stefan-soos

Wow, don't think i ever been that impressed by the first two episodes of a TV series. The story line doesn't sound that innovative: young, unknown American cardinal becomes pope surprisingly but instead of being a puppet for the powerful cardinals in the background, he is trying to take the vatican over completely. Now this could be just another vatican drama or another over the top comedy about the church...but its something very different. Jude Laws portrayal of the young pope is certainly one of the better acting performances I've seen in a while. he is cold, stoic but also full of rage and passionate about his convictions and most important: you cant figure him out. one minute you think he is a complete jerk or insane, next you believe that he is a saint. the cinematography and music is excellent. some of the mass scenes could have been shot better but thats nit picking.

I read about the story line before watching and expected a disappointment (as a miles fan) but it was not that horrible. This is actually two movies: an invented part about miles, some journalist and stolen tapes and historical accurate flashbacks on miles earlier life. The stolen tape story is over the top and kind of unnecessary but its not that unfunny. don cheadle is doing a great job holding it together, keeping the movie from turning into some cartoon. would have preferred a real bio-pic but thats coming from a miles davis fan and the average movie goer probably appreciates the added action. where the movie really shines are the flashbacks to miles career and life in the 50s and 60s. they did a hell of a job recreating scenes in the recording studio, on the stage etc...its sadly just a minor part of the movie, but its something.

This is one of the worst movies of all time. On one side i hated it as a fan of jazz and chet baker. it wouldn't be that much of a problem that its part fictional, if these added parts weren't that corny. ethan hawkes portrayal of baker is so bad, its almost like a satire, just cringe worthy from start to finish. aside from that, its just a bad movie. the story arch is just flat out boring, not a single good acting performance, a waste of time. "Lets get lost" is just a documentary but in many ways has more of the wit and drama of a well scripted and acted movie. what is also bothering in this movie, is the description of the African Americans, who are portrayed as either evil influences on baker or simply bad persons.