kerryj-1

For those who are fans of foreign films, this is a must. The scenery alone is enough reason to watch this movie. This was cast very well. The two main characters were outstanding as well as the children actors. The little girl reminds me of Natalie Wood when she was in Miracle on 34th street. The journey of the film takes one through every emotion in the book. Though it is slower paced, it allows one to reflect and bond with the characters. It's not a relaxing film as there is this underlying tension caused by the uncertainty of a country torn by war. Overall, an excellent film. Bravo to the director and all the crew! Outstanding job. I look forward to many more great films out of Czechoslovakia.

Kerry Johnson

I saw this yesterday and felt pretty creeped out by the whole thing. The scenery is so bleak, grey and depressing...the landscape looked like a surreal nuclear wasteland; burnt out trees,and no light at all. Dour expressions and crazy people spewing gibberish. I haven't read any of the books, and I realized it would have some "dark' gallows like humor, but I felt a kind of unease in the pit of my stomach through the whole thing. Just as I started to relate to a character, they would meet some terrible end, and everyone was just plain insane. Kind of like spending 90 minutes in a bad dream in an insane asylum. I get enough of that on the freeway. Yes, there was a little humor in there. A lot wasn't connected or explained. What was the meaning of the spyglass all these people had? Why did Olaf have the eye on his ankle? Harry Potter is dark but at least it makes some sense and has a plot that can be followed. Jim Carrey was really good and you could almost smell him through the screen. I can't help think that this movie would have done much better if it hadn't been so morbid and dark, especially being marketed to kids. It's like the Grinch movie that scared all the little kids to death because the Grinch was SO over the top. The Grinch movie was kind of a bust for that reason. I felt that most of the people who saw the movie, young and old alike felt slightly traumatized by the whole thing. It was just too creepy for parents to embrace wholeheartedly for their kids.

My hats off to Pixar and Mr. Lassater (exec producer) for creating one of the most entertaining family action movies I have ever seen in my life. The writing is superb with all the elements for success, the animation is breathtaking... (how did they DO that!) the sound design should win an Oscar. I don't very often see movies twice, but I would see this again anytime. Pixar is what Disney was in the 60's; the most innovative and creative studio to produce cutting edge animation that families can enjoy together. Disney now has to settle for at least second or third place and has been settling for copy cat wannabes like Shark Tale. The Pixar short called "Boundin" was excellent too with creative involvement from Joey Muskilin(sp?)from Riders in the Sky. That short should also win an Oscar. I want to thank and congratulate everyone at Pixar who worked on this film. You guys ROCK!!!! Mr. Lassater, thank you for keeping creativity alive! Keep up the excellent work.

Everyone, GO SEE THIS MOVIE. You will not be disappointed.