ehawke-1

I enjoyed this movie, but it's a little slow for my taste. The plot is believable, the dialog well-written, and all the actors are great. I'm not a fan of Matt Damon, but he gives a laudable, understated, performance as Edward Wilson. John Turturro also provides a boost in his supporting role (as usual). The background behind the early years of the Central Intelligence Agency was interesting, including counter-intelligence during World War II, and later during the Cold War with the U.S.S.R./Cuba during the Bay of Pigs. I'm not entirely sure if this was Robert De Niro's first try and directing, but he should continue to do so - he's definitely an actor's director - along the lines of Clint Eastwood.

I read lots of reviews for this movie, applauding it - "thumbs up" as it were. NOT. It's actually quite boring, and half the time you can't understand what the pregnant girl "Kee" is saying. The sound quality may have had a part in that - it's not very good. Julianne Moore and Michael Caine are totally wasted as actors in this. Clive Owen is pretty good, but I was truly disappointed with the plot in general. Unfortunately, I actually bought the movie - thinking that the paid critics must be right about it being worthwhile. It's not - if you really, really have to see it - rent it; don't buy it. My copy's going to end up in a used DVD store shortly.

I think this film was really overlooked at the box office! I rented it on DVD recently with some hesitation because none of my friends had seen it, and I had no first-hand opinions to go by. I'm not even sure what the "critics" said about it, and quite frankly I don't care because I absolutely loved it. Full of wry humor, and very witty; with a terrific performance by Jeremy Irons (as usual). The movie pokes fun at the Inquisition in general, and the Catholic Church during that time period in particular which I liked. (Sorry, just not big on religion of any kind really). Oliver Platt, Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, and Lena Olin also give good performances, as does the actor who plays The Doge of Venice, and the actor who plays Casanova's butler. Truly a gem, and definitely a worthwhile watch!