I found the performances to be solid, was genuinely interested in the plot, there were some heart-wrenching scenes, some action packed scenes (chase from the Nazis) and Helen Mirren was gold (choice of words intended). I was bawling my eyes out at the end and I don't do that lightly. What are these critics missing? This was a solid film.
shareI agree! I purposely didn't look up reviews because I didn't want to go in with different expectations. I just wanted to be entertained, and I ended up being moved! Such a great film, the final scene was my favorite, great score!
shareIt took five minutes after the final scene for anyone in the theater to begin to leave. Very affecting film, and the critics did get it wrong.
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Critics judged the container and not the contents. They objected to the fact that it was formulaic, with a predictable story arc. Both of those things are true, but they don't necessarily mean a movie isn't very good or even great. And in fact, there's something to be said for working within the confines of a tried-and-true formula, and making it work.
One of my best film buddies is a former film professor, arthouse cinema booker, and film festival programmer who admits that he usually dislikes this kind of film in general, and specifically dislikes most films by the Weinsteins. And he really liked this one. He knows I often have similar complaints (although not nearly to the same degree) and predicted I would really like this one, too. And I did. I got teary-eyed at many points, and even though I knew it had to be coming, when the arbitrators announced their ruling, I was sobbing.
You'll note that the IMDB score is way higher than the Rotten Tomatoes Average Score (7.6 vs. 5.8), so you, him, me (and my Mom, and my chiropractor!) have a lot of company.
Prepare your minds for a new scale of physical, scientific values, gentlemen.share
Wow, I expected this thread to be bashing the film because I couldn't imagine that the critics didn't like it. I seldom read critics until after a film and hadn't gotten that far yet. I'll be anxious to see what the "experts" thought was so bad.
Yes, it was formulaic, but formula, and clichés, for that matter, originate in real life. If you get to be old enough, "formulas" can be found in films, books, TV shows, plays, and whatever else -- that doesn't make the art bad. Now that Ebert is gone, most critics are lame.
ya 7 on imdb is too low i'd give it a 8.2 everyone in the nail salon wanted to finish the movie despite finishing their mani and pedis
shareI can't understand how critics - professional or armchair - could haul this over the coals for being 'formulaic' (although I never quite know what that means) or the storyline for being 'predictable'. It wasn't a creation from someone's imagination - the events and characters were both real. Can you accuse real life of being 'formulaic'?
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Oh how I agree with you, BetterLikeThis. Alas, if people shut up until they knew what they were talking about, online newspaper TV columns and Internet discussion boards would probably disappear up their own plug socket - although that might not necessarily be a bad thing ... ;)
sharePay no attention to "the critics" whoever "they" are. The so-called critics have destroyed the reputations of any number of truly wonderful films--before the public even had a chance to see them, and judge for themselves.
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"Exactly. "Critics" are arrogant and useless individuals who seem to think nobody else will be able to decide for themselves without THEIR insufferably smartass comments. Guess again. "
...so, basically, they're like you? ;)
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I loved the film... I really try not to listen to critics. I knew from the previews I wanted to see this movie and I'm glad I did.
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