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What would have eventually happened had Jack not died 2010-08-07

Reviewer: Joseph Parker

I really wanted to like this movie. I loved American Beauty, which seems to have created its own sub-genre of suburb drama and discontentment such as weeds, six feet under, and even desperate houswives. Sam Mendes, who directed American Beauty, is returning to the genre that made him famous, which he established, with a film adaptation of arguably the first work in the genre. The movie is about how couples and lives grow apart, how we change when we get older, and is done so even more tragicly, that the couple is portrayed by the most famous onscreen couple working today. The unoffical tag for this movie was a snickering, what would have eventually happened if Jack hadn't died. But the movie doesn't ever really get working. As much as I want to like him, Sam Mendes just hasn't done anything substantial since his debut. I wanted to like Road to Perdition but ultimately it was too distant to connect to, and preachy in its morals of forgiveness. I did enjoy Jarhead, and thought it was better, but it was kind of empty, and I didn't really think on it again after I was done watching and haven't wanted to watch sense. This is by far his worst effort. It never really works except on the frankness of its dialogue on where it attempts to go, and you do have to give it credit for covering this subject matter, but its no longer as controversial as it was when American Beauty came out, and goes nowhere to go up the ante. I don't suggest that it should merely try to shock us, but I couldn't help but think that I had seen this before, and done better elsewhere. The characters never seem fully developed, and come off as one dimentional. I read a couple of reviewers complain that the movie doesn't show enough, that there are too many general concepts thrown around in the movie, and I can understand that to a point. Usually when that technique is used in film it is because you are about to be shown a lot of information, and the film maker doesn't want to bog down the viewer, but nothing really happens in this. American Beauty seemed multilayered and this just isn't. The cenimatography in this film is very well done, and there is a lot of polish, just like in most of Sam's films, but it still leaves you disconnected, and doesn't seem to have a purpose or a focal point for why things are viewed the way that they are. When in comes to genres, usually one of two things are true: The original work in the genre defines the concept at its most basic element so completely that it demands study, forcing followers to either copy or take in new directions, or just faintly outlines a concept and it is later through different adaptations that you get the seminal work. I haven't read the book, but from the adaptation here, I have to say the only new concept to movie watchers is the analogy to plain living in suburbs to the conservative era of the 50's model housewife, and the dull and restrictive confines of what society wants for them. The movie looks drab, the characters act drab, its not depressing, as much as boring. This is shown amazing well in Six Feet Under, which is written by the writer of American Beauty, Alan Ball, in which the charcters have to act out and are restrained because of obligation, and they have friends that have lives they want, and there is yearning, and sadness. This just seems like dull lives, and the people living it endlessly complaining. The desires are talked about, but it seems so abstract, wanting to go to Paris, that the audience doesn't want to go to Paris, or want its Characters to go to Paris. All that is really portrayed in this film is two people with nothing in common, who get married, and grow to hate each other, and the only time they seem to be happy is when they are making childish plans that cater to fantasies they had when they were younger. There are no relatable or interesting characters, save the mental patient who defies the culture of the time, and tells the couple how horrible they are, when I don't think that either character is horrible. I wonder what he would say about this movie? Same Mendes, and Kate Winslet divorced after this, I would love to see Sam do something with some passion and take from this rather than do some pretentious work that he dug up.

Avid Kate Winslet Fan. 2010-08-04

Reviewer: Tessa

Beautiful rendition of the classic american lifestyle. What attracted me originally was the fact that this took place in Connecticut, where I am from, and then the fact that Leo and Kate were working together again and this is a heady strong battle between to lovers. My friend argues otherwise but I think this is a deep film with a strong message.

Have yet to watch this dvd as I am just updating my collection and had previously viewed it but I'm sure it will be fine. No scratches are prevalent on the discs I orer offline.

It is refreshing to see a "realness" in a movie. 2010-07-06

Reviewer: truthbetold

Even though the truth my be a bit depressing. Such is life for the majority who have loved or are dealing with a dieing love. This film is a form of a wake up call to people just living their lives like zombies. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio show how really incredible actors they both are giving a hauntingly accurate performances. The acting was so on I didn't even realize it was set in the 50's most of the time because the subject is so now. Giving this movie a low rating is your opinion but your missing the point. The point is everyone is insane in some way. It is ok to do what makes you happy. It's ok to not follow the group think mentality. Live your life the way you want because no matter what, no one gets out of it alive.

A true masterpiece 2010-06-26

Reviewer: GK

I won't say much.
To me, it's a devastatingly wonderful movie.
Heart-wrenching, intelligent, multi-layered, deeply honest and it has in its core truly breathtaking performances by Di Caprio and Winslet. Add to this a gorgeous and emotionally very fitting music score by Thomas Newman.
One of the very best movies I've ever seen. It is so good that it ultimately makes one speechless.

depressing 2010-06-24

Reviewer: Beatrice Izzey

they're great actors, however, this is a really depressing, too truthful movie.

If you want to see a movie to be transported to a fun place, this is not for you.

If you want validation of your own meager, hopeless existence, then you may still not be served by this movie bc it's too real.