Cordell Hull

A boring, slow, film with overlong, self-conscious meandering speeches from Cate Blanchett that fall flat. I've never seen her do a bad performance in any other film. It was disappointing because people will watch this film expecting to be wowed as usual, and instead be left feeling very depressed. I was not convinced she can really play the piano, as there were too many awkward scenes with her supposedly playing the piano not showing her fingers on the keyboard. People who do play the piano are more likely to recognize this. She was playing at being charismatic, rather than being her usual charismatic self. If you are a musician, or an arts professional, the themes may resonate. Perhaps you will find more significance. Maybe it is an "inside" story, but done without flair or pizazz. Critics might overly praise this film because the main character is gay and they tend to find homosexual themes more interesting and unusual than heterosexual. Nina Hoss is excellent, perhaps partly because she isn't trying to do an accent, she is convincing, not superficial. There is missing chemistry between her and her lover, however. That takes both actors to succeed. Actually, if she can play the piano, she would have been a better choice to play the lead character with a German accent. She is far more suited to it. But of course it's about box office, earning money, and they would have only cast a big star. Not sufficiently interested in this movie to analyze what went wrong, I think the writing is the first problem, then secondly the casting. Too many "speeches," not enough action. And some of the interesting action is only implied. We don't get to see it, and it leaves you feeling unsatisfied.

Embarrassingly vapid. Pointless, no backstory to any character, even the main characters, no explanation for the Chef's "menu" plans for the evening, no justification for the humiliation of multiple characters, where it came from, to what end. The plot seems to have been written while the producers were on crack or snorting Cocaine, as was wryly suggested by one of the other reviewers. Read all the one-star reviews before you waste your precious time out or even your precious time lounging while watching it for free on HBO. There is no storyline, no story arc. It is shocking that actors of substance and character and a history of good roles, Ralph Fiennes, John Leguizamo, and Judith Light, would permit themselves to participate in such a boring, monotone, ridiculous movie that doesn't explain anything. Scenes are just thrown at you. It was not possible even for actors of this caliber to shine or engage the viewer emotionally or actively in any way, shape, or form for a non-plot, just meandering scenes that go nowhere. It is not a satire on rich people because it doesn't have any bite or direction or story. There is no explanation why one character ends up on a boat eating a hamburger at the end, where she goes, why she's there. It is so pointless it actually makes you angry for spending your time watching, in which you wanted to be entertained and enjoy. As some of my compadres point out, we wonder how much the people who wrote 5-star reviews got paid. One even said she'd like to give it - negative stars, below Zero. This is the worst movie I can ever remember watching, totally without merit. Do not waste your time.

Fantastic series. Superlative acting by Chris Pratt and Kitsch, his CUa buddy. Excellent writing and dialogue. I binged on it over 4th of July. Gripping. Highly recommended.

This was a very interesting movie, well-acted, well-written, well-directed. There wasn't a false note in it. And for those who like action, plenty of great stimulus too. Great photography, beautiful locations. I am very critical of movies, being an actress, and ai don't understand why it did not get 90% great reviews. Will Smith really is a great actor. He deserved the Acaddmy Award because he always delivers.