campiness. Sky Captain is like a souped up Mars Attacks, with a story. Conran manages to capture the feel of yesteryear, of the late 30's, early 40's. There is even an homage at the end to The Wizard of Oz, which plays on the screen when Polly meets the doctor in the beginning.

The only special effect that doesn’t work is the fire. It just looks so fake when the flying machines are blowing up Joe’s base. But in a film like this, I can forgive the fake fire. As in other films, like Attack of the Clones, it’s very difficult to make good CGI fire.

Conran has created movie magic here; Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is what we go to the movies for. This is big budget Hollywood at it’s best because it takes one man’s vision, and puts it up on the screen. It’s like the 1970’s again, and a young Spielberg is just starting out. Conran designed and put on the screen his visionary world, with a cliffhanger ridden story, that is sure to entertain.

----------------
Fidelio’s Film Central:
http://www.geocities.com/fidelio1st/film.htm


LATEST REVIEWS
The Brown Bunny [ B ]
We Don't Live Here Anymore [D+]
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow [A-]
Shopgirl [B+]
Garden State [C+]

ARTICLE on Carlito's Way Prequelitis (Yes that's right, a prequel is in the works)

“We're about to make film history, right here on videotape.”—Jack Horner, Boogie Nights

[Andrew Joe]

No, this is going to die in theaters. It's a pity because it's really good, and it's very true to its influences, which means that it isn't full of quick cut action scenes and shaky cam and stuff. And it's pretty corny and it's very earnest - the character of Sky Captain is the least cynical movie hero since probably Superman.

I really hope you're wrong and it plays really well seeing how this film looks like it is superbly made and well crafted, I wish they stuck to their guns with the original comic book cover posters, that would've been something to see in a theatre lobby. Maybe the star power will draw in people, maybe word of mouth wll pull some more in, I think with this particular summer with nothing outside of Spider-man 2, Harry Potter 3 and a couple of other films actually entertaining people moviegoers will want something fresh and daring such as Sky Captain.

Hope this does well., i'll be there eopening day.

[Jim Barg]

The other small critique is the score is forgettable. The studio really needs to hire John Williams to compose a decent score. Even if his fee is like $1 million, it would be worth it. Williams wrote some of the best scores in film history: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, E. T., Schindler’s List, and Jaws. A film like Sky Captain, that has the potential to be huge and spawn sequels, needs a decent score.


Really? AOL's been hosting the score on RealPlayer for a week or so, and the fellows over on Film Score Monthly's message board and AICN have been fawning over it since. I'm intrigued enough to go try and find the CD when it's released on Tuesday.

Also, I saw that Best Buy is advertising a promo DVD (similar to Hellboy) for this starting Tuesday. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the score and DVD in one shot.

[Casey Moore]

Here is the link to the AICN article which in turn links to the streaming score:

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=18214

I am loving the score. Sounds like a good scrod for an adevnture movie.

I hope/wish that TCM would show some of the serials and cartoons and films which inspire this movie. Could be a fun late night matinee kind of thing. Would be a great primer for getting ready to go into see this movie which is probably my most anticipated film right now.

[Jim Barg]

I hope/wish that TCM would show some of the serials and cartoons and films which inspire this movie. Could be a fun late night matinee kind of thing. Would be a great primer for getting ready to go into see this movie which is probably my most anticipated film right now.

That's a terrific idea. You could show a few of the old Republic serials, and that Superman cartoon which inspired the robot design (I don't know if Paramount still has the rights to those cartoons, but that would make a nifty DVD extra).

[yt]

I admit I'm outrageously biased towards this movie, but I still think it's going to surprise a lot of people. No one predicted Hero would be number one either. But whether Sky Captain makes a lot of money or not (I think it will), it's still an incredible film, a landmark achievement and a work of art Kerry Conran and his team can be proud of forever.

[Colt45]

There's a really weird level of pessimism about this movie that I don't get. Not just the BO but the general "Well, I think it's just going to be another Lucas-style soulless computer movie."

No I just think it's the massive ammount of hype and press this is getting. It looks pretty silly and while it may be a good movie, I think if they had kept the lid on this a little more, it could've been a surprise sleeper hit... now it'll simply be judged as a failure if it doesn't open big and stay a while, because of the enormous hype surround it. It's too much pressure.

