Miller's distinction as six of the all-time best comic book writers is strong to withstand his role in making six of the worst comic book movies ever. After all, Sidney Poitier directed Bill Cosby in "Ghost Dad," and even that cinematic atrocity couldn't undo his work in "Lilies of the Field."Action adventure. Starring Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson. Directed by Frank Miller. (PG-13. 103 minutes. At Bay Area theaters.)
Yes, worse than "Ghost Rider." and yet her performance doesn't even rank in the top 150 problems with this film, which features a indestructible crime fighter named the Spirit and his confusing and boring adventures.
But because writer-director Miller will walk away from "The Spirit," based on Will Eisner's groundbreaking comic strip, with his reputation more or less intact doesn't mean that you will. There will be relationships that end because of this film, which ties with "Wild Wild West" as the worst first-date movie of all time. Even in these lean economic times, I would guess that somewhere between 25 and 35 percent of each audience will walk out before the movie is over. Throwing your $10.25 down a storm drain is a better idea; at least that way you won't feel the added self-loathing of wasting over an hour and a half of your life watching Eva Mendes in the worst acting job of her career.
