chris-44

This movie desperately tries to recreate the atmosphere of the 50/60s romantic comedies. No matter whether one likes those kind of movies, they were at least able to convey a bit of charming cat-and-mouse game of the main characters. However, this movies fails miserably trying to do this because the props are too exaggerated and look rather ridiculous. Still, this is something one could put up with but the dialogs are breathtakingly stupid and dull. If you're looking for a movie to put yourself or somebody else to sleep this is the flick to go for. It is quite hard to understand what the agent and the main actors must have thought accepting these roles. Ewan McGregor had already shown outstanding abilities as an actor, but the choice to take on this role is rather arguable. One can only hope that the pay-check was hefty, otherwise I cannot think of any other reason why somebody would do such a movie.

Has Steven Spielberg lost his touch? In my opinion Mr. Spielberg brought us quite a number of amazing films; amazing in terms of their vision, their film-making and also their box office success. However, looking at A.I. and this one I have the impression that he might have lost his touch. It certainly is a challenging thing to adapt such a book and transform it to the present time. Hence, one would expect the director to guide the audience carefully through the script. Unfortunately, this attempt failed miserably. The film seems to be a melting pot of scenes that were put together without having any logical connection that is consistent throughout the film. Many things happen without a motivation that the audience could understand and some scenes seem to be there, to keep the actors busy. Tom Cruise's metamorphosis from ignorant playboy to caring family father is simply too smooth and miraculous. The film certainly sports stunning effects and, as expected, ILM did a wonderful job on the visual magic. However, this does not help to cover the rough spots and holes in the scripting and very soon one starts to ask the question "why has this just happened?"

I went to see the movie without great expectations after I read/heard mixed reviews. Still, I was honestly disappointed with what came out of a promising effort.

Seeing the trailer gave me the impression that this movie could be funny but I have to admit that I was dead wrong. The movie offers a lavish cast of German comedians who seemed to have pulled out their worst sketches & ideas. One notable exception is the short appearance of Christian Tramitz.

In addition to the fact that the movie is absolutely not funny, there is also a rather dodgy message that is conveyed. One of the dwarfs bemoans that he cannot beat women (which is a struggle he overcomes actually). Furthermore there is the joke (???) that whenever the queen calls for the hunter, first a colored man appears. This dubious joke is based on the fact that in German the word for hunger ("Jäger") sounds very similar to the word "Neger", which is a very derogative expression for colored people. Finally, the dwarfs come to the conclusion that all women are "cold-hearted bitches". Sorry, for the language but this is the actual expression of the movie.

Some people might find this all funny, however, the people around me and I had a very hard time finding something to laugh at.