[lisa_simpson]

No I just think it's the massive ammount of hype and press this is getting. It looks pretty silly and while it may be a good movie, I think if they had kept the lid on this a little more, it could've been a surprise sleeper hit... now it'll simply be judged as a failure if it doesn't open big and stay a while, because of the enormous hype surround it. It's too much pressure.


Silly?? Really?? I think that the concept (as well as the stylist elements) of this film are highly creative and imaginative. I'm interested in seeing how they all work together.

I suppose I'll just have to wait until I actually see the film to determine exactly how the movie turns out, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

[The Prankster]

No I just think it's the massive ammount of hype and press this is getting. It looks pretty silly and while it may be a good movie, I think if they had kept the lid on this a little more, it could've been a surprise sleeper hit... now it'll simply be judged as a failure if it doesn't open big and stay a while, because of the enormous hype surround it. It's too much pressure.

It doesn't really feel like it's being hyped more than any of the summer flicks we've just suffered through, except possibly in geek circles...and that hype basically boils down to looking cool and being liked by most of the people who've seen it. Also, it's opening in mid-september. How many blockbuster assaults open in mid-september?

I think they've been marketing it just about right (barring the over-adrenalized trailers, but those can't really HURT the film, can they? At least they're free of nu-metal.) And I do think this movie needs more of a push--it's a bit off-kilter from what the usual audience expects.

[D.S. Randlett]

There's a pretty neat print campaign for this going on in various DC Comics. They're these "collectable" posters inserted into each mag. They look cool.

[Jim Barg]

They do indeed. Lucky for me, I snagged a set of all five theatrical posters at work.

While I was thinking of it, another nifty possible DVD extra came to mind: the original six-minute test reel that got Law, Avnet, Paltrow and Jolie excited about the project's possibilities. It would be fun to see.

One more note about the score: supposedly, it's going to be $9.99 tomorrow at Best Buy. At that price, it's worth the blind buy.

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

Seeing this Saturday in Austin... whoo hoo!

[Jim Barg]

<grumble> Though I'll be seeing this the evening of the 16th, so I shouldn't complain...

Listening to the score right now. It's very, very good.

[HellSpawn]

Is it just me or does this kind of look similar to "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" the Xbox game? Not that this would be a bad thing, I loved "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge".

No matter, I'm really anxious to see it.

[moovyphreak]

I'll be seeing this next Monday, courtesy of CHUD.

Woohoo!

[GimelMartinez]

NOT FAIR! I really can't wait to see this. Found this clip that may be of interest to some of you.

http://www.hollywood.com/movies/mm/nav/1/id/2414423

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

Goddamn, this score's so fucking good.

Sounds like old school John Williams.

[NathanW]

I still think it's going to become a cult classic rather than a bonafide hit but with Hero performing beyond expectations you just don't know what to expect at this point. Some of those aerial dogfights looking stunning.

[Andrew Joe]

Goddamn, this score's so fucking good.

Sounds like old school John Williams.

After reading that i finally tried the score, you're right nord, it is very very very John williams, I need to get me this score.

Can't wait for Sky captain to hit now, one week to go, I think it will pull in #1, what with RE:A doing about 25-20 million this week, why wouldn't the masses enjoy a movie with Jude Law, Paltrow and Jolie?

I think it will pull in the dough next week, all we can do now is wait.


P.S. did Paltrow mess up in the trailer? I swear at the end she goes "JUDE!" when she's flying with him.

[M.E. Russell]

Here's a direct Quicktime download link for that Hollywood clip:

http://images.hollywood.com/images/quicktime/skycaptjudelawclip_f_low.mov

You know, I only recently figured out that you can extract these addresses by simply viewing the source code on a Web page and looking for the .mov in the text, and that's kind of embarrassing.

[Jim Barg]

The score CD hasn't left my player in three days. Good stuff.

I know in the first teaser, she clearly says "Joe!" (having seen it endlessly on the trailer reel at work). Is that the trailer you're referring to, Darth?

