Cloud Atlas reminded me of The Matrix....something completely different from most other films. It was quite ambitious to weave all the plot lines and characters in this movie. I don't know if having read the novel would have made it easier to follow, it likely would have. I had trouble connecting the characters and trying to understand the message. It was just too long and the pay off questionable. I did not like the tedious fight scenes much either. The futuristic clone female character was interesting but the close-up teary-eyed shots got a bit old especially after nearly 3 hours.
However, that being said, I hesitate to tell you not to see the film on the big screen. As with The Matrix, the extra work to make sense of what was happening in such an unusual movie may be worth the time. I think people will be talking about this film and each viewer will certainly have their own opinion. But, bottom line...I was kind of disappointed in Cloud Atlas. I expected more but I did not see any profound message. 5/10 stars.
However, that being said, I hesitate to tell you not to see the film on the big screen. As with The Matrix, the extra work to make sense of what was happening in such an unusual movie may be worth the time. I think people will be talking about this film and each viewer will certainly have their own opinion. But, bottom line...I was kind of disappointed in Cloud Atlas. I expected more but I did not see any profound message. 5/10 stars.