A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Elektra

Date Viewed: 1/16/05

Details:

Jennifer Garner

Goran Visnjic

Kirsten Prout

Will Yun Lee

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Terence Stamp

Director: Rob Bowman

Score: 1/2

The Review: The last time we saw Elektra (the alluring Garner), she was cased in a body-bag in Daredevil, so this movie either sees her resurrection, is staged in an earlier timeline, or in an alternate (Marvel-ous) universe. Whichever, Elektra now appears as an assassin for hire with unusual talents, exceptional ability, and the comic book necessity to do all this while stalking around in a revealing red bustier. (Not that I'm complaining, mind you, since she does fill out the costume Marvel-ously.) Reluctantly taking a new contract that requires her to first to cool her heels in the attractive coastal wilds of British Columbia (great scenery!), she grows attached to the father (Visnjic) and daughter (Prout) living nearby, then even more reluctantly becomes their protector, as all hell breaks loose.

Although there's plenty of action, this is more a character study of a complex, conflicted young woman. Extensive flashbacks fill in the details, and are not all that intrusive, providing background on her upbringing, formative experiences, and her training by a blind martial arts master (Stamp). These subroutines are an integral part of character development, something that film sometimes has a hard time doing. Intertwingled with the plot are two warring philosophical and criminal sects with tinges of Chinese sword and sorcery, and action scenes choreographed by Peter Wu -- not quite as good as that in Crouching Tiger, in Hero or House of Flying Daggers, but entertaining. There actually is a plot, some interesting character development, and some flashes of decent cinematography. One combat scene in the empty house with sheet-covered furniture reminds me of the colorful banners in the palace of Hero.

Oh, and did I mention this has been supplied to you courtesy of Marvel comics?

However, try not to pay attention during the opening and closing primary titles, which are very annoying for their use of mixed Greek and Latin characters. They are difficult to read, confusing, unnecessary, distracting, inappropriate and downright stupid.

(22-Jan-05)

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