Ok we all know why I watched this movie, Nicole Kidman. One of the most versatile actresses of her time. But the film itself was, rather, dull. Playing a widow who just lost her husband in an accident, becomes attracted to her husbands brother. Do not get me wrong I enjoy dark and mysterious story lines, but this one lost my interest. Incredibly slow with a lack of build up. However it managed to make me uncomfortable at times, which isn't always a bad thing. I assume that is exactly what the audience was supposed to feel. Mia Wasikowska, (Burtons - Alice in Wonderland) was not impressive and easily forgettable. Wait what was her name again? Point understood? Kidman's role was eh ok at best. Almost a filler role for her. Now the lead male, Mathew Goode (you probably will not know anything else he is in...) was to me the most interesting character of the movie. Dark, mysterious, handsome, and above all, creepy. His actions are what kept me interested otherwise, boring. Enjoyed some of the intense color schemes which really accomplished the mood. Not a shocking ending, but did the film justice. At this point I am really just going on about something none of you should or will watch. I was hoping for a good mysterious thriller. Fail.
Ok, where to begin. Can't say that I liked it. A for effort? This once book turned screenplay about, well, how to even begin to describe this. I believe it to be a multiple lives endeavor of sorts. Maybe. I was left so confused I had to discuss this with a friend of mine who actually read the book and then said she liked the movie better so I am still left with questions. Now granted I am all for movies that make you think, and especially sci-fi futuristic films at that. This one just really dropped the ball for me. At least 5 different time periods, with reoccurring actors playing different parts and different languages. All over the place! Very long and could have been edited to a much shorter version. Should the story have been changed just a little it could have been amazing. Could have.
Finally! I can say I have watched a GOOD movie! Do no be confused by the slow buildup at the beginning, it is worth it. Rooney Mara, this girl, ( Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) gives an amazing performance once again as a severely depressed young wife upset about her husband having to go to jail. (Channing Tatum, no need to discuss him any further.) Jude Law playing her psychiatrist with nothing but the best intentions gets pulled into a twisting turning unpredictable round of events. Catherine Zeta Jones, where has she been all this time? Maybe getting more plastic surgery because something happened to her once beautiful face! Regardless, love watching her play the villain. Have I said too much? It is a thriller none the less, and a well done one at that. Pay attention to the up close shots of small items, it adds much more to the storyline. A dark mystery well worth the watch. Soderbergh, well done.
Ok who doesn't love this once no namer Melissa McCarthy? (Bridesmaids) Really she should just have her own show, oh wait she does (Mike & Molly)! The movie is lightly entertaining with some so so funny parts. Really it could have just been a movie about her stealing everyone's identities and that would have been funnier! Jason Bateman as always seems to play the same character in every movie, but for some reason that's why we love him and he can get away with it. It started out decent with a slow build up, then nothing. Very predictable with some horrible acting by the "bad guys". Kind of wanted to turn it off and go to sleep at one point.
For me this was a huge disappointment and I emphasize HUGE considering all of the buildup before the release. Let's break this down shall we.....the concept was not as creative as I wanted but that could just be me. I was wanting something deeper and perhaps more relative to The Wizard of OZ. Here we take an ordinary man who wants to be a great wizard, who gets trapped in a tornado via hot air balloon, lands in a magical land and I use magical lightly because the landscape was very Alice in Wonderland Tim Burton Style (only lacking the detail), meets a lovely witch, bla bla bla, she falls in love with him, bla bla bla, sigh, the story is almost too boring to discuss. Moving On! James Franco, love the guy but not the perfect role for him. Mila Kunis, I expect bigger and better things from her especially after her role in The Book of Eli. However I will add, so not believable as the wicked witch. Oh Michelle Williams, eh. Even as Glinda The Good she lacks the true backbone of a powerful witch. The movie is very long, too long, so sit tight if you plan to make it through the whole thing.
Ummmmmm, wow. Where do I begin? This is one of the most dark and disturbing movies I have ever watched. I am not saying I didn't like it, and I'm not saying I loved it. What I am saying is this: Nicole Kidman, amazing. What a strange character to portray. No wonder she was nominated! Zac Efron, this guy is going places! He just gets better in every film he makes. If you are a fan of his, he spends most of the movie in his underwear, just saying. I can't even really give a synopsis to the film other than it's like 'Deliverance' meets 'The Life of David Gale'? I don't even know. I am still in like a "what did I just watch" mood. Strange! But I couldn't stop watching it! Loved the way the music was used. Playing happy songs to add tragedy to sad moments. Also must mention, an insane sex scene that seemed to go on forever, but at the same time really portrayed the lustful, sexual, sad, needy, raunchy, the list goes on. The suspense builds up towards the end with a double murder that I was NOT expecting! Don't worry I didn't ruin the movie for you! Way too much going on here! As a matter of fact now that I think about, yes, yes I did like it. :)
Nominations
Hollywood Foreign Press - Best Supporting Actress - Nicole Kidman
SAG - Best Supporting Actress - Nicole Kidman
OH Meryl Meryl Meryl. Like Tina Fey said, "Meryl Streep has the flu and I heard she is amazing in it!" You can never go wrong with Meryl. She delivers every time. This was yet again another outstanding performance. A story about an older couple trying to rekindle their marriage take a trip to see a renowned marriage counselor (Steve Carell, who is not funny at all in this movie). Now, the problem with this movie is I found myself just feeling sorry for them till the end. I was actually wanting her to leave him! I don't think that's how I was supposed to feel, but I did. The film doesn't have a climatic middle or even ending really. Some cute scenes but for the most part you know how it ends, but yet it's just a feeling of blah. And definitely doesn't make anyone want to get married! I only recommend it if you like Meryl. Meryl Meryl Meryl.
Ok who doesn't love this once no namer Melissa McCarthy? (Bridesmaids) Really she should just have her own show, oh wait she does (Mike & Molly)! The movie is lightly entertaining with some so so funny parts. Really it could have just been a movie about her stealing everyone's identities and that would have been funnier! Jason Bateman as always seems to play the same character in every movie, but for some reason that's why we love him and he can get away with it. It started out decent with a slow build up, then nothing. Very predictable with some horrible acting by the "bad guys". Kind of wanted to turn it off and go to sleep at one point. 
