Barry Lyndon-3

This film was like a bad acid trip. Disturbing, dark, surreal, sad and altogether shocking. You can't prepare yourself for what you are about to see. I have seen dark movies and this dares past all the rest. There isn't much of a story, it's a slice of life, a really bad day in the life of these characters, but it's the way the filmmakers and actors tell you this story that's amazing.

Forget the comparisons to "Memento" -- yes it's a story told in reverse, but the comparisons end there.

Monica Bellucci may be one of the bravest actresses working today. If you thought "A Clockwork Orange", "The Accused" or "Boys Don't Cry" depicted sexual assault against women in a disturbing fashion... this film goes past that. And then some.

DO NOT SEE THIS FILM if you are the least bit sensitive. Where I saw it in Los Angeles the theatre put up a sign saying "the 1st 20 minutes may be disturbing to some viewers" -- It should have read the first "hour" could be.

This is a very cryptic comment, but... it's that kind of movie.

"Adaptation" was a beautiful, moving film that goes awry in the last 20 minutes.

I know that Jonze and Kaufman like to shock audiences, but the way in which they decided to conclude this film was disappointing.

Please see the film. It's wonderfully crafted and the performances are exceptional. Take special note of Cage's performance. Streep proved magnificent in an understated way. Chris Cooper is one of the finest actors working today.

But, on a whole, the third act destroys this film. The irony is that the third act becomes everything that Charlie Kaufman despises about the movies.

I gave "The Ring" a "6" and it's only that high because of its star Naomi Watts. I felt there was a good story there, but it never got realized. Verbinski did the best with the material, but I've seen the Japanese version (which is much better) and something just got lost in the translation.

But Watts shines in her first starring role. She commands the screen and your attention.