The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Directed by: Stephen Norrington | 110 minutes | action, adventure, fantasy | Actors: Sean Connery, Tony Curran, Peta Wilson, Naseeruddin Shah, Shane West, Jason Flemyng, Stuart Townsend, Richard Roxburgh, Max Ryan, Tom Goodman-Hill, David Hemmings, Terry O’Neill

And yes we have another one! A comic film, that is. ‘The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ is based on Alan Moore’s critically acclaimed comic of the same name. The film adaptation of the beloved cartoon could count on less positive reviews. Strange how is that possible?

In ‘The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ we get to know the legendary adventurer Allan Quatermain (Sean Connery). The daredevil enjoys suspense and thrills and finds himself in one predicament after another. The unhinged Quatermain decides to make amends when he is offered to lead a group of exceptional gentlemen and a lady. A well-oiled team, the club sets out to save the early 1900s Victorian world from the evil intentions of ‘The Phantom’.

At first glance, ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ looks like another stupid action movie with no plot and with a patent on grotesque explosions. And that’s right, the film by director Stephen Norrington is an average violence film that is also messy screened. Still, this production has a certain degree of originality, which makes the film slightly different from the competition.

The raison d’être of ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ relies purely on the original composition of the team. The special thing about this mixed group of heroes is that everyone knows them from another medium: classic (British) novels. You know Allan Quatermain from countless boys’ books. In addition to our bearded frontman, you will also encounter other literary heroes such as Captain Nemo, the Invisible Man, Tom Sawyer, Dorian Gray, Mina Harker and Dr. Jekyll aka Mr. Hyde. The high “Hey, I know that!” factor of the film gives ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ that little bit extra to rise above the gray crowd.

While the film can count on cool characters and a beloved actor like Sean Connery, the film didn’t turn out as it should have been: a smooth, entertaining action blockbuster. And that’s okay, because the high potential of ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ pops up every now and then and then you notice how soft this ambitious production has actually become. The problems start at the beginning of the film. The introduction of the characters is rushed and the special qualities of appealing icons like Dorian Gray never come to the fore.

It’s nice to see world-famous characters, but if you’re never properly introduced to your favorite character, it stings. Tom Sawyer (West) is basically nothing more than a standard B action hero, but with a famous name. And that’s a shame, because in the short flashes that the literary superheroes use their gifts, you get a glimpse of how cool the film could be. In particular, the transformation of the timid Dr. Hyde in the savage Mr. Hyde is beautifully portrayed. Nemo’s famous ship also looks impressive. Unfortunately, the impressive action moments are too fragmentary to last.

It’s not up to the actors. The cast is still trying to make something out of their limited roles. And it must be said that the lesser-known trout fared much better than crowd-puller Connery. Townsend and Peta “Nikita” Wilson in particular are doing well. It’s a shame to find that their roles are so minimal.

The biggest flaw of ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ is Norrington’s swaying direction. The director can’t choose between telling a tight story and splurging around with computer stunts. As a result, ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ has become a strange mix between lavish computer animation and a chaotic narrative that references famous literature.

It is not the basis of ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’. Moore’s comics are characterized by intelligent storytelling and well-developed action scenes. However, the source material is so mutilated that both elements are no longer there. Norrington wanted to create a kind of prehistoric ‘X-Men’ with his film. Nice try, but no cigar!

If you’re watching ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ without much expectations, you’ll be able to get some fun out of this imploding action hitchhike. If you hope to see your favorite comic on your screen, you will be deeply disappointed.