Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by sjb (A) on December 30, 2004 at 09:17:04

There's a lot that's wrong with this movie...

John Travolta, at times, appears to be playing the same character he played in Primary Colors in regards to his accent and attempts at charm. And, as is his wont, he overacts.

The "twist" is seen from miles away.

It gives us a little too much of the romance of the rundown Southern (New Orleans) alchoholic.

The camera angles and editing choices in the dialogue scenes leave something to be desired.

The character development often happens in spurts, often off camera.

But...

The non dialogue scenes were very well shot.

It gives us the pain and loss of the rundown Southern (New Orleans) alchoholic.

John Travolta has some really poignant moments.

Scarlett Johanssen (sp?) finally shows some emotion. And when she does you see that there's a force in there; potentially, a very powerful one. And she shows us some acting range well beyond the distant quiet cool she often displays. Plus, Jesus, she's a pleasure to watch.

All in all it was a pleasure to watch despite it's faults, it was easy to care about the movie and it's characters and it was emotionally involving. At least for me...in the mood I was in yesterday.

"Where are we going? And what am I doing in this hand basket?"