good but bad
Added 11/11/2009
visually stunning film, the story is pretty much the Wizard of Oz. There's a sort of empty quality to it, though, which leaves me feeling like I missed something. I bought it, I watch it sometimes, I would say I like it. I would even say, "watch it" to pretty much anyone. But don't expect to walk away from this feeling like you've really experienced much of anything. Don't expect to be impressed. It's not going to become your favorite movie or anything.
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Not really for those with a Y chromosone
Added 10/4/2009
I've been dinged for reviewing movies I don't like. I will say at the outset that this is not my kind of movie. It's in my house because my daughter was curious about it. I offer this review to guys who are facing the prospect of having it in their houses and are wondering if they should schedule a bowling night when it gets played.
Do it. Your eleven-to-sixteen year old daughter will probably be enthralled by this movie. Your wife will find meaning in the symbolism and remember her own adolescence. You, however, will be left staring at well crafted, wildly disjoint, frequently ambiguous images, while listening to dialog that demands to be taken as Meaningful, but only occasionally rises above Banal. You will spend the whole movie wondering if it's ever going to attempt a linear plot or tell an actual story. Worst of all, you know exactly how it's going to turn out, 20 minutes into the film, and all that's left is the self-indulgent, meandering journey to the inevitable ending. It feels like an art project gone out of control.
There are positives. The art is bizarre, intricate and impressive, if sometimes overdone to the point of chaos. None of the acting was bad and the main character was engaging and very well done. There are touches of humor. It's certainly not lacking in quirk or imagination. But unless you find a morality play about a 15 year old girl who ultimately decides to stop being an ass, and grow up a little, fascinating, you're going to spent a lot of time looking at your watch.
I thought Coraline was a bit like this as well - decently crafted, but so awash in symbolism and so wrapped up in its own artfulness that in the end, I tuned out. If you're the sort that thought Coraline was fantastic, but you wish it had been a lot more surreal and bizarre, this is the movie you've been hoping for. Parts of this felt like Yellow Submarine on acid, that's about the warmest praise I can come up with.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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Excellent Film!!
Added 10/3/2009
I must first say that I am not generally a fan of Neil Gaiman's work. This movie was actually a spur of the moment thing from a friend who told me about it. Boy am I glad they did. This movie is absolutely fantastic. Everything about the film is top notch, from the acting to the writing and especially the special effects. The Jim Henson company created the visuals for this film and they have absolutely outdone themselves. Usually you just think of the muppets when anyone mentions Jim Henson, however his company has done some amazing work before, usually not seen here in the States. I actually grew up watching some of the films and shows that were bound mainly for the UK and England which featured work by the Henson company. I cannot advise anyone enough to get this film on bluray. It is brillant beyond belief and is now one of my favorite bluray titles that I own.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Watch Mirrormask with your child, then talk
Added 9/15/2009
This is a children's movie that is equally meaningful and enjoyable for any adult whose mind is open to the fantastic. For children, it is so much more than empty entertainment calories. There are some very tough issues: mainly, an adolescent girl coming to terms with her mother's mortality, and her very mixed feelings towards her parents - the feelings that adolescents naturally have. Parents should watch this movie with their children, and talk about it. Other reviewers will comment on the sheer genius and creativity of the animation -which is better in blu-ray. I especially loved the way that amidst even the most fantastic images the people remained so real - immersed in a landscape of archetypes. Comparable movies: really nothing is quite like this, but in how one can through fantasy speak about difficult things in a common language to both children and adults, I would say Miyazaki's Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and Howl's Moving Castle, both of which are pure anime.
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Not for children only!
Added 9/13/2009
Picasso partners with Salvador Dali to remake the movie "Labyrinth". Add a little LSD and maybe a touch of Peyote and you have this film. One of the reviews I read said that it is pure "eye candy" and that describes it exactly. I loved "Labyrinth" and "The Dark Crystal" and I was really looking forward to seeing this movie. I was not disappointed in the slightest. This movie is fan-f__kin-tastic! I will have to admit that I had trouble following/understanding everything until I watched the commentaries and I will definitely have to watch it several more times before I truly grasp it all but I loved it. I had never heard of anyone in the cast. It doesn't matter. The cast made me believe it. Stephanie Leonitis was particularly great. I highly recommend this movie BUT it is not just for children. Oh, don't worry it is family friendly but I just don't think kids would like it very much. It is too deep for them.
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good but bad
Added 11/11/2009
visually stunning film, the story is pretty much the Wizard of Oz. There's a sort of empty quality to it, though, which leaves me feeling like I missed something. I bought it, I watch it sometimes, I would say I like it. I would even say, "watch it" to pretty much anyone. But don't expect to walk away from this feeling like you've really experienced much of anything. Don't expect to be impressed. It's not going to become your favorite movie or anything.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Not really for those with a Y chromosone
Added 10/4/2009
I've been dinged for reviewing movies I don't like. I will say at the outset that this is not my kind of movie. It's in my house because my daughter was curious about it. I offer this review to guys who are facing the prospect of having it in their houses and are wondering if they should schedule a bowling night when it gets played.
Do it. Your eleven-to-sixteen year old daughter will probably be enthralled by this movie. Your wife will find meaning in the symbolism and remember her own adolescence. You, however, will be left staring at well crafted, wildly disjoint, frequently ambiguous images, while listening to dialog that demands to be taken as Meaningful, but only occasionally rises above Banal. You will spend the whole movie wondering if it's ever going to attempt a linear plot or tell an actual story. Worst of all, you know exactly how it's going to turn out, 20 minutes into the film, and all that's left is the self-indulgent, meandering journey to the inevitable ending. It feels like an art project gone out of control.
There are positives. The art is bizarre, intricate and impressive, if sometimes overdone to the point of chaos. None of the acting was bad and the main character was engaging and very well done. There are touches of humor. It's certainly not lacking in quirk or imagination. But unless you find a morality play about a 15 year old girl who ultimately decides to stop being an ass, and grow up a little, fascinating, you're going to spent a lot of time looking at your watch.
I thought Coraline was a bit like this as well - decently crafted, but so awash in symbolism and so wrapped up in its own artfulness that in the end, I tuned out. If you're the sort that thought Coraline was fantastic, but you wish it had been a lot more surreal and bizarre, this is the movie you've been hoping for. Parts of this felt like Yellow Submarine on acid, that's about the warmest praise I can come up with.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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Excellent Film!!
Added 10/3/2009
I must first say that I am not generally a fan of Neil Gaiman's work. This movie was actually a spur of the moment thing from a friend who told me about it. Boy am I glad they did. This movie is absolutely fantastic. Everything about the film is top notch, from the acting to the writing and especially the special effects. The Jim Henson company created the visuals for this film and they have absolutely outdone themselves. Usually you just think of the muppets when anyone mentions Jim Henson, however his company has done some amazing work before, usually not seen here in the States. I actually grew up watching some of the films and shows that were bound mainly for the UK and England which featured work by the Henson company. I cannot advise anyone enough to get this film on bluray. It is brillant beyond belief and is now one of my favorite bluray titles that I own.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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