120watts

This is another in a line of recent popular films that has, essentially, no redeemable characters. Maybe it is a commentary on the hollow social structure in consumerist, egocentric, proudly ignorant and emotionally vulnerable imperialistic nations like the US and Russia.

The supposed "nice guy" in this grand mess is a gopnik street thug who, at least, is not entirely corrupted by the soulless pursuit of money and status at all costs. Small victories, I guess?

Anyway, I found the film to be quite entertaining. The 'three amigos' played well together, and Mikey was well cast for her role.

But it's quite depressing to think that these types of movies are praised as instant classics. It certainly doesn't make me feel any more enlightened about the world.

A thoroughly enjoyable film with a poignant storyline. Others have already provided the background.

I thought there were few weak points. The overall storyline was touching and thoughtful, and the nuts and bolts were well executed (acting, sets, edits).

If there was one weakness, I thought that the storyline essentially moved in a predictable arc, and some of the exposition and characters seemed a bit formulaic, perhaps. It was not a film to make you think, as such. Having said that, it remained gripping and likeable throughout, even when it played out the way you thought it would. I have to give a lot of credit for that, as it avoided the common trap of turning sappy, cringeworthy or boring.

You can look at it as an energy booster for the heart. A story of love and loveliness in the most genuine meaning of the words.

The plot is very disorienting. There is a huge deadly forest fire and yet mere minutes away these people are going about their recreational and artistic pursuits without issue. The fire keeps pendulating between being the driving force of the plot and being an ignored inconvenience.

The characters are all mildly uncanny. If there is an artistic message in their personae then it must have been too esoteric for me to pick up while watching.

The storyline felt like it may have been a symbol for the ideation of the film. Keep writing literary nonsense while being an unlikeable detached egotist until you finally chance upon something passable... Unfortunately, the protagonist is so egotistical that when he tries self reflection he actually somehow becomes more egotistical! So I have to confess bewilderment at what the message is supposed to be.