| Overall Grade: |
C- |
|
| Story: |
F |
|
|
| Acting: |
B |
|
|
| Direction: |
C- |
|
|
| Visuals: |
B+ |
|
|
and the point is?
by eclecticmovielover (movies profile)
Jun 21, 2008
11
of
14 people found this review helpful
With a little more black humor, this film might have had some purpose. As is, I'm totally at a loss for why this film was made. The photography is excellent, though a little on the Spielberg side -- hit viewers over the head, assuming they can't think for themselves. For instance, the scene where we already know Tomei is leaving, but the camera shows her suitcase in the very lower corner like we should think that's a subtle hint. And that's some of the best work. The architecture shots are lovely, all the scenes color and line balanced, so if you don't worry about what anything means, the film can be visually enjoyed.
The characters, forget it. No one likeable -- all whiners who can't figure out where they went wrong. One foot in quicksand of your own design? Just jump in with the other foot.
The first scene was good for shock value, but sets up a false premise that some reviewers seem to believe, that Tomei plays a "wicked", even "depraved" character. No, just weak and lost and possibly the only semi-complex character in the movie. All the others are cardboard cutouts of our now infamous dysfunctionally greedy and alienated middle-class American families.
Hawke did a good job with the role he was given -- dumb and manipulatable younger brother. Hoffman's only good scene was right after sex in the open minutes. It was good to see his well-done happy surprise at good sex. He hits one note only for the duration of the film. For worst scene in the movie, I nominate the one between Finney and the fence. Watch for it, it is the only one that earns the movie its title as the special effects evoke hell and bargains with the devil.
I could rant on, but I've already given this movie more time than it's worth. Big disappointment. |
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