Passion Play

I found this film more touching than I would have imagined. Megan Fox was very good in her archetypal role. Beautiful music, some lovely photography, with nice turns by the various actors.

If there was a problem with the film, it was the script. Rourke's character, Nate Poole, undergoes some changes that aren't fully worked out, even within the magical realism of the world the film creates, and thus, his actions don't entirely seem consistent or fully motivated.

I've heard Rourke has criticized Ms. Fox's acting, and that seems unfair. The failure of the film at the box office is definitely a function of the script, not Ms. Fox.

For all its flaws, it's still a moving, often strangely beautiful film.

Don't know why most of the critics have lambasted the movie. It was a nice and entertaining movie, good story, all the actors have played their part beautifully. Megan Fox for once have shown some acting skills, Mr. Rourke is good and Bill Murray as always was excellent. The story was good, a bit predictable about the action Rourke will take. I was a bit surprised with the ending but that last smile on Mickey Rourke's face was enough to tell what was going through the entire movie.

I have read about what happened with the movie in TIFF and what Mr Rourke have said about the movie. But if anyone is thinking to watching this movie should first through these comments out of the mind. Watch this movie without any prejudice. All in all if someone will spend his one and half hour to watch this movie that will be spent good.

Seedy bar trumpeter, Mickey Rourke, gets gets hit over the head outside the bar, gets dragged to the desert to be shot, presumably for some shady misdemeanour. His captor gets shot instead, by shadowy figures, dressed in white.

Nate Poole (Rourke) trudges on through the desert and into the night, where he stumbles on a travelling circus. Rhys Ifans is a sort of compère and then, Nate's eyes fall on a young woman, in a red outfit and who has wings. This vision of beauty (Megan Fox) has him enthralled and he tries to speak to her afterward.

As Messrs Ifans and Co gets riled, Lily Luster (Fox) decides this show has used her too much and needs to break free and drives them both out. The pair sort of go on the road, Rourke all lived-in and leathery rough and Fox young, enticing and fresh.

Passion Play scores a mightily measly 4.4 on the IMDb, and as a rule, I don't even bother with films on Sky Movies that score less than 5 - and that's 5/10, hardly a great starting point.

Mickey Rourke not so long ago was on Oscar nominated form in The Wrestler and whilst he's (apparently, I've not seen them) been in some awful movies in the past, was this an unfortunate return to that form for him?

Well, for a start, the fantasy elements are crudely done, with hardly any sense of magic to them. It's as if director Mitch Glazer hadn't even tried to convey any sense of wonder, so Lily's character never comes across more than a rather timid kid who's got a secret to hide. Mickey Rourke, doesn't seem to immerse himself in the part fully, generally avoiding looking into the camera at least at first, opening up as the film progresses. As a supposed grizzled junkie musician, he seldom delivers the expected wisdom, bitterness and nostalgia that a fully developed character might. He's still in great shape though, as the generous amounts of him appearing shirtless shows.

An almost unrecognisable Bill Murray, whose appearance I was looking forward to, is completely wasted, talent-wise as a ruthless gangster that wants Lily for himself, to use as a novelty act.

There's nothing so terrible in this movie that makes you want to switch it off, but next thing you know, it's half way through - and what has the film achieved? We don't feel as if we know these two people any better, even though they've been waffling on about themselves quite a lot.

I was wondering whether the director and the film itself was trying to emulate Wim Wender's beautiful and enigmatic 'Wings Of Desire' and failing at almost every level. This is Mitch Glazer's first directorial, he's normally a screenwriter (he scripted this film, too) and this lack of experience shows. He did possibly have some great ideas but to mould them into a living, breathing movie is another thing and with two first- class actors, maybe he has been too star struck to get the best from them.

I would suggest that only devout fans of Mickey Rourke check this out - he will always be a larger than life character in any film he's in and he's not actually bad in this, he gets better as the film develops. As for Bill Murray; he could be anybody, played by anybody.

As for Megan Fox, she just tends to look rather awkward and appropriately rather glum, with her CGI'd shoulder adornments. There are hints that Lily's character might develop into a Natalie Portman one in Black Swan; troubled, deep etc but that may be just down to the music and atmosphere that surrounds her at times.

It all moves onto a scenario where three people are vying for Lily's skills and potential dollars, as Rhys Ifan's tracks her down and says that he 'discovered' her. The ending wasn't totally unexpected and was fitting and neatly rounded off this rather oddly and clumsily put- together romantic fantasy.

Don't know why but i liked this movie. i cant defend it so i wont you either like movies like this or you don't. i found it easy to watch and i really like mickey rourke he was perfect for this sad puppy clinging to life and its bitter truths. megan fox although i have not seen her in much was very beautiful and angelic. but for what it worth i do think critic on this medium where a bit harsh,and mean spirited on a film thats was made for the a limited crowd. bill murry i was going to say something very cleaver but alas all i can say is a very gifted actor. the blu-ray was very disappointing with no extras or commentary. there is no reason for a new release in 2013 to have nothing on the disk and on a blu-ray thats just unforgivable.

Very strong thought provoking movie with a great subtle twist! Having seen this movies rating of 4 out of ten on IMDb, I had very low expectations for this movie. Having just watched the film I would rate it at least a 7!

Mickey Rourke produces his best performance since the wrestler and spun, to compare it it to his most recent work. Mickey is one of the best of all time when he is at this level, in a movie deserving of his skills.

Passion play also stars Bill Murray who displays a performance to equal his excellent display in mad dog and glory, playing a similarly dark character Bill shows that he is equal to the best in a serious role.

Having not been exposed to any of Megan Fox's past performances I can say she was excellent in her role and has great chemistry with Rourke. The score of the movie is perfect and added to the dream like atmosphere created by the movies director, in fact the whole production is top notch, professionally handled by a director who has created some really beautiful scenes. One you will watch more than once if you appreciate high quality acting and stylish direction.