CJHammond
Joined Aug 2000
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CJHammond's rating
First of all, I was made aware of this movie by friends. And while I was quite an Elijah Wood fan some years ago, I must admit my expectations weren't really that high.
But then I started reading something about the plot and thought, "Hmmm, this *could* be a film worth watching." So, I got myself tickets for the Monday screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. And I don't regret it a bit! So many questions that I have asked myself many, many times were picked up by this movie. Is the war the world is fighting just? Will it help us? Will it make things worse? Why do we feel we must (not) fight? How to justify that? And by having very controversial characters as the main players, you have no problem at all seeing things from both (or rather multiple) sides. Plus, no answers are forced down your throat.
Naturally, there still is a message, but, at least to me, it wasn't, "That's not worth fighting for." but, and that's a message hardly heard, "Suffering doesn't only come from being hurt, but also from (possibly) having to hurt." All in all, I can but recommend this film. A wonderful starting point for having a discussion with your friends (and, even more so, with those you consider do *not* share your opinion on this matter!) So, 10 out of 10 is really what this movie deserves.
But then I started reading something about the plot and thought, "Hmmm, this *could* be a film worth watching." So, I got myself tickets for the Monday screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. And I don't regret it a bit! So many questions that I have asked myself many, many times were picked up by this movie. Is the war the world is fighting just? Will it help us? Will it make things worse? Why do we feel we must (not) fight? How to justify that? And by having very controversial characters as the main players, you have no problem at all seeing things from both (or rather multiple) sides. Plus, no answers are forced down your throat.
Naturally, there still is a message, but, at least to me, it wasn't, "That's not worth fighting for." but, and that's a message hardly heard, "Suffering doesn't only come from being hurt, but also from (possibly) having to hurt." All in all, I can but recommend this film. A wonderful starting point for having a discussion with your friends (and, even more so, with those you consider do *not* share your opinion on this matter!) So, 10 out of 10 is really what this movie deserves.
The producing staff chose the right leading actress for this film. Actually, this decision made the best of this bad job. If Angelina Jolie hadn't taken part in this production, I would have voted this movie a total pratfall (but so, I still gave 5/10).
What actually did the story book writers had in mind when they forgot about all these thrilling game scenes, just where the picture is accompanied with a tensing music. Instead, they made this movie a techno party -- Lara's Party mix, to be precise!
I couldn't believe it! Think! They had five! complete game stories to learn from -- And yet, they weren't able to build up only one to make a movie worth watching of. To give you some examples, here's my personal flop five:
1. This sob-stuff about her father being a "bad boy" -- but converting to the "good boys" is so canned and dull, I just can't stand it
2. Did you notice, that apart from A. Jolie there wasn't any other female part of importance in this production -- A little too single-edged for my taste
3. It is a very surprising fact to me that Alex Cross (played by Daniel Craig) is such a patsy, only being capable of blaming Lara for doing a bad job although he's the one being too dumb to find the right keyhole!
4. Unfortunately, Iain Glen (Manfred Powell) plays his part a bit too perfectly. I don't believe him not being troubled by the situation at the council of his picky club
5. The scene, where Lara and Powell race for the magic device is far too short. It is the key to all what happened before -- which could have been told in about 30 minutes! --, yet, after 3 seconds everything is settled, finally
I feel deeply sorry for all fans of Lara who were eagerly waiting to see this movie. It's absolutely not worth affording a ticket!
My personal consequence is plain: If there shall be a sequel, I'll wait for it to be released on DVD. At least, then I can enjoy the good scenes and skip the crap...
What actually did the story book writers had in mind when they forgot about all these thrilling game scenes, just where the picture is accompanied with a tensing music. Instead, they made this movie a techno party -- Lara's Party mix, to be precise!
I couldn't believe it! Think! They had five! complete game stories to learn from -- And yet, they weren't able to build up only one to make a movie worth watching of. To give you some examples, here's my personal flop five:
1. This sob-stuff about her father being a "bad boy" -- but converting to the "good boys" is so canned and dull, I just can't stand it
2. Did you notice, that apart from A. Jolie there wasn't any other female part of importance in this production -- A little too single-edged for my taste
3. It is a very surprising fact to me that Alex Cross (played by Daniel Craig) is such a patsy, only being capable of blaming Lara for doing a bad job although he's the one being too dumb to find the right keyhole!
4. Unfortunately, Iain Glen (Manfred Powell) plays his part a bit too perfectly. I don't believe him not being troubled by the situation at the council of his picky club
5. The scene, where Lara and Powell race for the magic device is far too short. It is the key to all what happened before -- which could have been told in about 30 minutes! --, yet, after 3 seconds everything is settled, finally
I feel deeply sorry for all fans of Lara who were eagerly waiting to see this movie. It's absolutely not worth affording a ticket!
My personal consequence is plain: If there shall be a sequel, I'll wait for it to be released on DVD. At least, then I can enjoy the good scenes and skip the crap...
The movie starts a little emotional. Nick (Mel Gibson) is so arrogant that he doesn't even notice, what people around him happen to think about him. When Darcy (Helen Hunt) is promoted as his boss, his philosophy of life crumbles ...
From this point, the movie makes a very enjoyable comedy. The audience is delivered quite a good insight into his moral -- compared to his workmates, who are astonished, what a man Nick actually can be.
Yet, as soon as he falls in love with Darcy, the whole film is drawn slowly but irresistibly towards a drama losing much of its potential. It seems that Nancy Meyers tried to combine the funny plot with an appealing drama. Unfortunately, the movie just can't cope with such a claim.
The performances of Gibson and Hunt are remarkable. Particularly the scene he plays Fred Astaire in, made me laugh heartily. Altogether, I give this movie 8 of 10 points, since it _is_ worth watching. But the second half could have been either cut or improved !
From this point, the movie makes a very enjoyable comedy. The audience is delivered quite a good insight into his moral -- compared to his workmates, who are astonished, what a man Nick actually can be.
Yet, as soon as he falls in love with Darcy, the whole film is drawn slowly but irresistibly towards a drama losing much of its potential. It seems that Nancy Meyers tried to combine the funny plot with an appealing drama. Unfortunately, the movie just can't cope with such a claim.
The performances of Gibson and Hunt are remarkable. Particularly the scene he plays Fred Astaire in, made me laugh heartily. Altogether, I give this movie 8 of 10 points, since it _is_ worth watching. But the second half could have been either cut or improved !