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Martial arts master Stick (Terence Stamp) trained Elektra, who is clearly choked up

Another problem is Abby, who makes "precocious" an understatement. Granted, she's a teen, but she's bratty, rude, annoying—and wouldn't you know it, essential to the plot. Elektra apparently sees much of herself in the teenager and begins to regard her like a younger sister. But it's hard to understand what initially draws the mysterious woman's cold demeanor to Abby, and the girl's whiny attachment to Elektra isn't any easier to accept. Based on the assassin we know from the first 30 minutes, it's surprising she doesn't follow through on her initial assignment.

Things pick up with the action sequences. Although they tend to rely on second-rate CGI effects and staged combat, at least they're not the kind of action sequences that are completely unintelligible or stiff. Elektra moves with lightning speed and agility that's ridiculous yet still fun, especially stacked up against the super-villains. Tattoo is covered with body art of animals that magically peel off his skin to do his bidding. Typhoid literally breathes death to all she touches and gives new meaning to the Kiss of Death. Stone is, well, really big and strong, but there's some fun to be had with even that.

Unfortunately, only one of these baddies is dispatched with any satisfying sense of coolness. There are some moments that had the audience applauding or murmuring with approval, but they're not quite enough. It's clear that director Rob Bowman (Reign of Fire, The X-Files) would love for these action sequences to stand up to recent Asian masterpieces like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Hero, but they ultimately feel more like Mortal Kombat.

The film aims for some Crouching Tiger-style fight scenes, but falls short

The good news is that Elektra does apparently fare better than Catwoman. The latter is for those who prefer style and titillation, despite horrible dialogue and stupid plotlines. Elektra still features a scantily clad heroine in tight leather, but the film is still generally satisfying if you go with the flow. And there are some good intentionally funny lines. When asked what line of work she's involved with, Elektra replies "layoffs and payroll reduction."

Nevertheless, Elektra is rental-worthy at best, and primarily satisfying to comic book geeks. The action is sparse and isn't as good as it could have been, while in contrast, the dramatic relationships develop too quickly to be believed—this film has one of the most forced romances I've ever seen. It's a shame the script is so underdeveloped, because there's a better superhero movie at the heart of this film. During a pivotal fight scene, a character declared "Enough! It ends now." And in response, I thought It's about time! Now there's a sure sign of an action movie falling short of its potential.

Talk About It

1. Elektra's mentor Stick explains that "finding the way" can't simply be taught. Similarly, a Christian artist once said, "We can only possess what we experience. Truth to be understood must be lived." Do you agree? How does this apply to Christianity and life lessons?
   
   
2. Similarly, how do anger and tragedy interfere with living life and fulfilling our purpose? What needs to change in order to focus on whatever is noble and true? Contrast repentance with penance according to what the Christian faith teaches.
   
   
3. There's a scene 2/3 of the way into the movie in which Abby feels a desperate need to prove herself to Elektra. What insecurities do teens wrestle with today? How can they show their worth to adults without trying too hard to grow up too soon?
   
   

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Why We Love Comic Book Movies	Printer view
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