harasylime

I was so disappointed in this movie. I don't know much about the true story, so I was eager to see it play out on film and educate myself about a little slice of history. With such a powerful true story and great actors it seemed like a surefire combination. Well, somewhere the screenplay failed them. It was so scattered - is this movie about his childhood? his love life? his own disability? his speaking ability? his passion for the disabled? I'm sure there is a way to incorporate all of those things into a good story, but this movie wasn't it. I was left cold watching characters that were unlikable not because of their disabilities, but because of their personalities. Other small gripes: 1. The heavy-handed soundtrack. It's the seventies - WE GET IT ALREADY! 2. If he's such a phenomenal public speaker, why weren't we treated to more than a snippet here and there - and even then mostly in montages?

This movie is a must see for anyone who enjoys Eddie Murphy or Owen Wilson. I like Eddie Murphy fine, but Owen Wilson is the one who drew me to the movie. His dry humor has ample time to shine in this film. It was great to see him get a chance to be the "hero" more than the sidekick for a change. If you came looking for a big-screen adaptation of the TV show, or for an intricate plot with great action - well, you came to the wrong place. The plot and action serve only one purpose - they are a background in which Murphy and Wilson can do their thing. I watched the movie only to enjoy the banter between the two of them and I was not disappointed in the least. They work well together - the comic timing, the muttered lines by Wilson, the flashiness of Murphy, all melds to form some great moments. So, it is a must see in my book. It isn't really an action movie - it is a comedy, and in that vein it succeeds. 8 out of 10.