I had three opinions to go on when we decided to see "Burn After Reading" – The New Yorker critic said it turned him off; my brother said it turned him off, too; Julie – my trusty movie pal – liked it (she saw it with her other movie pal, Nina, who also liked the film.). Since it was a toss-up, we had to try to break the tie. Sorry, friends: we agree with all the reviewers, sort of.
The acting was enjoyable to watch because the actors were obviously having so much fun – especially John Malkovich (as the CIA Man) and Brad Pitt (as The Doofus). The plot was ridiculous; but on the other hand, John felt it wasn't greatly exaggerated as far as the attitude that he guesses prevails at Langley – though he still swears he's never worked for The Company. We can all agree that the F Word was overused, but I believe it's overused in the halls of government too, so that may well be pure accuracy. (My Bro thought its over-usage indicated a lack of creative dialogue on the part of the screenwriters.)
In sum, we sit on the fence e'en yet: it was not "Fargo" (though black, like that film); neither was it funny, like "O Brother" or "Raising Arizona" – I guess I'd say it was neither here nor there, since it has not stayed with me since I left the theatre, as good films will do.
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3 comments:
That's pretty much how I felt about the previews. These days they show you so much in the previews, I only go if it REALLY look good. Lately, that's meant superhero movies - Batman was ok, but no one touches Michael Keaton's Batman, IMO.
I agree with your assessment, Mom. I enjoyed watching the actors, they were having a great time, and playing against type which was entertaining. But it wasn't a GREAT film.
I don't think I've seen a great film this year yet. Maybe Batman, that was pretty great, though not my preferred genre.
And I agree with Souffle, they show so much in the previews that sometimes I don't even feel like I need to see the movie.
Actually the best movie I may have seen this year is a small film called The Visitor. It stars Richard Jenkins, who was also in Burn Before Reading. Beautifully acted and stayed with me.
Julie and I are going to try to get to see "Frozen River," which comes highly recommended by my sibs. I don't think I've seen a GREAT film yet this year either -- maybe that will be it. I don't do SuperHero movies, so missed Batman (what? V? VI?) and usually don't do series (except Harry Potter of course).
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