thehotttrock

I was really excited to see this film. It has already been making top lists of the year and no one seemed to have anything critical to say. I enjoy independent film and love foreign cinema, and I love romantic films. But I'm really getting tired of all the kudos this film is getting as I found it to be extremely disappointing.

The film is boring, first of all. I have no problems seeing slow films, especially if the cinematography is beautiful and interesting. However, this film had no storyline and the mise-en-scene was pretty non-existent. At times it felt like watching a music video, a really boring music video. Without a solid plot line, no character development, and coincidental situations, there was only one thing holding this movie together: the music.

I found the music to be just as redundant as the lack of dialogue. The same chorus lines are repeated, there's emotion for a lack of reason, and it sounded one step above any mainstream band or artist currently being played on the radio.

The one attribute I am especially tired of hearing about is the realism in the story. I found it to be extremely unreal. Everything seems to work out for the characters - she has a piano she can just play on for free, he jumps in with his music, they sound so great together, they get a loan to rent a studio, studio technician loves what they do, they manage to record their first song practically perfect, the characters fall in love despite him getting over a broken heart and her still being married to a horrible husband, and then it doesn't work out.

I'd like to know why? It seems like the love of his life stomped on his heart and her husband, who is in another country, doesn't appreciate her. After spending only one magical weekend recording their perfect demo, her husband suddenly comes back the next day. That seems as coincidental as them meeting on the street. And he decides to go to London, armed with his demo, to win back his ex-girlfriend. How is any of this realistic?! I am not unfeeling, I just have better taste in movies. I feel like many critics viewed this film at a festival and swooned over the energy that sometimes exists at these types of events. If someone wants to see an independent film, go see "Paris, je t'aime." It's more worth the money.

I loved this film as a child and will always hold fond nostalgia for it. You definitely have to watch this from the point of view as a child (with so many "family" films out today, I know this might be hard, when their goal has been to entertain everyone). I loved all the performances in it from Albert Finney to Carol Burnett and Tim Curry. My most favorite Huston film is The Misfits, but don't expect that from this film, which I think alot of people are doing. As most directors age, they tend to get "soft" in their filmmaking as their hunger is replaced with complacency, but this film isn't as bad as some people describe it. It's a musical, it was made in the 80's, and it's primarily for kids. Compared to other movies made in that time period, this one is actually quite good. And although I've only seen parts of the newer one made by Disney, this one seems alot more mature and crafted, and not so candy-coated.

I am compelled to add this entire movie in the Goofs section. However, this provided me alot of good laughs. If you like white trash bikers, boobies, motorcycles, and low budget camera angles-- you'll love this movie! It's hilarious. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. A true cinematic gem.