‘Sucker Punch’ an action fantasy

The movie: "Sucker Punch"

When: Opening Friday at local theaters

Cast: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jon Hamm, Scott Glenn, Carla Gugino

Director: Zack Snyder

The story: Institutionalized by her wicked stepfather, a girl named Baby Doll retreats to an alternate reality to escape her torment -- and her prison.

The buzz: After "300" and "Watchmen," director Zack Snyder returns to the green-screen realm with this action fantasy -- arriving in theaters in 2-D, 3-D and IMAX versions -- pitched to studio officials as " 'Alice in Wonderland' with machine guns."