Release: The Spectre

 

The Spectre

Genre: Supernatural / Thriller / Superhero

Director: Michael Sarnoski

Writer: John Malone

Based on DC Comics characters

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Marlon Wayans, Marton Csokas, Heather Graham, Adam Goldberg, Stefanie Scott, David Meunier, Michael Berryman

Budget: $50,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $54,585,005

Foreign Box Office: $61,199,525

Total Profit: $24,590,066

Reaction: The first R-rated DC Comics Universe film is a successful one even if it does not even sniff close to the box office of the rest of the franchise.

"Michael Sarnoski displays a visually stunning, albeit dark tale in The Spectre. As it was in Pig, Sarnoski is able to assist Cage in delivering a wonderful performance as the Spectre of Vengeance. While the villain department was not great, and the story as a whole as been told before, The Spectre was just different enough to be a good film in my eyes. This is not one for the kids, but I believe it is a film that will be liked by many." - J. Darrell Ellington, Behind the Camera

"A dark, horror-styled take on some DC Comics mythos, The Spectre provides the Universe with a little something different - a ghost story. Nic Cage was clearly having a blast as a spectre of vengeance. The story played it a little safe and unambitious at times. With the great set-up it has and the fearless leading man, I was hoping for something that push further into the supernatural strangeness. It's a good movie, but it's also a movie that could have been better." - Brenton Smalls, Playboy

"In this film, Cage convincingly embodies supernatural comic book personas, a role he seems innately suited for. However, his character's invincibility creates a sense of detachment as it's challenging to adapt such an intricate character. Kudos to John Malone for his earnest effort despite the difficulty. Director Michael Sarnoski once again successfully weaves a simple narrative, dotted with memorable moments. Unfortunately, a sense of familiarity pervades the film, giving it a 'been there, done that' feel, which prevents it from standing out in the esteemed pantheon of LRF's DC movies." - Filippa Camélia Herman, Mashable

Rated R for strong violence, language and thematic material