Sunday, November 26, 2006
Movie Reviews: THE FOUNTAIN & BABEL
In theaters
THE FOUNTAIN
In this epic time-spanning love story from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi), Hugh Jackman is a man on a thousand-year quest to save the love of his life, Rachel Weisz. He begins his journey as a 16th-century conquistador named Tomas Creo who finds the Tree of Life, which grants him eternal life. As Tommy Creo, a modern-day scientist, he struggles to find a cure for the cancer that is killing his wife. And finally, as a 26th-century astronaut, Tom finally begins to come to terms with his unnaturally long life.
Cast Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz
Director(s) Darren Aronofsky
Writer(s) Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel
Status In theaters (wide)
Genre(s) Science Fiction
Release Date Nov. 22, 2006
Running Time 96 minutes
MPAA Rating PG-13
Review:
The Fountain isn't a film that going to be for everyone. That really shouldn't be too much of a surprise since Darren Aronofsky previous films, PI and Requiem for a Dream, weren't exactly films for mass consumption. Darren Aronofsky makes very heady movies that require the audience's attention, The Fountain is no different. This film is a high concept existential meditation on the meaning of life and love. If you try to figure out exactly what is going on or need an explanation on how the plot got from point A to point B then this film will just frustrate your senses. However, if you have the patience and are mentally open to this films premises and methods then you will find a great deal to enjoy about this movie. This film is beautifully shot movie that makes the entire enterprise seem more like a wonderful dream that may or may not have happen. Hugh Jackman is just wonderful in his triple roles displaying a wonderful sense of longing and determination in his performance. Rachel Weisz is equally superb in her performance, her character being more of an idea than an actual character. This film is great but not perfect; sometimes Aronofsky just can't quite keep himself from going a bit over board with his artistic conceits. This isn't a major draw back but it is apparent especially need the film's conclusion. Regardless of its flaw this film is a beautiful work of art.
A-
BABEL
Two Moroccan boys set out to look after their family's herd of goats, but when one of them tests his stolen rifle, the bullet finds an unintended target. In an instant, the lives of four separate groups of strangers on three different continents collide. Caught up in an accident that escalates beyond anyone's control are a vacationing American couple (Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett), a rebellious deaf Japanese teenager and her father, and a Mexican nanny who, without permission, takes two American children across the border.
Cast Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Mahima Chaudhry, Shilpa Shetty, Koji Yakusho (more)
Director(s) Alejandro González Iñárritu
Writer(s) Guillermo Arriaga Jordan
Status In theaters (limited)
Genre(s) Drama
Release Date Oct. 27, 2006 — New York/Los Angeles; Nov. 10, 2006 — wide
Running Time 142 minutes
MPAA Rating R - for violence, some graphic nudity, sexual content, language and some drug use.
Review:
Alejandro González Iñárritu's Babel is a intelligent well made film that interweaves sadness and tragedy into every portion of this various plots. First off, anyone looking for a feel good movie should probably go elsewhere. This film's domino effect of pain and despair doesn't offer much in the way of a bright side. If you have ever seen any of Alejandro González Iñárritu's previous films, Amores Perros and 21 Grams, you know what you getting, if not then prepare for a film with various seemingly unrelated plots told out of order. The acting in the film is top notch with a few noteworthy standouts; Brad Pitt in particular is excellent and shows a great deal of vulnerability with his performance here. As well made as this movie is there are a few flaws. Some of the coincidences just stretch credibility and seem a bit far fetched. Secondly, there are just a few bizarre sexual situations that don't add anything to the film and just seem to be there simply to shock more and add anything to the overall film. As a result some of the films situations just seem a tab bit silly instead of moving or important. However as a whole this film is too good of a film to miss.
B+
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