Next week I see it doing about $20-25 million, and ending up with a gross of about $70-75 million in the US (best case scenario: it dominates the box-office for the next 2-3 weeks, ending up with about $140 million Stateside). $70 million + eventual video/overseas profits = a sequel.

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

This movie rules the school, but check your cynicism at the door. Review forthcoming at AICN.

It's very family friendly. Take your kids. They'll eat it up like it was superhero ice cream.

[Andrew Joe]

The score CD hasn't left my player in three days. Good stuff.

I know in the first teaser, she clearly says "Joe!" (having seen it endlessly on the trailer reel at work). Is that the trailer you're referring to, Darth?

Next week I see it doing about $20-25 million, and ending up with a gross of about $70-75 million in the US (best case scenario: it dominates the box-office for the next 2-3 weeks, ending up with about $140 million Stateside). $70 million + eventual video/overseas profits = a sequel.

It's the newer one where it starts with "A mn came to see me, etc.", you're right she probably does say Joe, sounds a bit like Jude, maybe it's like a New hope where Hamill says "Carrie" when he gets out of the X-wing, I wonder how the DVD's subtitles are gonna handle that.

[Jim Barg]

Ah. Well, I have the Best Buy promo DVD with said trailer. I'll pay close attention when I throw it in Thursday to get me ready for the film.

Fantastic review, Nordling. I'll make the suggestion that my family take a trip out to my theatre next Sunday for a cousin's 12th birthday, then...

[moovyphreak]

Saw the film tonight in Atlanta and absolutely loved it!

From the opening fanfare of trumpets to the final scene, I was riveted to the screen.

This film is a perfect blend of the 30s serials with elements of Star Wars, the Indiana Jones films, the James Bond films and countless other sci-fi adventures and yet it's still was fresh and original.

The acting is solid, the situations between Polly and Joe (Sky Captain) are humorous and enjoyable and the special effects are top-notch. And Nordling was right when he said that Edward Shearmur's score is very reminiscent of old-school John Williams, because it is just that.

I will definitely be seeing this film again in the theaters.

Just a spectacular, fun, roller coaster of a ride from beginning to end.

9.5 out of 10

THANKS FOR THE PASS, NICK!

[Micah Robinson]

Yup, this was great. Can't wait to see it again.

[jrdavis82]

I replied to nick's if you could introduce a kid to sci fi what would you use thing, and he sent me a ticket to this screening here in atlanta...thanks man....

This movie is awesome....I've really never seen anything quite like it. It was just so entertaining and fun, and since it's PG, safe for the whole fam. The visuals in this movei are frickin awesome, From the massive air battle at the beginning, to the underwater scene near the end, and the look of new york, i guess it just blew my mind that nearly everything was CGI in this film. I really like all the acknowlegements to past sci fi (1138 on the door, lol). It had action and adventure a dash of romance and some truly funny parts. I highly recommend seeing this, i would love to see a whole slew of sky captain movies now..... Kerry Conran is definately someone to be paying attention to now. *** out of ****

[Misfit]

It took me a little while to get into, but I enjoyed it once I did. If there's any justice in the world, kids are going to go apeshit over this film.

[moovyphreak]

This film rejuvenated the spirit of a kid in me, although I somewhat remain in a state of arrested development already.

One of the best scenes from the movie is online here (http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=mf_frame&id=1808466198&mspid=1808596438&mfurl=http://mediaframe.yahoo.com/launch?lid=wmv-100-p.1287886-133383,wmv-300-p.1287887-133383,wmv-56-p.1287885-133383&p=movies&f=1808466198&.spid=1808596438&.dist=Paramount%20Pictures&type=c), though it's in shitty Windows Media format. Actually, if you haven't seen the movie yet, wait and see it on the big screen.

[ObiJuan]

Thanks for the link to the AICN article on the score. I'm listening to the streaming audio right now and loving it. Gonna pick up the CD afterwork along with THX-1138.

[fabfunk]

Just got back from it. It's really, really keen. I liked it a lot. Too short and it kind of peters out at the end, but I felt they were holding back, which means... sequel? You get the idea that these characters, there's some exciting history between them... this isn't the first adventure they've been on, and it won't be the last.

