It is hard for me to imagine what string of events brought this film to life. I found Glenn Close almost unwatchable in this role, and it shocks me that she's received an oscar nomination for this performance. The other actors are good, with a particularly moving performance by Janet McTeer. But the story itself is unsatisfying and is ended somewhat abruptly. Bad idea, bad script, bad movie.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
2/ 5
Too Spielbergized
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
ctinla
from Los Angeles
I was pretty disappointed with this movie. As an equestrian and a lover of great horse stories, I looked forward to seeing War Horse with great anticipation. On the positive side, the scenery and cinematography were breathtaking, the war scenes were moving and Joey the horse was magnificent. However, the dialogue was so stilted and the acting so bad and forced, that I never grew to care about any of the characters. The movie was poorly paced, with way too much time spent on the alcoholic dad and the beginning of the relationship of the horse and boy (badly edited and boring); Spielberg repeatedly substituted overly-exaggerated close-ups, gorgeous scenery and overwrought music (a disappointing soundtrack from a usual favorite, John Williams) for plot and character development. This story should have had me weeping in the aisle; it barely registered a sniffle. Too bad.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
5/ 5
One of the best of the year
PostedDecember 29, 2011
ctinla
from Los Angeles
Incredibly sweet and moving portrayal of a boy's struggle to come to terms with his father's death on 9/11. Excellent adaptation from the book - preserved the endearing quirkiness of the characters without resorting to caricature. The young actor portraying Oscar, the main character, was simply brilliant. All actors were strong, particularly Max Von Sydow and Tom Hanks. Don't worry if you haven't read the book - you'll still love it.
They had the time to do it right and they did. Set a perfect tone and look - intense, beautiful, ominous. Pulled all of the essentials from the book (hope they explain horcruxes a bit more in Part 2, but I'm quibbling). Absolutely gorgeous design and magnificent effects. Die-hard HP fans will not be disappointed. Run, don't walk to nearest theater and enjoy!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
5/ 5
Big Hearted Movie With Positive Message
PostedJune 22, 2010
ctinla
from Los Angeles
Excellent family entertainment. Jaden Smith is terrific, as is Jackie Chan. Wonderful story; well-paced; great ending. Movie is a two-hour advertisement for travel to China. Stunning scenery. Charming, crowd-pleasing winner.
My 14 year old daughter and I loved the movie. The clothes are exquisite and it was edited quite well. We really got a sense of the man, his history and his relationship with his lifelong partner, Giancarlo. The dialogue is incredibly funny in places and the focus on the process, from sketch to hand-sewing through review and alteration was fascinating. A visually stunning and touching movie.