Um Novo Caminho

It could have been a good film, but it almost seems as though those involved were too close to it to see how it fails to draw any kind of an emotional response or much sympathy for the main character until much later in the story. The pace is slow, nothing was all that funny to me, cartoonish devices were used inconsistently and unnecessarily, which made the first half feel disjointed, as though different sections were directed by different people. Actions that moved the plot forward were so subtle as to be easily missed. One of my least favorite devices is to show a progression of time with a montage and music playing over the voices.

Some scenes left me wondering 'why did they do that?' as there was no obvious metaphor (or perhaps it was so obvious as to be insulting) and no further reference given to, for instance, a worn costume. Once some of the relationships were established, the movie picks up momentum, and the ending rather saves it.

I'm sure it's very difficult to portray the complex themes from the book, which makes it such rich reading. Action flicks are much easier. Much had to change for a movie to be created out of it. But a good director knows how to accomplish this without confusing, boring, or trying the patience of his audience. Perhaps Mr. Taylor should stick to music unless he wants all his work to go straight to DVD or the Hallmark channel. Sure, compared to other "Christian" movies this one rises above, but shouldn't we hold all movies to a critical standard, regardless of the company that made it?

I am a huge fan of the book "Blue Like Jazz" and was so looking forward to the movie. I felt this was a great opportunity to produce a Christian film that would be authentic, could show what Christianity really could be, something based on an authentic relationship with Jesus, something really quite beautiful.

To say I was disappointed with the movie is an understatement. For those of you who have read the book and really loved its essence, its soul, how relationships with the key characters were developed, how his relationship with Jesus was developed and experienced, you will be disappointed too.

The thing about the book was it was so authentic, so real, so honest. The movie is none of those things. To say it is a loose interpretation of the book is giving this movie too much credit. It is not an honest and authentic portrayal of the book.

I feel like in some ways Donald Miller sold out - that is, he allowed a movie to be produced that is not an accurate depiction of how he got to Reed college, his key "struggle" is fabricated, acts of deviance are fabricated, the whole movie is really a fabrication.

I was so sad. What a great opportunity missed.

Blue Like Jazz was extremely well-received at its World Premiere at Austin's Paramount Theater as part of the SXSW Film Festival. This is a powerful film about a young man's spiritual journey from an unthinking fundamentalism to trying to develop a better understanding of his own self. The story is loosely based on Don Miller's book about his own spiritual journey from an evangelical upbringing in Texas to the "Godless" Reed College in Portland, Oregon. It is a coming-of-age story about a man searching for his faith in the most unlikely place possible. This independent film is well-written and well-acted and keeps the viewers engaged. The story mixes quirky characters into a film that might otherwise feel heavy. The film's themes remind me of one of my favorite films, Saved!, which also deals with a character's spiritual struggle to find her own faith. This is the kind of provocative films that one wishes Hollywood would make, but which usually end up being produced by Independent films.

As a big fan of the book the movie is based on, I went in thinking there was no way that the movie could compare with the book.

While it is very hard to translate a series of essays into a story with a flowing plot, the creators of Blue Like Jazz the movie did an exceptional job.

The film is unique in that there is no way to compare it to any other Christian film. The message of Jesus isn't heavily preached, and instead, a truthful representation of a boy brought up in the Southern Baptist religion is presented. It also leads to a discussion on what it means to be a true follower of Christ.

While there is language, alcohol, and drug use, the movie has integrity and heart, and I highly recommend it!

First of all, I have to be honest. I found this film scrolling down Tania's filmography. I was curious (and still am) what she was like before Goliath.

Now, While watching the film I've learned it's a book. Since I didn't read it I'm judging the film as a film from a standpoint of viewing experience. And even that was hard because I'm struggling to find the source of my dissatisfaction.

Regardless how the film is a book's reincarnation seems, as a film film it gives you a hard time in finding something amongst all the storylines to stick your mind to. What is the film about is it about loosing faith, or is it about finding faith? Is it about Reed College, ahh, wait, wait, no it's clearly not. But it sure seemed that in the beginning. Is it a coming-of-age film? Well, the dude is a grown-up man. Where else you need to "come" of this "age"? Ok, maybe it's a love story? Well, sure the screen time isn't dedicated to the love story.

Paraphrasing the quote from the film. This film is like a bad jazz tune. It can't find its theme to improvise on, instead it's just rambling around like a young musician that just learned a couple of scale-runs.

Can't give it anything lower than 6. It's not a b-film. Casting is good. Music selection is very very good. Probably because they didn't have a budget and they chose all the obscure indie band which tilt the film into this earth Stumptown vibe very neatly. Locations are good. Cinematography does its jobs. I didn't see anything groundbreaking but clearly they put some thought into it. Sound recording should be also taken into consideration. It's comfortable to watch and it doesn't sound like a radio play. Editing is pleasing, it helps to tell the story, however messy it might be.

I'm not going to discuss the characters. It's a slippery slope. We tend to do all crazy stuff in real life. It's hard to argue what is realistic and what is not. On a personal level I don't sympathize with the main character. He's dumb. But we need stories about lost souls too.