brainwagon

I had intended to go catch Elektra, the latest of the many Marvel epics, last night after Wil Wheaton’s booksigning, but by the time we got out of that it was after 10 and we really weren’t up to it. So, instead we waited till this morning and caught as a matinee.

On the way there, I read yesterday’s San Francisco Chronicle review which showed the little theater guy sleeping in his chair. The reviewer mused that if Jennifer Garner continued doing Elektra, that we’d look back fondly on her appearance in 13 going on 30 as the apex of her acting career.

Having seen the movie, I think that’s a bit harsh. If Spiderman and X-men represent the apex of the pantheon of Marvel properties, then I think that Elektra, while not reaching those lofty heights, does not belong in the sub-basement with Daredevil, Catwoman and Hulk.

The story is very similar to the Batman theme: seemingly rich child suffers the death of her parents, leads a troubled life, guided by an older mentor who tries to guide her back to the path of good. If it was a man, he’d be Bruce Wayne. As a woman in red lingerie with sais, she’s Elektra.

Because the plot is so predictable, I won’t really bother giving any details. It is neither poorly nor masterfully done: it was a decent matinee, and I neither feel that my $5.75 was stolen, nor am I putting it on my list of much have DVDs. I give it a solid C+: if you are a fan of the genre or Ms. Garner, check it out.

Note to future casting directors though: Ms. Garner is radiant when she smiles, so try to give her a role where smiling occurs at regular intervals. It’s money in the bank.