The music, the atmosphere, the filmmaking, it's all there... very well done movie. It's not ten minutes into this thing when giant robots start fucking shit up, and, Jude Law's yawning and all, "Bring it on, Gobot bitches." This movie has robots, elephants, dinosaurs... it was a ninjas and a monkey away from being totally TEH ROXOXOXORS!!!

And Sir Laurence Olivier... cooool...


stay for the credits... in keeping with a movie-length homage to THE WIZARD OF OZ, there is the most beautiful rendition of OVER THE RAINBOW I've ever heard.

[El Gray]

Well, I was really excited about it from the very first glimpse of the website, and the film didn't disappoint!

I really appreciate getting to see this one early. Giant robots, post-war secret research bases, awesome aircraft, and all kinds of other cool vehicles-- they really read my mind on this one. It's just a really great high adventure with a nice dose of humor, and the whole thing is a beauty to look at.

Highest recommendation! I hope it's a hit.

[The Prankster]

Wow, no new posts? I guess most of you guys saw it early, but still.

Anyway, I absolutely frickin' loved it. It feels like it should have blown its wad in the first half hour (where most of the trailer-friendly material is) but I think it actually got better and better as it went along. Most movies like this try to convince you how great their characters are great, and then dive into the plot; this one dives into the plot and lets you grow to like the characters as the story unfolds. Plus you can practically feel Conran growing more and more confident as a director as the movie goes on. Totenkopf, despite his...lack of screen time, shall we say...is cooler than most movie villains these days.

And anyone who says this movie doesn't have things to say about the human condition isn't paying attention. It's kind of like Alan Moore's comic Tom Strong in its celebration of the old-fashioned optimism and ambition that we used to have as a culture...whereas the bad guy is (literally) the embodiment of nihilism and resignation.

I've got a big, spoiler-filled rant about how they can never do a proper sequel to this, I'll post that later.

[Stormin]

I was a huge fan of the Godzilla "cameo" thrown in to one of the news footage montages.

[Andrew Joe]

Just got back from it. It's really, really keen. I liked it a lot. Too short and it kind of peters out at the end, but I felt they were holding back, which means... sequel? You get the idea that these characters, there's some exciting history between them... this isn't the first adventure they've been on, and it won't be the last.

The music, the atmosphere, the filmmaking, it's all there... very well done movie. It's not ten minutes into this thing when giant robots start fucking shit up, and, Jude Law's yawning and all, "Bring it on, Gobot bitches." This movie has robots, elephants, dinosaurs... it was a ninjas and a monkey away from being totally TEH ROXOXOXORS!!!

it had monkeys in the Ark. :)

I've got a big, spoiler-filled rant about how they can never do a proper sequel to this, I'll post that later

You know I bet people thought that about a sequel to Star Wars. granted Totenkopf may not be Joe's father but they can probably expand the universe from COOL to ULTRA-COOL. I look forward to reading your sequel rant.


The movie got better as it went along, the score was tasty, and Sky Captain kicked those robots shiny metal ass from start to finish, and I can watch someone shooting robots with a raygun all day, why did he have to shake it though? What was that referencing?

[The Prankster]

I posted it in the Sky Captain thread on the main board. I'm too lazy to cut & paste.

[Lady Snowblood]

I don't think I've ever been more wrong about a movie in my life: Sky Captain was terrible and on top of that it was a flop.

[Andrew Clarke]

OK, i just saw it here in England and i thoroughly enjoyed it for all the reasons people have given (the ones that liked it, anyway).

What i most liked was the friendly feel to it. It didn't pummel you with stuff or shout at you - it felt like the film really wanted you to enjoy it. It's dificult to pin down exactly how it did this, but i really liked the overall tone.

Also, for all the whizzy visuals, i was really only watching it for the characters - i really liked Polly Perkins right from the start for example - and i was swept a long by the interplay between her, sky captian and Frankie. Go figure, i know the acting is the weakness for a lot of people.

the action actually left me slighly underwhelmed, and there was definitely a lot of the CGI-film problem of the actors looking like they are on very small sets with really big backgrounds. But it was all fun and, like a warm blanket, i'm sure it will give me fuzzy warm feelings on subsequent re-watchings.