botner
Joined Jan 2005
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Reviews8
botner's rating
Well, you can read about the plot elsewhere, but to summarize..
-Yes, this one will polarize audiences. You'll either love it or hate it. Those going into hoping for either a rehash of the TV show or an over-the-top action flick a la Mission: Impossible or James Bond will probably leave disappointed. The ADD moviegoers who need constant stimulation and a spelled-out plot will inevitably shift in their seats and wish they would have checked out 'Little Man' instead. Those seeking a competent, stylish, adult cop movie will get their moneys worth.
-Not as good as 'Heat', but about on par with Collateral.
-Yes, there are some plot lines/characters that go seemingly unresolved, but that is how it was on the TV show too, and how it is in real life. You don't always wrap things up in one quick swoop. I suppose that's what sequels are for.
-The cinematography is exquisite, with breathtakingly beautiful shots, be it a purple Miami skyline at night or a boat cruising effortlessly across the ocean.
-Both the leads do a admirable job. Despite getting saddled with an unfortunate mullet and a few cheesy pickup line, Farrell is pretty good.
Bottom line: A great, 'adult' cop drama for the over 25 set. Those wanting something more flashy, well go see Pirates again.
-Yes, this one will polarize audiences. You'll either love it or hate it. Those going into hoping for either a rehash of the TV show or an over-the-top action flick a la Mission: Impossible or James Bond will probably leave disappointed. The ADD moviegoers who need constant stimulation and a spelled-out plot will inevitably shift in their seats and wish they would have checked out 'Little Man' instead. Those seeking a competent, stylish, adult cop movie will get their moneys worth.
-Not as good as 'Heat', but about on par with Collateral.
-Yes, there are some plot lines/characters that go seemingly unresolved, but that is how it was on the TV show too, and how it is in real life. You don't always wrap things up in one quick swoop. I suppose that's what sequels are for.
-The cinematography is exquisite, with breathtakingly beautiful shots, be it a purple Miami skyline at night or a boat cruising effortlessly across the ocean.
-Both the leads do a admirable job. Despite getting saddled with an unfortunate mullet and a few cheesy pickup line, Farrell is pretty good.
Bottom line: A great, 'adult' cop drama for the over 25 set. Those wanting something more flashy, well go see Pirates again.
I saw this at a special screening. I have not stopped thinking about it since. A emotional and powerful film that I will remember forever. I can't fault anyone who doesn't want to see this film. But please put to rest any fears that this film was made purely to turn a profit and serves no purpose.
For all those who were afraid that this film would be exploitive, propaganda filled Hollywood schlock, I'm sorry to say that could not be farther from the truth.
Though for the most part I'm still at a loss for words I'll do my best to give you a short and sweet overview.
Paul Greengrass has done the seemingly impossible by making a Hollywood film about this subject everyone is afraid to touch, but made it in such a way that it's hard to find fault, despite everyone's initial misgivings. No 'rah rah' patriotism. No veiled political stances. No cartoonish villains. No making the enemy sympathetic. Just a brilliantly executed look at what did happen and what 'might' have happened on that fateful day.
What makes it more effective is that all throughout you don't recognize any of the actors. They may as well be "real people". You're never thinking to yourself, 'oh that's Nicolas Cage', conscious of the fact that it's acting. And come to find out, many of the air traffic controllers and military personnel are playing themselves! This makes it all the more real and draws you in and takes you back to that day.
And when the passengers decide to fight back? There's no swelling of violins or slow motion shots. They don't have a rallying cry or 'lets do it for Uncle Sam' type speech to motivate everyone. No, these passengers were reacting spontaneously to the situation as it played out and were acting on their survival instinct. You can't help but think how you would react in that situation and makes it all the more compelling and powerful.
I won't say this film is for everyone. It IS hard to watch at times. But I'm so glad I did see it. Very cathartic in a way. And trust me, this film couldn't have been done in a more professional, classy way. This feels genuine; of course they are going to 'profit' off it, but you get the sense that the filmmakers and everyone involved poured their hearts into this project and did this to tell a story. A more dignified and heroic story I don't think I've ever seen.
For all those who were afraid that this film would be exploitive, propaganda filled Hollywood schlock, I'm sorry to say that could not be farther from the truth.
Though for the most part I'm still at a loss for words I'll do my best to give you a short and sweet overview.
Paul Greengrass has done the seemingly impossible by making a Hollywood film about this subject everyone is afraid to touch, but made it in such a way that it's hard to find fault, despite everyone's initial misgivings. No 'rah rah' patriotism. No veiled political stances. No cartoonish villains. No making the enemy sympathetic. Just a brilliantly executed look at what did happen and what 'might' have happened on that fateful day.
What makes it more effective is that all throughout you don't recognize any of the actors. They may as well be "real people". You're never thinking to yourself, 'oh that's Nicolas Cage', conscious of the fact that it's acting. And come to find out, many of the air traffic controllers and military personnel are playing themselves! This makes it all the more real and draws you in and takes you back to that day.
And when the passengers decide to fight back? There's no swelling of violins or slow motion shots. They don't have a rallying cry or 'lets do it for Uncle Sam' type speech to motivate everyone. No, these passengers were reacting spontaneously to the situation as it played out and were acting on their survival instinct. You can't help but think how you would react in that situation and makes it all the more compelling and powerful.
I won't say this film is for everyone. It IS hard to watch at times. But I'm so glad I did see it. Very cathartic in a way. And trust me, this film couldn't have been done in a more professional, classy way. This feels genuine; of course they are going to 'profit' off it, but you get the sense that the filmmakers and everyone involved poured their hearts into this project and did this to tell a story. A more dignified and heroic story I don't think I've ever seen.
Just got back from a preview screening. What can I say? Wow.
If you liked the first two, you'll like this one. If you didn't, why are you reading this review? Much better than the inferior second film. Good to see the original director and producer back on board. If you judge these by the gruesomeness and outrageousness of the deaths (what else would you judge them on, plot?), than this may in fact be the best of the three. And surprisingly enough, the acting is passable for a film of this ilk. Not a lot of unintentional laughter at the dialog (but plenty of laughter and screams during the death scenes)
Right on par with the first one. Tanning booths, nail guns, weight machines, oh my! And watch out for those pesky flying engines.
If you liked the first two, you'll like this one. If you didn't, why are you reading this review? Much better than the inferior second film. Good to see the original director and producer back on board. If you judge these by the gruesomeness and outrageousness of the deaths (what else would you judge them on, plot?), than this may in fact be the best of the three. And surprisingly enough, the acting is passable for a film of this ilk. Not a lot of unintentional laughter at the dialog (but plenty of laughter and screams during the death scenes)
Right on par with the first one. Tanning booths, nail guns, weight machines, oh my! And watch out for those pesky flying engines.