Not going to go on and on - there was much here to admire technically on the filmmaking side, but little on the storytelling side. The characters never change - so the story never deepens or expands and the characters never really come alive fully. And Jodie Foster is a favorite, but this was not a good role for her and ultimately an incredibly stilted and unconvincing performance. I would love to have seen Tilda Swinton or Kate Blanchett. Matt Damon is just so weary throughout that it's hard to root for him - I only really cared, somewhat, for the character Frey and the little girl. It is visually stunning and looks even better when the "shakey-cam" (which is getting really old) settles down. Great idea and I'm glad I saw it, but it just left me pretty unsatisfied.
Reviews
3 Reviews
2012
(I) (2009)
Why the cheese and Hollywood shine-ola?
22 November 2009
This should be in a film-making text book for how to let a lousy script wreck your $200 million dollar movie.
Why all the "soapy" situations? Cheesy dialogue? Silly contrived metaphors? UN-NECESSARY! This movie could have worked on so many more levels, but the burden of its script was too much and it was 20 minutes too long. It seemed like every time the story was building up some real tension we'd stop to have a mother/daughter; father/son; brother/sister; author/apocalypse-loving; bimbo/dog bonding moment! Seriously?
Makes me sad, because the movie almost worked. Visually stunning, great sound, strong cast, cool idea...but, alas, no!
Why all the "soapy" situations? Cheesy dialogue? Silly contrived metaphors? UN-NECESSARY! This movie could have worked on so many more levels, but the burden of its script was too much and it was 20 minutes too long. It seemed like every time the story was building up some real tension we'd stop to have a mother/daughter; father/son; brother/sister; author/apocalypse-loving; bimbo/dog bonding moment! Seriously?
Makes me sad, because the movie almost worked. Visually stunning, great sound, strong cast, cool idea...but, alas, no!
Vroom-Vroom!
(2009)
Great short....
1 March 2009
We had a chance to screen with this film at NewFilmmakers LA and it totally rocks! Truly one of the funniest comedies I've seen in many years - short or feature-length - this little film packs a big whallop. The pace is pitch-perfect. Great characters and story and super-sharp dialogue, very well-timed. Rock solid, engaging performances and the film looks and sounds great, too. Great observations on a totally relatable story. Top notch all the way around. If you have a chance to see this one - do not miss it. Kudos to team "Vroom Vroom". Also had a blast chatting with Tess...funny lady! We were really proud to screen amongst the group of excellent films programmed for the evening.
Best, Greg Thompson
Best, Greg Thompson
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