Bayonetta: Bloody Fateby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 5 Bayonetta, a witch, fights angels and is caught up in a battle between those wanting to resurrect the Creator and those wanting to stop it.After viewing the movie, I learned that this is loosely based on a "beat-'em-up"-style video game. That information helps things make a little more sense -- the fighting was the focal point of the movie, and the plot of the movie follows the game (and is much condensed, with a few tweaks). The battles themselves are amazing to watch. The highly stylized art really works well with this. In fact, sometimes there's more going on than my eyes and brain can process. If the plot and characters were more engaging, I would totally recommend rewatching this a few times just for the battles. While some may not like the art style, others will. While different, its highly stylized design reminds me of Aeon Flux, in a much more modern way. There's lots of spinning, twisting, posing, and flying done by the two main witches, with plenty of butt- and crotch-shots (that move by as quickly as the rest of the action). Their past lives' designs definitely show older fashion, with one sporting "Princess Leia" buns and the other in a lacey butterfly mask and exaggerated I Dream of Jeannie-type headdress. The difference does a good job of showing that time has passed, and the overlays between past and present forms shows Bayonetta's memory returning and that their old feud is still going on ... even if the older designs are a bit humorous. The guns on the shoes are very cool visually; you just have to assume that people can fire them with magic because they're not pulling the trigger. The angels are creepy-fantastic! I love the unmoving faces and the dragon aspects. The various sizes are well used, showing differences in power and roles. I like how they angels aren't seen by people (and neither is Bayonetta when she doesn't want to be), but that the damage from the battle is seen and felt. I wish it was a little more consistent as to what was seen and not, though. I like the demonic monsters the witches can summon, which look like they are part of their hair. The final battle has monstrous creatures being controlled by Bayonetta, her ally, and her enemy. I love the sounds the angels and monsters make; it's otherworldly and captures a bit of their "angelic" and "demonic" natures. I should note that the witches are the "dark" side fighting "angels" but they are presented as the heroes or at least the ones we should be rooting for. It's not a black / white, positive / negative thing. The plot is majorly lacking. I finished watching the movie and wondered what the point was. Knowing it's based on a game helps. However, the biggest issue is that all the major plot points and the character backstories (which are very important!) are glossed over on a surface level. I can tell there are layers of interesting stuff, but it's not presented in a way that's enticing. Bayonetta interacting with herself as a child is interesting and strange, and the paradox of it is not even touched on. It does add a little something to the overall story. The one bystander (a male journalist) seems rather forced upon the plot and lacks realism. He's a tool, though, conveniently helping with things like watching young Bayonetta, flying a helicopter, providing banter with Bayonetta, etc. The witch that makes guns for Bayonetta is mysterious, and I don't understand why he's all twitchy about the angels and destroys them easily, saying "I'm not the one you're looking for." Who is he? Is he important? Who are the angels looking for that he thinks he's being mistaken for? Ugh. Yet another glossed-over character that has potential. The movie really tries to make things interesting and provide a complex, interwoven plot, but it's too condensed so it fails to do anything more than confuse. There's a sequel movie I'd be willing to watch if I could rent or borrow it, but it's not something I'd seek out. Unless you're really in love with this art style and / or the video game, I'd also recommend giving this movie a pass. It's a shame, because the art is cool and different, but I was disappointed. Written: January 17, 2015
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