film

Unlike most of my generation who have been drooling in anticipation over this movie, I don’t really remember reading the book as a child. Either way I wanted to see the movie and I really enjoyed it.

Here are a few thoughts on the film.

- This is not a kids movie. Just because you read the book as a child and now have a 5 year old girl doesn’t mean you should take her. I get the feeling that Spike Jonze wasn’t aiming to make a kids movie, but instead, an adult movie based on a kids book.

- WTWTA deals with the matters of the heart in a child like way. Take a look at the website and you will find words flashing across the screen like – “inside all of us is HOPE, FEAR, ADVENTURE… inside all of us is a WILD THING.” What do you do when life doesn’t go your way? How do you fix things that aren’t working out for you? All of us attempt this in one way or another and the film portrays this struggle in a wonderful way.

- The kid was great! I think his name is Max in real life as well. He was terrific.

- I really enjoyed the soundtrack. I listened to it before I saw the movie and loved it so much more hearing it in context. Really good.

- Lately I find myself becoming fascinated with Kings and Kingdoms. Watch the movie to find out more. I really liked this piece of the story.

I won’t say too much more, so watch it and let’s talk about it!

If you did see it, what did you think?

The picture to the left is from “Doubt” – the Broadway play. Written by John Patrick Shanley, ‘Doubt’ is intended to make you question and search for what you, the viewer, thinks is true. In looking for different videos about the film for this review, I couldn’t find anything I was comfortable with because it is so easy to load up the viewer with expectations and preconceived ideas. And that would, in some way, betray the purpose of the movie.

The New York Times says, Doubt is “an inspired study in moral uncertainty with the compellingly certain structure of an old-fashioned detective drama.” I am sure that this is a brilliant stage play, revolving around 4 simple characters with incredibly complex perspectives. And, although I have not seen the play, I can say the movie did the story justice.

Now, a few lasting impressions…

- This movie made 1 hour and 45 minutes seem like 10 minutes.

- Meryl Streep is ridiculous. And, Philip Seymour Hoffman is what is good about acting. Whoever cast this movie nailed it!

- The scene with Meryl Streep and Viola Davis is one I will never forget. When you watch it you will know.

- I am disappointed none of the 4 Oscar Nominated roles won their category. This movie deserved some sort of credit.

- It is possible to find yourself connecting with each of the characters. After thinking about it, I found myself rooting for Streep’s character, which probably reveals my propensity toward legalism. Perhaps a ‘Doubt and the Gospel’ post is coming.

- In a time where movie-goers are trained to love big explosions, suspenseful plot twists and explicit sex scenes; Doubt goes beyond that. It doesn’t need those elements. It has what few other films offer: good acting and a great story. (trailer below)

Ok, your turn, in the comments -  Did you see it? What did you think? Which character did you find yourself rooting for or connecting with?