steph_jt

This is essentially a made for TV movie. The story is a bit dis-jointed at times, and not in a especially entertaining way. When the lead character remembers the past, we're subjected to some really artificial camera jerking effect that becomes annoying within seconds. This 'effect' adds nothing to the mix, and in fact has the negative impact of making the viewer break away from the story, and wonder why it was done in the first place.

This has really been aimed at the adolescent demographic, but it's still watch-able for someone older, much the same as Mean Girls and such. Don't have any illusions, as this has little in common with Mean Girls, and is hardly destined to become a classic. The acting is average, and certainly not poor, so I'd say give it a watch, but don't expect a lot, as it's only watch-able, which isn't such a bad thing with some of the garbage scripts that get made into movies these days, but that's another story...

I've been waiting for what seems like forever for a top notch show to present itself, and I truly feel this is it. To say the first show was riveting is a gross understatement. As a news show, this fictitious newsroom had me planted on the edge of my seat, and when things finally got going, I found myself fidgeting and wide-eyed waiting for what came next. I have to say the leads in this show have amazing chemistry, the sort of chemistry that usually takes several shows to develop, yet here it was, in spades no less. It's easy to believe that I'm overstating this, but I truly believe this show has the potential for greatness, and believe me, I'm normally a fairly harsh critic, but in this case I feel completely justified in touting this as the next great show. There's some great social commentary on offer here, while not exactly new, it's offered up in a far more palatable fashion than the usual polarised and emotional manner. Needless to say, I implore all to watch this first episode, as it was so good, it could have been stretched another 30 minutes to become a great movie. The fact that we get more, is the icing on the cake. I can only hope the writers can keep producing scripts near the same level as this one. 5 stars, or 10 out of 10. Watch it!

This movie is soo depressing, but not because of the story, but mainly because the storyline is so unbelievably slow, and it keeps running in endless loops. The acting is average at best, and the script is a hodge podge of romantic-comedy clichés. It really is poorly executed, and the editing leaves a lot to be desired. About 3/4s of the way through I realised the only reason it hadn't ended at the recognised Rom-Com hour and half, was because they were trying their hardest to create a movie with substance, but it failed miserably in the end, and in all decency, an hour and a half should have been the limit with this one. Do yourself a favour, and don't watch it. The only people praising this movie would have to be associated with it (ie. producers etc.). Put simply, it's awful and long winded.

Don't believe they naysayers, this is without a doubt one of the most thought provoking movies of the year. Definitely not for the dimwitted, you really need to have an understanding of politics and the corrupt world we all live in. It doesn't have any explosions or fight scenes, so I expect this is why it has been reviewed poorly, or perhaps because a lot of what is going on goes right over the top of these people's heads. This is one of those movies that is full of machinations and dastardly villains, all intent on gaining power, with no consideration for anybody but themselves. The solution to dealing with these lowlifes is thoroughly inspired, and leaves one wondering how long they will have to wait for the next instalment in this intriguing saga.

I have no idea how this movie has received such glowing reviews. Gosling appears to be heavily sedated throughout the movie, and the virtual lack of dialogue through the majority of the film just adds to the overall boring experience. Overall it's a movie about nothing with no message at all, and it ends by leaving you with no sense of closure or understanding of why you have been subjected to such a depressing experience. If there was any message at all, I would say it was that life sucks and then you die, or crime doesn't pay perhaps, but overall that's a little bit too Disney for my tastes, but perhaps this will appeal to the masses? Do yourself a favour, and spend your time watching something else, or at the very least take some Valium to get yourself in the correct frame of mind for this slow-paced, self-indulgent offering. No Stars.

I'd love to be able to critique this film, but it really wouldn't do any justice to what is a remarkable film, with flawless acting throughout. I was taken on a journey that both touched me, and at the same time frightened me beyond belief. For many this film may be too real, and the urge to dissect it may be more a manifestation of their fear of connecting with the content, rather than actual issues with the quality of the film itself. I'm so glad this content didn't become a made-for-TV piece of fluff with poor acting and direction, but rather, was given the respect it deserved by the capable talents of all that were involved.

If you are brave enough to engage with the content, you are guaranteed to be rewarded with an amazing experience, as this movie pulls together so many elements of the human experience, and does it in a manner that never feels artificial or trite. For me this was this most rewarding cinematic experience in a long time, even though I found it difficult to watch at times, such was the affect it had on me emotionally. Portman has been impressing me quite a bit of late, and for my mind, this is her best work to date, and in the process she has set the bar high for others that follow. I've never been much of a fan of Lisa Kudrow (other than in Friends), and was admittedly disappointed to see her cast in this, but she turned out to be outstanding in her part as the bitter and hateful ex-wife. I could go on, and on, about the cast, as I really can't think of any movie where I was impressed with every single performance, but this is one where I was.

Do yourself a favour, buy a box of tissues, and a comfortable place to sit, because this is a journey that will enrich your life, and not merely take up some space in it.

Steph