Revenge
with comic book jolt
Two
hours later, your comic book, fantasy-hungry membrane will demand more.
Hot on the sky-burning success of X-Men, TNT's original film with flare,
"Witchblade," delivers what graphic novel junkies have been yearning for:
hard kicking action, mind-nourishing drama and slick special effects.
"I think the film is more realistic — for the camera and for life," says
a totally infused Yancy Butler, the telefilm's lead heroin, detective badge-totting
Sara Pezzini. Those who remember the big screen adaptation of The Punisher
or maybe even Fox's TV rendition of Marvel's "Generation X" might be veering
away from comic movies for fear of hazardous content. Though, rest assure,
"Witchblade" is a hype-worthy, heart-pulsing actioner.
Director Ralph Hemecker forges a very cinematic atmosphere for this made-for-cable
romp. Rather than igniting the fantasy elements of the script, he lends
more flavor toward the Pezzini character, offering drama in respect to
the tragedy occurring in her life. Losing a best friend, a kin-close partner
and an ego-similar father to the same Mafioso hitman creates a great deal
of inner conflict — and intertwining the supernatural elements of the show
into such decay make it a much more soluble mix.
During her emotional ordeal, enter a mystical gauntlet known as the Witchblade.
Forcing its way onto her wrist during a museum shoot out is the beginning
of the mystery. Then, for the next hour-and-a-half, she develops an uncanny
ability to deflect bullets, shear flesh and see into the past, often against
her will. With the Witchblade's awesome power, she hones her skills and
sets her NYPD-senses on the hitman at large, pinned with the murder of
the trio she cared so dearly for.
So it is a giant swoop of relief that this comic creation didn't become
unraveled during its TV transfer. It may not be pure Marc Silvestri (creator
of the monthly, ink-friendly "Witchblade"), but his essence is still alive
and alluring. And new respect could be found for sci-fi adaptations, considering
this pilot definitely packs enough intrigue to unwind into a weekly series.
"Witchblade" is a sure bet for comic gurus, and general audiences best
open their eyes to this supernatural blast. Enough levity is offered to
keep even the most reality-minded spectator tied down — not to mention
the X-Men crowd gasping for air.
Generally labeled "bad TV horror," this newfound cable TV genre is finally
producing quality entertainment (minus the usual Sci-Fi Channel drivel),
surprisingly from a network associated more with political and wartime
dramas than anything remotely related to superpowers and CGI-effects. Steering
clear of the monotonous sludge of summer reruns is highly suggested — so
indulge in the hyperactive, kinetic high of "Witchblade."
