The Avengers (1998)

REVIEW
Fiennes and Thurman are quite good in this otherwise underwhelming update of the classic '60s TV series. All the elements are here -- the stiff-upper-lip nonchalance of the heroes, the veddy British costumes and production design, the tongue-in-cheek attitude. But the film never comes to life, despite some nice sequences (especailly a hilarious, absurd bit with a gang of criminals wearing fuzzy teddy bear suits), some of which are cribbed from the original series. Uma and Ralph are both sexy, especially in their period dress, but have no spark between them. The real surprise, however, is Connery, a huge disappointment in his first major villain role, cartoonish and embarrassing in an admittedly badly written non-role. As such, there is zero threat or excitement, and the story and characters go nowhere. The Avengers is a frustrating missed opportunity.