Based upon Will Eisner's comic book character, the movie manages to capture the essence of the hero while sacrificing the film noir elements of the original comic book. Here are all the trademarks of the original character: the torn shirt, the beautiful femme fatale, the cemetery, the rain storms. However, the film never looks "right" - the film appears low budget despite some very good actors and actresses. Part of the problem is the translation of the Spirit to the 1980's. Two scenes in the film stand out as classic Esiner: the scene in the foundry and the final fight in the museum. Not a great film but a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Review of The Spirit
