2. You may cry when you watch this film. It may happen about six times, usually when you least expect it. When I saw it today, there was one particular, gut-wrenching moment, and the whole audience went SILENT. But REALLY silent. It hit everybody the same way.
3. Max Von Sydow, wow. That is EXPERIENCE. You sense it and feel it, just by the way he looks or walks or stands or pulls a face, he's so compelling. He grabs your attention. It's like a super-power. He's a true elder, a legendary actor.
4. Tom Hanks. Nice to see him doing something like this. Makes up a little for 'Larry Crowne'. Still feel like we've lost him in recent years though. Something's not the same. He was always my favourite actor, but in the last ten years I haven't liked his work. Keep trying to figure out how he's changed, but maybe it's me that has.
5. Jeffrey Wright, wow; he pretty much stole the show! He's only in it towards the end. This guy is fantastic.
6. It felt like a big Hollywood film but at the same time, it didn't. It had maturity, it knew when to shove things in your face and when to be subtle. This is what 'War Horse' wasn't able to achieve.
7. I really loved the use of the U2 song in the trailer and was disappointed to not find it in the movie.
8. Sandra Bullock is incredible. The moments when she's on the phone to Thomas when he's in the tower, and at the end when she's on the bed with her son... wow, so powerful. She's fantastic.
9. This film, like '127 Hours' last year, just makes you want to ring up everyone you know and tell them you love them. Because they remind you how extremely and incredibly SHORT life is, and how we're all emotionally retarded muppets for not telling people how much they mean to us with every chance we get.
10. It has a 'Best Picture Nomination'. Here's the thing: I enjoyed it more than 'The Artist' and 'The Descendants'. My favourites were 'Midnight In Paris' followed by 'Moneyball' - but I really got a lot from 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' both times I saw it. So, I'd have no problem with it winning 'Best Picture', but of course, it has no chance.
Particularly agree with you on #1 and #8. Horn is an excellent young talent, and I was so pleased with Bullock's work (makes up very much for The Blind Side). I did not quite love it, but I did like it much - and were I forced to rank the 9 BP nominees it'd be my #5.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd say I loved it, I just know I was moved by it. But then, with the subject matter, much like a Holocaust movie -- they have a headstart in capturing my feelings.
ReplyDeleteI read the book a few weeks ago and loved it. I was very disappointed when I read some of the reviews but surprised when I saw it as a BP nominee. Glad to hear that people who have been seeking it out post-nomination liked it. Can't wait to see it soon.
DeleteJeffrey Wright is amazing. Have you seen Angels in America? Little typo in his name though...
ReplyDeleteGreat write-up! I remember seeing the trailer and thinking this would be one of those heartfelt movies. I'll have to check this one out, it's been awhile since I've seen Tom Hanks in a memorable performance!
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