I've been wanting to see this one. I understood the storyline by watching the trailers. First off, this movie is over 2.5 long. I didn't think it dragged too much tho. Nothing too special about the PQ and SQ, but there is one scene with the boat that has some serious bass. Acting was ok. I'd give it about 3 out of 5.
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I haven't quite decided if I want to see this or not. -
It's shipping soon from my Netfix queue & I am looking forward to seeing it.Comment
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This movie is based on a unique premise which I won't detail here for fear of spoiling the initial "surprise" that is the main storyline. Had a real tough time getting excited about this movie as it unfolded, other than a sort of twisted fascination with the bizarre premise.
Although Pitt's acting was moderately good and kept my interest, this is a LONG movie. This movie is slow paced and, contrary to DelRay, I thought there were parts that did drag on a bit. It's a bit ironic to me that it is based on a "short" story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaking of Fitzgerald's story, there is really no similarity at all between the original story and this movie other than the basic premise (sorry, don't wanta spoil it). I found this to be a little strange and almost a bit insulting to the author. The short story is actually somewhat amusing and tongue in cheek in parts (although it progresses to a somber ending) and I assure you this movie is not amusing at all. It's all pretty much serious business as we follow Benjamin throughout his long life with an emphasis on his romantic relationship and how his "condition" ultimately effects that romance. I'm all for poetic license, but I think the director made a mistake in not following the original story a bit closer as well as taking a hint from Mr. Fitzgerald and keeping it shorter in length and faster paced.
I recommend the movie based on its' odd premise and not a bad acting job by Pitt, but be sure and get plenty of sleep and be well rested before sitting down to watch it. Keep the coffee pot handy as well... :Z Ha!
....or, just read Fitzgerald's short story and be done with it
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Grade: B-Comment
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I read the short story many moons ago, and thought it rather unusual coming from Fitzgerald's pen. As I said earlier, I'm not sure I want to see the movie. If I do, I will certianly have to be in the right mood.Originally posted by Gump
....or, just read Fitzgerald's short story and be done with it .
Anyway, Gump, thanks for the review and the comments.Comment
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Originally posted by George Bellefontaine
Hey, George!
Your right about this being an unusual vehicle from Fitzgerald.....he must've been hitting the Mint Juleps pretty hard when he thought up this idea for a story. :E Actually, I think the concept was originally inspired by a remark made by Mark Twain.
Don't let your familiarity with Fitzgerald's short story deter you from checking out the movie (despite my review ending wisecrack). As I said in the review, they're dissimilar in many ways other than the basic concept. For example: the movie is based in New Orleans and flips back and forth timewise from Hurricane Katrina's impending arrival and pre/during/post WWII up through the 60's-----you get the idea. This is assisted by voice over narration. Completely different time frame and locations from the short story. There are many other differences as well.
Really, my main complaint with the movie was I thought it was about 30 or 40 minutes too long and also a bit too slow paced.
Maybe Pitt's attempt at a slow southern drawl added to my perception of some of the scenes dragging on forever ala watching paint dry 8O .
At any rate, it's worth a viewing. Let me know what ya think!Comment
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I hear what you're saying, Gump. I'll post my comments when I eventually get around to watching the film. But talking about Fitzgerald, has gotten me in the mood for some reading. I'll probably kick back this weekend with something by either him or my all time favorite author, Ernie Hemingway.Comment
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