GamerTab
That was an excellent one.
filippaberry84
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
Sameer Callahan
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Sienna-Rose Mclaughlin
The movie really just wants to entertain people.
stills-6
Many people will enjoy the crap out of this movie because of its angsty hero and the story of his perseverance in the face of a hostile world. The directional arc of this story is almost religious in its message of faith, of feeling chosen, of attempting to interpret the uninterpretable, and forcing yourself to push through the darkness. If that's what the movie had been about, it would have been an absolute masterpiece. Maybe I'm asking too much for a movie to be so aware of its message that its context and narrative go in that direction also.Unfortunately, the movie is about the universal nature of the mythic Holden Caulfield character. The screenwriter has done exactly what Salinger told him not to do, to interpret the mythos and reduce it to a cheap psychoanalysis of what that character means. As a fan of the book myself, it's disheartening to see just how misinterpreted it becomes even in the most capable of hands.Don't get me wrong, this movie is enjoyable in and of itself. The movie itself is great looking and moderately satisfying. Cooper is particularly enjoyable as the man himself, operating as both the wise man on the hill and the man behind the curtain. The filmmaker did a fine job with what he had to work with, which was a flawed script that comes to conclusions that don't quite fit together. The hero on a quest motif works extremely well here, but there were many missed opportunities on the journey to reach for more. The opening half-hour comes from a pretty dark and intense place, but that energy isn't sustained, as it instead veers into syrupy redemption rather than attempting to make any statements about where that darkness and intensity comes from. It's apparently enough just to state it exists, like the dragon that must either be slain or domesticated. I don't dislike this movie, but it's frustrating to see a fairly pat story applied to a very complex subject, and attempt to get away with it by shrugging about what it means. The story could very easily have been about what it means instead of simply the shrug.
tawandadowney
I saw this film last week and was totally enthralled! The actors, basically "unknown" other than Chris Cooper, were splendid. Virginia looked lovely with glorious fall scenes of winding roads. It/they drew me in and made me feel a part of his journey, and as I mentioned to my friend when it was over "I want to HUG that movie". To think this was actually experienced IN REAL LIFE by the author/director! Wow! I also was pleased that the obligatory romantic scenes were left to the viewer's imagination. Thank you for letting ME (and my imagination) have a part in your movie. So go feel the warmth and charm of a wonderful movie!
jill-55578
If you love stories, connections, warmth and humor - this movie is for you. it is engaging, funny, poignant and beautiful!I I enjoyed the characters, the scenery, the story, the actors. There are funny moments, poignant moments, suspenseful moments and squirmy moments. The movie maker is a resident of my town and was there with Chris Cooper for us to ask questions to. They love the movie and the audience of all ages loved the movie. Some of the music is by Jay Nash a local singer/writer. Some of the investors are also local. This is a local product without any kitsch. if you are a person who believes in supporting local and not the mega companies this move if for you.It is heart warming to see their dedication and love for their product.
starrluna
This was my overall favourite (non-horror) film from the Phoenix Film Festival, hands down. It was just so well done! I can't even find a bad thing to say about it. A truly perfect film!This is a coming of age story at it's core, but it's also the (mostly) true story of the writer/director's quest to meet the notoriously private JD Salinger. I had the opportunity to hear the director discuss this film and his respect for Salinger was obvious. He also stated that the conversations with Salinger were actually verbatim because he wrote them down immediately, and then used these notes to write the film. So you're truly getting a bit of insight into the real Salinger with this film.The movie is so much more than that, though. In my opinion, this is truly an Oscar worthy film.
