John Preston

I don't give one-star reviews except when I think it is really warranted, or will possibly be helpful. I would not describe this film as a "mess", or "baffling", but personally I found it hugely disappointing because I thought it had some very promising themes that never got off the ground. Also there was a bit too much filler that became irritating rather than thought-provoking, and the idea that a successful surgeon would marry (and remain with) a pretty hopeless writer is just too big a reach. The humour regarding the too-small bike could work in a situation where transport is needed short-term (e.g one scene), driven by extreme circumstances, but for said bike to be used throughout many scenes was very hard to accept, especially as the wife (Kudrow) drove a large, flashy Merc. (No hire cars or cabs for when she was away??) The acting was (in my opinion) good, but I was left feeling that in the right hands (the Mulroneys should sell the rights and then leave well alone), the central ideas could be rebuilt into an excellent film. p.s. It won a single award. Wondering what this could be (given my review) I checked and found out that - correctly, as time has told - it was for Emma Stone as "Rising star". Also, if I was being really picky, although it could be argued that the Book Couch had metaphorical merit, a backrest made of taped-together books would collapse as soon as it was leant against...

A difficult film to categorize. But I think it's superb. Unlike "Brazil" it does not leave you emotionally shattered. Quite the contrary. I don't want to repeat what some of the more detailed reviews have to say, but great acting and dialogue, and an intricate and moving plot make it one of my personal favourites. There are poignant moments, but for me, one of the comedy highlights is when Jeff Bridges' dishevelled character is staggering up the stone staircase in "Parry's" basement and "Parry" asks "Are you married?" When the answer is "No", the response is "You look married". (For full appreciation of the genius of this moment, it needs to be seen (or remembered)).

Beautifully shot. A wonderful blend of character development, touching (or harsh) moments, interlaced with quirky humour. I cannot fault any of the acting, and Angelina Jolie gets to play a character with real depth - a wounded soul who is equally capable of light and dark acts. How the viewer may feel about Maleficient is always in the balance. She is like a frightening gangland leader at Aurora's christening, but also shows real warmth (or harshness) when looking out/over Aurora. Aurora could have been a drip, but is endearing and the epitome of innocence. Prince/King Stefan could have become a cartoon baddie but earns credit as a troubled character. (Angelina Jolie's English accent is remarkable - by contrast (to my ears, and opinion) the Obi Wan Kenobi of Ewan Mcgregor is laughable.) I think it is a complex, and occasionally underrated, movie.