Yes, I did promise more movie reviews. So, here goes Jane.
I went to see The Tree of Life with the ladies. Interesting film. Mostly enjoyable with an interesting slant and point of view. Brad and Sean were very good. What didn't make sense and, I think, ruined it for most people was the long "creation of the universe" sequence that interrupted the film near the beginning and went on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.......
Quite frankly, I prefer the evolution of the universe as done in 15 seconds at the beginning of "Big Bang Theory". It works for me.
Otherwise, there were some interesting moments and a story to be heard. But we were distracted.....by that long interlude that didn't make sense. Some of the items that we discussed after the movie were why didn't the parents seem to age. Perhaps told through a child's eye. But the whole film was tainted by that long, boring evolution of the universe which ruined the film for me.
The Help: First I have to tell you that I read the book and loved it. Also, it is the type of book I like. The author and the director of the film are good friends so this ensured a good translation of the book onto film. Which it was. I should note that the book was written in a manner that it would easily "morph" onto film without losing the story. Actually, it had some great moments that were great on film. The best of the film were the actresses. All well chosen for their roles. I do have hopes that this may be nominated for Oscar. Probably will all considered.
A Good Year: This film I rented from Netflix on recommendation. It turns out that it is based on a book by Peter Mayle who wrote several books that I have enjoyed starting with A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence. It stars Russell Crowe who is not a favorite actor of mine but easily performs this role and perhaps sways me back into admiring his skills. Overall, a very enjoyable film. Basic plot is a high-powered investment banker inherits his uncle's vineyard in Provence and learns a different way of life. A few different characters roam through the movie. I liked it a lot.
I went to see The Tree of Life with the ladies. Interesting film. Mostly enjoyable with an interesting slant and point of view. Brad and Sean were very good. What didn't make sense and, I think, ruined it for most people was the long "creation of the universe" sequence that interrupted the film near the beginning and went on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.......
Quite frankly, I prefer the evolution of the universe as done in 15 seconds at the beginning of "Big Bang Theory". It works for me.
Otherwise, there were some interesting moments and a story to be heard. But we were distracted.....by that long interlude that didn't make sense. Some of the items that we discussed after the movie were why didn't the parents seem to age. Perhaps told through a child's eye. But the whole film was tainted by that long, boring evolution of the universe which ruined the film for me.
The Help: First I have to tell you that I read the book and loved it. Also, it is the type of book I like. The author and the director of the film are good friends so this ensured a good translation of the book onto film. Which it was. I should note that the book was written in a manner that it would easily "morph" onto film without losing the story. Actually, it had some great moments that were great on film. The best of the film were the actresses. All well chosen for their roles. I do have hopes that this may be nominated for Oscar. Probably will all considered.
A Good Year: This film I rented from Netflix on recommendation. It turns out that it is based on a book by Peter Mayle who wrote several books that I have enjoyed starting with A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence. It stars Russell Crowe who is not a favorite actor of mine but easily performs this role and perhaps sways me back into admiring his skills. Overall, a very enjoyable film. Basic plot is a high-powered investment banker inherits his uncle's vineyard in Provence and learns a different way of life. A few different characters roam through the movie. I liked it a lot.
Welcome back. I've seen two of the three films and have to say I would have enjoyed The Help more if I hadn't read the book. It was a strong standalone movie, but as always, time cannot allow for as full and enriching an experience as the book. I agree the actresses were astonishing and hope to see some Oscars. A Good Year is what my husband and I call a good bad movie. Fun, frothy, but not too thought provoking. I do love Peter Mayle and often enjoy his audio books, read with that british twang and attitude, quite often while on road trips.
ReplyDeleteJane - I didn't care for The Help; it ended too pat for me. She writes that book, and it's clear she wrote it, and it's clear the maids contributed, but no KKK come and burn down some houses. Were the KKK sleeping in Jackson? NOT likely!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I loved The Tree of Life. I love films that risk something different and present a story in a different way. This was a different sort of filmmaking, and so I actually loved the creation sequence. I love to be wowed by great cinematography and classical music. Saw it four times. Best movie for a long time!