Fathers and Sons

One of the best movies I've ever seen. A perfect example of an overlooked film that is too complex and beautiful for American cinema goers. In fact I thought it was made by a European.

You pick up the video box of "Fathers and Sons" and what do you see? The names Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Famke Janssen, Samuel Jackson on the cover, and a plot description that vaguely mentions a serial killer and something about psychic powers. And then you see the film and what do you get? An anti-drug/coming-of-age/father-and-son-relationship drama, where the killer/"psychic powers" plot angle seems to be an afterthought, and is resolved in a ludicrous "thriller" climax. The movie does have its pluses: good-looking cinematography, some offbeat touches, a fairly good performance by the kid, the interest of seeing a very beautiful pre-"Goldeneye" Famke Janssen in her first movie role. But mostly it's slow, meandering and blah, and apart from Goldblum (who is the lead) all the other actors I mentioned above are wasted in throwaway roles. (**)

Made prior to Goldblum's recent biggies, Fathers & Sons is one that the actors would probably rather forget. At it's heart is the evaluation of the relationship between a father and his son as they both attempt to master their own personal demons. But it is the annoying 'mysterious stranger' and other red herrings that had me grabbing for the fast forward button. At 45 minutes too long, I'd recommend Goldblums classic 'Into the Night' any day.

I cannot believe how some critics or people want to rate this movie bad or think they can judge it poorly in their ignorant understanding of it. Are people today just scared or turned off by any kind of real or tender feelings or understanding of depth in life and emotion? It seems those that did not think good about this movie does. This was one of the very best movies I have ever seen, right up there with all my other favorites. The feeling and atmosphere was awesome and touching and the acting by Jeff was the very best he has ever done and everyone that saw the movie with me thought so as well. Many will never understand this movie and I feel very sorry for you that you do not. This is a classic that is underrated. I have seen it MANY times and can totally relate. Do not think you understand something when you do not because you have no place or business even thinking you do and giving it a false negative rating. I bought this digital video disc as soon as it was released. It was much better than most of the critically acclaimed movies and the music soundtrack was very good, which helped the movie a lot. Kudos to the director who took the risk to tell it like it is. Thank you.

Spare yourself the pretension on this one.

You'll know in the first couple of minutes - when there is an excruciatingly tedious camera pan thru the home set to a soap-opera-worthy piano accompaniment - that it's not gonna be good; ever heard the term "engaging"? Well this one's the antonym.

Goldblum's basically just playing Goldblum, still again.

It's so bad there are frequent character voice overs - underscored by a sparring saxophone and oboe trills - to make sure to explain to you how "sensitive" these male characters all are in their inner most thoughts.

Of course, since it is basically a male story, and most of the main male characters are wusses, in all male bonding moments - in bars and all, don't you know - they start completely unnecessarily swearing and spewing sexually disparaging language like he-man sailors, or at least the probably solidly suburban-bred scriptwriters' idea of such - while jovially slapping street guys heartily on the back, but not too hard.

It's all awful - the story is ridiculous, the acting is SOOO self-aware, the script is painfully stilted - it's all just awful.

Spoilers? Why bother, the whole's thing's just rancid.

So, guess what, I don't recommend this one. Lol :-)