'League' just ordinary

The basic concept of "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is so fascinating that it wouldn't take much to adapt it into a great movie. This movie, however, is merely decent. Loosely-based on the six-part comic book series of the same name, this movie brings together a team of 19th century literary characters such as Alan Quatermain from King Solomon's Mines, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, and even Captain Nemo of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to battle the enemies of the British Empire.\nThe movie, set in 1899, opens with the villain named the Fantom (yes, Fantom with an "F") trying to start a war between Britain and Germany. His cronies pull off criminal stunts in the two countries while impersonating the other's military. This causes the British Empire to form a League consisting of unusual members, headed up by the famed adventurer Quatermain (played by a noticeably aging Sean Connery). \nIn the first few minutes of the movie one realizes that it does not intend to follow the comic book's story line. We meet Dorian Gray of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray and Tom Sawyer as "Agent Sawyer" of the American Secret Service. This addition is not bad in itself as these two characters are seamlessly incorporated into the league and add to the suspenseful storyline with its numerous twists and turns. \nStephen Norrington's direction really disappoints as it fails to draw audiences into the 19th century atmosphere the story depends on. The dialogue attempts to reflect 19th century speech, but comes off stilted and stale. One gets the feeling that they are watching a modern movie that incorporates retro-looking devices. For example, the league drives around in a Cadillac-like convertible which seems to emit no exhaust -- this in an age when the horseless carriage was in its early stages of development. The action sequences in the movie are extremely confusing because the camera continuously jumps from one character to another until one is not sure who is fighting whom. \nTo all the readers who have read the comic book, this movie will surely disappoint but to those who haven't, it is an entertaining ride. \nIn conclusion, I quote Quatermain: "I'm waiting to be impressed"