The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen [UMD for PSP]

On paper this film seems to have it all. A great idea, a huge budget for F/X and a solid cast, but for some reason it just doesnt come together? I vaguely remembered seeing this film in theaters back in the day, but the only part I could remember were the early scenes with Sean Connery as Alan Quartermain, and some flashes here or there. After watching Dr. No the other day, I found myself on a Connery kick and watched The Untouchables and wanted to follow up with LXG. In 1899 a series of attacks against sovereign nations by a group of well armed terrorists and led by the masked Fantom, has led Europe to the brink of war. Using advanced weaponry such as machine guns and armored vehicles, the Fantom and his men are about to begin a World War. The British Empire calls upon some of the times greatest adventurers; Quartermain, Tom Sawyer, The Invisible Man, Dorian Gray, Mina Harker and Captain Nemo to stop the Fantom and bring peace to Europe. Again, I love the idea this film is based on, and the cast of characters should be a lot of fun to watch....but the movie is just so flat. There are action scenes galore, but nothing feels exciting. The F/X, while CGI heavy, are pretty good, especially the scenes involving The Invisible Man (Dr. Jeckyll on the other hand...). Im reminded quite a bit of the Hugh Jackman film Van Helsing, in that you have a great idea on paper, and big budget a great leading man, but for some reason, just nothing clicks. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen isnt a horrible film, its not even a bad film, its just so damn dull.

brilliant and timeless hours of watching over and over for year

When I was a little boy my Dad used to come home late and wake me up to watch horror movies on the TV. Chilirama and Tales from the Crypt. Only a couple movies combine all the elements that remind me of those nights watching movies with Dad struggling to keep my eyes open so me and my father could spend time together (he worked a double shift most days). This is one of those movies. A Vampire, an Invisible Man and sorted fictional characters from all my favorite books. Quartermain, M, Moriarty, Nemo, Hyde, and even Tom Sawyer. Well casted and scripted. You want to slap on a movie to distract yourself from the day to day, then this will do the job admirably.

Excellent and speedy service

good halloween fun.

Great, lessor known Sean Conner movie.

All my favorite characters from the books I read growing up in one place and on a grand adventure together - whats not to love?

The steampunk setting and costumes are nice to look at. The story was dull, and most of the acting was cringeworthy. Im amazed that they were so optimistic as to try and set up for a sequel to this junk.

All, what I have against it, that Captain Nemo is played by India man, when in Verne story he was a Polish man, who run from Sybir.

Connery wasnt sure he understood the proposed script for this film when he first read it, but after passing on scripts he found incomprehensible, like The Matrix and Lord of the Rings, he still agreed to take part in this super-ambitious project. Thank goodness! It might have had a lesser budget if hed rejected the script, and the acting certainly would have been diminished greatly. All the stars do an excellent job but, to be totally honest, the special effects (a combination of blue screen, miniatures, some of the largest sets ever built, and in-camera mixing) often steal the show in a wonderful, breathtaking way. This is a must-see movie, and thats coming from a guy who has not been overly impressed by most of the super hero films of recent years. The makeup is also incredible, particularly for the dual Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde character. Nina Harker, the subdued and proper 19th century lady, transforms spectacularly into a vicious vampire leading a hoard of vampire bats. Connery, as Allen Quartermain of King Solomons Mines, is cool and great without the need for transformation. Dorian Gray, played by an actor who looks a bit like Johnny Depp, displays some impressive changes as well. Tom Sawyer seems an odd choice for a film that includes Capt. Nemo, the Invisible Man and the other fictional hero/anti-heroes mentioned above, but he fits in well as the chosen successor to the elderly Quartermain. Nemos gigantic submarine, his elegant super car, the destruction of Venice and other eye-popping visuals arent easily forgotten. This is one of my favorite films!