True, the 19th century is the age that
ushered in such charming concepts and
conceits as universal suffrage, fair
treatment for workers and the neck-beard,
but it is no doubt best remembered for
being the age that invented scientific
super-powers. Figures like The Invisible
Man and Dr. Jekyll, and such adventurers
as Allan Quatermain and Captain Nemo,
kicked off an entire genre, which the
makers of League of Extraordinary
Gentlemen attempt to capture by
gathering these, and other 19th century
literary heroes, together into a single
super-team. Sadly, they lose sight of their
19th century roots and go in for too much
20th-century style action, creating a bit of
a mess in the end. Still, theres a lot of fun
here, including what may well be Sean
Connerys best performance in years. I
cant wholeheartedly recommend this
film, but then I cant wholeheartedly
recommend the Napoleanic Wars, the
Edison Light Bulb or Positivism either, so
perhaps I just have some reservations
about the inventions of that bygone age.