Retro Film Review: Spawn (1997)

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(Edited)

(source:tmdb.org)

The author of this review is not as familiar with comic books as he used to be. This is the reason why I knew very little about Spawn, comic book series created by Todd McFarlane. The 1997 film based on those comic books, directed by Mark A.Z. Dippe, did very little to arouse my curiosity.

The protagonist of the film is Al Simmons (played by Michael Jai White), covert operative of A-6, American super-secret service in charge of the dirtiest of all dirty work. Simmons has recently experienced some moral qualms about his career choices, but that doesn't prevent his boss Jason Wynn (played by Martin Sheen) from sending Simmons to North Korea where he should destroy biological weapons plant. The explosion is excellent opportunity for getting rid of Simmons who ends up in Hell. Years later Simmons reappears on the streets as Spawn - superhero equipped with morphing cape and claws. An interesting character named Cogliostro (played by Nicol Williamson) informs Spawn that he had struck deal with Devil – he could rejoin his family if he leads forces of Hell in upcoming Armageddon. Cogliostro wants Spawn to join forces of Good, but evil Clown (played by John Leguizamo) is always there to remind Spawn of his obligations.

Director Mark A.Z. Dippe has built impressive career as special effects expert, and this experience is reflected in some awe-inspiring images. The special effects, aided by CGI technology, are great, but they alone can't fill 90 minutes of running time. Alan B. McElroy's script fails in trying to squeeze comic book's complicated plot into relatively short film. In such circumstances Spawn seems a little bit rush, with special effects not compensating for the lack of proper characterisation. Good acting talents of Martin Sheen and Nicol Williamson seem wasted and John Leguizamo, unrecognisable under tone of make-up, is more annoying than funny. As Spawn approaches its end, the very shortness of this film proves to be an advantage - this is the only thing that makes it watchable.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on January 13th 2004)

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