Reviews

Since I enjoy Jane Austen movies, I eagerly waited for this film to be released. It was everything that I hoped it would be: an enjoyable story in a different era of respect and courtesy, before the hustle/bustle of modern technology. I liked it so much that thought of going back the next day to see it again! In the same way that my friends enjoy superhero movies, I can enjoy a movie that is not 100% real-life accurate (Spiderman is not historically accurate, but we enjoy it, right?).

All of the characters added something to the film. I enjoyed Malcom's mom and her words of wisdom. I found Malcom endearing as a man who can be introverted/contemplative and wants a sincere and intelligent bride. My favorite character was Selina; she was a good role model in that she was very kind, but repeatedly stood up for herself and did not let anyone disrespect her. It was nice to see the strength and healthy boundaries that she found in the end. I have had friends like Julia, so it felt vicariously rewarding to see Selina put her in her place.

Overall, it's a cute story. If you are looking for a nice afternoon out and can enjoy yourself with a film of mostly respectful people who find their way in the end, then you will like it!

I really wanted to love this.....I loved the book so much. When I read negative reviews, my heart sank and I didn't want them to be real reviews. The movie was still decent enough and I was glad that I saw it. The expanded final speech to Juliette and extended epilogue to value each day were great changes in the movie that I thought added to the impact of the story.

But I got the impression that the movie studio and/or the script writer was very conflicted over the actual book and possibly afraid of copycat teens acting out if the film showed or discussed death too much. It seems to avoid the topic, even though it's a major theme of the story. I half wondered if this was actually a 2-hour movie that the studio chopped up to make it less controversial and a softer sell for a broader audience. The film has a slow build up that rushes through the ending. Gone were Sam's butterflies, morning laughter, floating and redemptive satisfaction on her last day. Elody's death and its effect on Sam was deleted entirely.

The book is brutally honest about the sadness, numbness and eventual peace Sam finds as she copes with somebody dying every day for seven days (including herself). These tragedies create a slow build up to Sam's love for Kent that was more believable than the movie version that felt rushed and suddenly intense at the end. I also missed Sam's multiple conversations over 3 days with Juliette that shed light on why Sam eventually realized that talking was not going to be enough to stop Juliette's plan. In the movie, Sam has one conversation to dissuade Juliet and then acts on her extreme plan to save her. It felt rushed and less natural.

I thought that Logan Miller did a fantastic job with his limited script as Kent. His eyes and physical gestures did so much to convey love for Sam combined with the natural awkwardness of being unrequited for so long. Kent was my favorite character in book and Logan nailed it perfectly. The actors all seemed very good. I think it was really the editing that depleted this film's potential. If you loved the book, still see the movie...but just don't have your hopes too high.

I originally watched this movie as an assignment for school to compare it with the similarities in the play Phaedra by Racine from the year 1677. I enjoyed the movie and was especially intrigued to see Sophia Loren so young and debuting in Hollywood. It is true that viewers loath Burl Ives' character, but they are supposed to feel that way. The writers want you to see Ana's motives and desperation to feel empathy for her character.

A lot of older films do not even have a soundtrack, so I was glad that this one did have one to fill in the moments in between dialog. I thought this was very well done for a 1958 film. It really held my attention and had me on the edge of my seat a few times wondering what would happen next. I find the acting and storyline consistent with some of the stiffness that older films can present to modern audiences, but still enjoyable.

The ending does seem abrupt and I was left feeling frustrated. It really is tragic the way things went, but I think the main point is that wrongdoing eventually catches up to people in the end.

I would still recommend it as an enjoyable film and a great classic to watch.

I really do not understand some of the extreme negative reviews for this movie. It's NOT Finding Nemo, and I do get the concept that it's more like Disney than Pixar, but I still really enjoyed seeing it!

I loved the mother/daughter theme the most. I grew up with a very controlling mother who had an agenda for my life, so I totally related to Merida's frustration, drives and strong feelings. I cried when they had their blow-out fight and I cried again at the end to see the resolution. I found the mom hilarious after the spell when she keeps trying to be all proper and modest, even though it's impossible for her character to do that.

I like that Pixar created a female lead who has strength, but also compassion and remorse for her wrong choices. I really enjoyed Merida's speech to the clans and appreciated her character development to see beyond herself. I thought her growth was a good model for teenage girls who may resent their parents at times, but learn to reconcile and love them in the end. It was very touching when Merida realizes that her mother was right about a lot of things. It's more common in real life to come full circle and learn, than it is to just obey and do everything right all along. Even in real life, I don't think there has ever been a hero that did not go through tragic circumstances of some form. Courage does not grow from a soft life.

I enjoyed the humor of the triplet brothers and the clan leaders/sons. I'm part Scottish, so I'm also glad to see a movie that shows the beauty of Scotland. The animation of the highlands and surrounding areas was breathtaking. The soundtrack was awesome. I love Celtic music and it was a treat to hear the penny whistles and bagpipes. The audience applauded at the end and it was great to be in a crowd that enjoyed it, too

Lastly, stay for the bonus scene after the credits! Most people left the theater. It's not spectacular, but just good fun! I would have preferred to see Merida on a goofy 1st date or something like that more...BUT I still enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed this movie! Anderton had depth as cop of the future. I liked that we got to hear about his son and his wife - not just a "knock 'em / sock 'em" role. Yes, there were unanswered questions and predictable parts in the plot, however, I think the action moved so quick that it really did hold your attention despite these things and leave you with the feeling of a having seen a great movie when you're done. The effects and creativity used to depict the future were awesome and thought provoking.

**SPOILERS** Having said that, some questions I wish they had answered include: (1) Is his son alive to fulfill Agatha's vision or not? (2) Did Anderton go blind in his left eye from the spider's scan 6 hours after the surgery? (3)When Lara called the office for a favor, how did she know the precogs would be seeing the vision to download and immediately send over? and (4) Why can't the precogs know addresses? Their visions include fronts of homes, streets, parks, etc. The visions don't have any clues toward names, but yet they come up with those instead - and spelled 100% correctly so that they can be verified via IRS /DMV Registration records. All that and no address? *END OF SPOILERS*

Still I would say - go see the movie. It's one of the best this year!