So many great sci-fi films are visually quoted in "Sky Captain" that the game of guessing which ones completely overrides any interest this razor-slim plot might inspire. For instance: "Metropolis," "Things to Come," "Indiana Jones," "Tron," "War of the Worlds," "Empire Strikes Back," "King Kong," etc. etc. etc., are all represented, and with actual footage from "Oz" rounding it out. Further, it might be okay in theory to borrow the image and voice of a dead actor, but alas, the great Laurence Olivier (Dr. Totenkopf) is delivered to us without any regard for the late actor's legendary witty line delivery or his distinctive facial gestures. And Olivier STILL steals the film from the fey, introspective Jude Law, the wooden Gwenyth Paltrow and the underused, overly-accented Angelina Jolie. Images of the late Richard Harris and John Guilgud are also used as the missing scientists, although these actors remain uncredited. Ironically, the 6 minute audition film that Sky Captain is based upon is simply spectacular; the resultant film however, is a thudding disappointment. 4/10
