cjhutch

I am a huge Amy Adams fan and have been for many years. I am also a big fan of musicals. With that said this is not a good movie on any level. It is quite dull and the acting overall is very very poor. Amy Adams is awkward to watch act with Scott G. Anderson due to the fact that she is in another league when it comes to acting. All the performances come off as very amateur. The music performances are pleasant, but nothing special.

Scott G. Anderson is just an bad actor! I assumed he was put in this movie because he has a great voice, but it's just not the case. He has an average voice and sings on key, but that's about it.

I guess I can see why Amy Adams did this movie with the singing element I just wish she had not. I could rant about other poor elements of this movie, but I'll leave it at that.

While I believe people and critics will be mixed on this it is a very sold film. The story is limited (as in most musicals due to the large amount of time spent in song), however that's not a bad thing. The awkward part of the film is that all the female characters are fully drawn out characters with minimal screen time. Each character is basically given one song and possibly part of a second which all show a deep emotion. The actresses all created fully drawn characters with histories and emotional depth, but we as the audience don't see the development of any character except Guido which is unusual. I don't see that as a bad thing however I believe some will.

Visually this movie is brilliant and some moments are breathtaking. Each song has it's own unique look and feel. There are flashback style moments that have the feel of an updated French New Wave style. Anyone who loves films will find a lot to praise in this one! I felt the actresses were all solid save for Nicole Kidman who wasn't believable as the beautiful young goddess actress. She just seemed miscast. Marion Cotillard is amazing. Her emotional depth is undeniable and she has a very nice voice. Good old Fergie was also a pleasant surprise. She has the smallest part, but her musical number is energetic and visually amazing. I've never liked her music much, but her voice is perfect for this part.

I recommend watching Federico Fellini's 81/2 before this film as that is what it is based on and it will give you a little more background going in. Go in with an open mind and enjoy what's happening in front of you. Don't get bogged down in the lack of character history we see, just trust that the actors and actresses know the character histories and the emotions they are playing are honest and true.