My Name Is Thomas

In a world of action movies, scifi, zombies and romance from Hollywood, we've been brainwashed into thinking furious action is the best kind of movie. It's not. Gone with the Wind, Ben Hur, 2001: A Space Odyssey, South Pacific, etc. Are great movies with slower plots. Great movies don't rush, they tell well written stories.

That's the kind of movie My Name Is Thomas is. It's slow paced except one Terrence Hill style Italian fight scene. It's a good story. There is thoughtfulness and developed characters. I liked this movie and recommend it for thoughtful movie watchers. If you think fast paced, crazy stuff makes the only good movies watch something else.

In the typical style of acting that Hill is known for you find a man pondering not only the meaning of life but also his beliefs. The main character leaves his religious order to seek out an epiphany in the desert armed with his Harley and a book of poetic visions of a writer's quest of life in this desert. Not unlike the hippies of the 60's trying to relive the story of on the road. His encounter with a disturbed and lost young woman becomes the catalyst of self discovery for both. Very much a picture From the European style of cinema it will be very enjoyable for those that like the slower, plot unfolding, and artistic movie vs Hollywood's big budget, fast paced lack of content genre.

Those expecting a classic Terrence Hill and Bud Spencer movie will be disappointed. It's a moving movie that brought tears to my eyes, what no movie in the last 10 years has done. Those who understand the symbols and pay attention to the hidden messages will truly enjoy this movie. Those who enjoy Hollywood trash should rather avoid it. In my opinion this is the best Terrence Hill movie without Bud and it makes my soul dance to see Terrence portray the spiritual world of the afterlife in his film. Dedicated to Bud.

At this point, a personal thank for creating this masterpiece.

This is a quiet and sad movie, but it doesn't bring you down. The suspense is based on the strange behaviour and temper of the female lead character. Her motivation is revealed only slowly and (ultimately) partially. You aren't always sure if everything you see is really happening, but this is the exception. Most of the time the film is simple and direct. Thomas is very much in line with Hills usual typecast: He is cool, clever and relaxed even if he is in the middle of a bar fight. But there are only very few action scenes. If you expect a lot of intense dialog, you will also be disappointed. Thomas is a quiet character and the philosophical lines he brings to the table are barely deep enough to make them work in the situation. The soundtrack is as difficult as the rest of the movie. While it works for the most part and even has some good moments, in some places it distracts you and takes you out of the scene. The lighting and camera work, as much as the acting, is spot on.