Although the Russian fantasy film has a couple of famous films ( Solaris, 1972, and the lesser known Battle Beyond the Sun , 1959), we can say that never had a blockbuster horror or science fiction until the release of Night Watch (2004), directed by Timur Bekmambetov, whose bizarre combination of vampire mythology, creatures and researchers metamorphic style X-Files transcended borders and found fans around the world (including me). The sequel, Day Watch (2006) was not as successful, but made clear that Russia had become a legitimate contender in the genre, special effects front line, solid production resources and visionary directors with good aptitude for both action scenes and character development interesting. Now, following the footsteps of those two milestones of Russian cinema comes Black Lightning, a tale of superheroes more accessible than the dense Watch series, but also more generic and predictable. For better or for worse, Black Lightning follows closely (perhaps too) formula Spider-Man, but the "powers" of the protagonist are totally different. You decide. At the beginning of the story know the young Dima Maykov (Grigory Dobrygin), a university student who suffers from poor families have no car and no money to woo the beautiful Nastya (Ekaterina Vilkova). His affable father has compassion on him and on his birthday gives him a car ... but turns out to be an old Volga , decrepit Soviet-era relic that only embarrasses most Dima. However, the antiquated car has a few secrets ... including the ability to fly. And, of course, what makes Dima we would all do in these circumstances: it becomes the highest-paid flower delivery in Moscow. Then his life seems to thrive, it finally has enough money to go out with Nastya (who seems to be a little convenenciera, but good). Unfortunately, a personal tragedy (which perhaps could be avoided) Dima teaches a flying car that comes great responsibility, and decides to use the vehicle for combating organized crime in the city. Since then, his exploits attract the attention of millionaire villain Victor Kuptsov (Viktor Verzhbitskiy), who decides to take over the Volga for their perverse personal purposes ...
I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous, and maybe it is, but under the skillful hands of the directors and Dmitriy Kiselev Aleksandr Voytinskiy (and, I suppose, Timur Bekmambetov Producer ) the story becomes a dynamic and fun fantasy that pleased on several levels. To begin, we have the simple visual spectacle of flying car, beautifully represented by the special effects studio VFX Asymmetric . The trick was not just us believe in a gravity-defying Volga, but the scenes planning to stretch the credulity of the viewer maximum without breaking (at least initially, because things happen during the climax too exaggerated, even in this unlikely context.) Secondly we have the classic superhero formula starts out as a loser and eventually develops awareness, faces his destiny and takes maturity to use your skills wisely. And finally, we have a sub-text of science fiction unlikely, but internally logical and consistent step that gives us a delicious look at the "arms race" of the Soviet Union during the Cold War worthy of a good James Bond film.
Overall result: an entertaining hybrid of clichés American and Russian ideology, in the correct proportions to give an exotic flavor post-Perestroika , but without losing the commercial appeal of their Hollywood counterparts. Of course that does not make perfect. The actors are well chosen to fill their pre-made papers, but they offer outstanding performances. The humor of the script at times relies on faulty irony (at least I interpret the running joke of the drunk who drops his bottle every time he sees the flying car). And finally, the argument tends to complicate too the end, giving the villain frankly illogical reasoning and lacks credibility, what the hell is the point of destruction ...? Well, I will refrain from revealing "spoilers." I guess it's one of those evil villains who put common sense.
If I had to compare, say that I liked more Night Watch and Day Watch that Black Lightning, just because the two I first began to think (even if because of its density and confusing narrative structure), while Black Lightning made me yawn a couple of occasions with its predictable script. Anyway I can recommend it, not only as a curiosity cultural, but for entertainment it can offer the fan of science fiction (or rather fantasy) do not be afraid to try a different understanding of the issues we know about memory in the modern superhero film. Anyway, I sincerely hope to continue this trend of Russian cinema, as with all its flaws I think it urges healthy competition among the "Powers" films in the world and always will benefit the public ... At least until seduce and ruin Hollywood directors Black Lightning.
Rating: 7.5
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