Reviews

..That said,it was certainly a commendable effort by the writing/directing/acting team as Cloud Atlas was without a doubt a huge undertaking.(I'm usually late with my reviews as I seldom see them in theaters and wait for the DVD and this time, no exception -sorry). Having read the book, I was able to "fill in the blanks" but I have to wonder if the whole thing was just too confusing to someone who hadn't read it. The constant jumping back and forth between all 6 plot lines would have to be dizzying to someone just walking in and one has to wonder if that is why the movie didn't do particularly well. I found it particularly disappointing that Robert Frobisher's story wasn't delved into more. His was one of the most interesting. The character Eva was completely eliminated - why? - and although I don't remember Robert making "a pass" at Ayrs (although maybe he did and I just don't remember), I seem to remember their discord was over Ayrs discovering Robert's affair with his wife Jocasta. OK, I digress; I realize movies and TV shows deviate all the time from their literary "parents" but I don't know. This was one of the best books I've read in ages and I guess I just expected more. And - really - did the dog need to be shot? I'll give it a 7 anyway for amazing sets, costumes and the sci-fi stuff is sweet! I just don't know whether or not you should read the book before watching or not! Thanks, Jeb...

Oh, man...this was bad. I'm not even sure why I gave it a 2 - that was generous! I know horror movies can tend to be lame. But some can be good (the "Paranormal Activity" series, The Exorcist, The Rite). But this one was just awful. I saw it only as a slam to the "corporate world" - such a typical view from Hollywood. But come on, a bunch of guys in white shirts and black ties killing people for - what? - That is never really made clear other than a bunch of other "corporations" worldwide "compete" for some unknown prize. While celebrating deaths etc with "office pools", etc. I don't know. Didn't make it to the end of this one. All I saw in this movie was the political message and it ticked me off. I don't want politics either left or right when I watch a movie. I just want to be entertained. And the only scary part in this movie - I agree with another reviewer - was the creepy guy at the gas station. Pass on this one folks, even if you are an anarchist. It's still bad LOL!

OK film fans, I'm giving this one a 6 and here's why. YES, I know the whole wolf behavior thing is unrealistic. That's been said and done many many times in earlier reviews. But I pretty much always watch movies on DVD. And when something is horrid I just pop it out of my DVR - done deal! Not like with being in a movie theater and having to choose between sitting through it or walking out. That said, this one I watched to the end. And here's why: ~Liam Neeson - this guy is one of the most underrated action actors of our time. He is always amazing, even if given somewhat lame material to work with. He just shows the passion in his eyes. Case in point - the final scene in this movie. ~The other acting- Dermot Mulroney and the other less familiar names - ALL did a fabulous job. You agonized right along with them. ~The plane crash was pretty cool. Nothing will ever match that scene in "Alive!" when that whole back half of the plane got sucked out but considering the advancement of film making since "Alive!" - the plane crash was a great scene! ~Also, the flashbacks were well done and not in a confusing way like in some films. I especially was moved by the scenes with Ottway's wife.

All in all I was entertained. Was it realistic? Not so much, but who doesn't want to get thrown into a bit of dramatic, exciting fantasy stuff from time to time.

My only gripe is the ending and here's my "spoiler". WTF? Really? We don't know what happens? Seems it was Ottway vs. the alpha and he was armed with a fistful of broken bottles and a knife vs the wolf. Will we have a sequel?

OK, so being honest I found the first 1/3 of this film a bit dreadful. But with all of the fabulous reviews I stuck it out and am glad I did. It's not easy adjusting to a b/w film with no dialog for us "non-artsy" types like myself. I just like being entertained when I watch a movie, not artsy-fartsy'd to death. But in the end I got hooked into the plot although slightly predictable as it was. The acting especially on the male lead was excellent but really on everyone's part to be able to bring the emotion with no dialog other than the occasional written paragraph. And probably my favorite thing about the entire film was that little dog! What a devoted and amazing pal he was to George! I did love that at the very end - George speaks his only two words "With pleasure". That was cool! So yeah, I recommend this however it's certainly not everyone's cup-o-tea. Best picture of the year? Not in my opinion but I guess it was extremely unique and if that is what the Acadamy votes on then I understand.

OK this movie did have it's highlights. Elizabeth Olsen was great in it, and as a matter of fast so was all of the acting. But the story and ending were frustrating beyond belief. Why was Martha unable to tell her sister she had been in a cult? It had only been 2 years and she clearly was in touch enough to remember life before the cult (asking about the aunt). I think the story tried to portray their relationship as too dysfunctional for her to be able to, but the story failed. If I had someone who even remotely cared about me and I had been in that situation I would spill the beans and try to nail those murderous b-tards! I checked the "spoiler" box only because am I the only one that didn't get the ending? She is apparently being taken to therapy/asylum and someone is following them and Blam! The End! I ask pray tell, why Hollywood sees fit to end movies with the audience hanging and wondering WTF? It's not fun, not "artsy", and only makes us ask. How can I get back the 90 minutes of my life? I gave this movie a 5 but only for acting. The plot and story get a 0 or 1.