Paul P

Watched this last night; my wife gave up 1/3 in. I'm from a NY metro suburb, not LA, but "I recognized everybody" in the movie - I lived in one of those "golden ghettos." I confess that I fell for Juno Temple's character, even though I know it would be like a box of matches falling for a ton of dynamite - eventually everything would blow up. It does. Still, parts of the movie reminded me of the better parts of my life, and other parts the not-that-good; most of it rang very true. I also thought Hahn and Temple were outstanding. I think if you understand or are from that kind of suburb, it's a worthwhile experience, especially for free as part of your Netflix subscription; if you don't or aren't from that kind of area, it will come off as privileged whining. (It's OK, there are other choices for you....)

Call me what you will about this review - heathen, lacking taste, unappreciative - but include the words "extremely disappointed." Nothing much happens, then nothing much else happens, and when something finally happens at the end, it was a letdown. Also, lots of loose ends are left untied, and quite honestly, I tried to care but didn't give a damn. Sorry. On the upside, both Scotland and Scarlet Johansson are beautiful, each in a different way.

Some films I watch; others I digest. I digested this one. I don't know what movie "the critics" watched; I found "Life Itself" to be meaningful and inspirational with all the variations (highs and lows, roughness and smoothness, aspiration and frustration, random events and coincidences) of, well, life itself. While it started strangely (I almost gave up 15 minutes into it no thanks to Samuel L. Jackson's over-the-top performance - but that ends soon enough and is used to make a point), it was worth getting through the opening segment to allow myself to.be absorbed into the emotion and depth of the film. I think this is one movie where the critics got it wrong and the audience just "got it." I did, and am glad for the experience..