This movie was a big disappointment for a number of reasons. As iterated in other comments, the trailer contains footage and story elements that are entirely absent from the film itself (i.e. the old man in the hospital gown telling the protagonist he has a limited amount of time to solve his own murder). Although this IN ITSELF doesn't make it a bad film, I think it's symptomatic of a much deeper problem, namely, it doesn't seem like anybody working on this film had a really solid and cohesive sense of what the film was about or how all the parts fit together. The trailer footage being absent from the film is evidence to me that the film was just sort of thrown together haphazardly and without any thought. This is potently felt while watching it. Also, as noted by other reviewers, the characters were totally one dimensional, surfacey, and straight up archetypes completely lacking in any development, depth, or uniqueness. To me, it seems like a really bad indie film that somehow got a lot of funding and made it into the mainstream market: we have the poetry writing, leather messenger bag carrying, road-bike riding protagonist who wants to be a writer (shocking!) and of course the corresponding mother who is obsessed with making her son into an upstanding, upper-class citizen and just doesn't get him. And we have the token "indie" soundtrack to complement our protagonist's adventure. In fact, the movie struck me as little more than a forum with which to showcase the filmmaker's knowledge of cool "indie" bands. I feel like I can't really make any comment on the acting because, honestly, I can't imagine any actors or actresses who would be able to give this film the animation and depth that it so sorely lacks. In short, save your money and your time, and don't see it. If you're just really curious and have to see it, rent it once it comes out on video. I admit, the trailer looked awesome and you can't blame anyone for wanting to see it based on that. But the fact is that the movie just doesn't live up (in quality...or even in basic plot!) to the trailer.
Reviews
3 Reviews
The Invisible
(2007)
Totally misleading trailer, and the movie would still be bad regardless...
30 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Thumbsucker
(2005)
beautiful, charming, touching, excellent.
21 September 2005
this movie was absolutely beautiful in so many ways. as an adolescent Justin, the main character, struggles with trying to stop sucking his thumb, the film creatively explores issues of identity, self-worth, achievement, family dynamics and so many other elements of life that are difficult to articulate. The film is fun and funny, but at the same time cleverly portrays the hard parts of growing up and communicates a profound and moving message. i was fortunate enough to see this movie BEFORE it was released in theaters with a Q and A portion after the film, with the director, Mike Mills. he was every bit as charming and clever as his film and his personality could be clearly seen in the film's character. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates a good laugh, a good story, or a touching picture of what it means to be human.
Cube
(1997)
terrible movie! don't know why it has such a good rating.
27 April 2005
this movie was absolutely horrible. the movie offered no significant meaning, save the pseudo-philosophical idea that a thing is only a thing until a person gives it life. the plot, cinematography, script, and acting could not have been worse. the ending is trite and arbitrary, leaving the viewer nothing to take away from the film. unless you're looking to waste an hour and a half of your life, DO NOT GET THIS MOVIE! it was so bad that my girlfriend was quoted as saying, "I would rather wash these dirty, moldy dishes than watch anymore of this disturbing movie." (and she has great taste in movies)it's high IMDb score is very misleading. generally the scores are very reliable. this one, however, is a major exception. how it has received anything above a 3 is beyond me. hope this helps.
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