PlatinumRead Just so...so bad

Spidersecu Don't Believe the Hype

Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

laurajpbinks Wow!!!! Just watched Magical Universe - what an incredible adventure!I watched it with my friend Margaret. We were so moved by Al's story, artwork and creations. As one of his 'public' proclaims 'Al is a true eccentric', going about his life and artwork regardless of what anybody (especially his wife!) thinks. And yet he does have this yearning and searching for understanding and acceptance. He's proud of his work, happy to share his thoughts, but often asking if his ideas are reasonable. It was so uplifting and life affirming to see Al unburdened when his life's work, obsession and dream world was taken outside his home. Jeremy and Astrid's friendship with Al is equally moving. It was so lovely to see this young couple somewhat adopt this kooky creative grandfather figure. What an amazing sequence of events to have happen and have been recorded. Thank you for making the longer version of the documentary Jeremy, you've touched and inspired us, Laura and Margaret

matchka-43956 I enjoyed this film so much; my attention never wavered. Delving into Al Carbee's world is like escaping into a storybook that feels like childhood but is very much grown-up. The film evoked compassion in me for this gentle, happy, strange old man with a vivid imagination and lovely spirit. Every time I watched him on the screen, I couldn't help but feel tender towards him. I wanted to hug him! The film shows how his art is so much more than "photos of Barbies" and the essence of his work is captured beautifully. I found myself coveting some of his photos. Jeremy Workman has created a splendid narrative about an obscure artist and his wonderful little world. What a touching tribute to Al Carbee.

timmayo I apply that title to both Al Carbee's work as well as this film.Like most I was wondering where it was headed after the first 15-20 mins but when I got a look into Al's world I was amazed. Al's work, for me, is akin to listening to a lecture from someone like Terance McKenna or Timothy Leary.Al's dreams and the way he translates them into visual works is extraordinary and Mr. Workman has done the same thing with his work introducing us to Al Carbee.With any luck this film will serve as an introduction to the artist known as Al Carbee.

beckina Jeremy Workman tells a lovely story in this film. Al Carbee was an "outsider artist", an old Maine hermit, who created oddly beautiful and elaborate dioramas with Barbie dolls, then photographing them and creating collages. His work was visually interesting and really quite compelling. This is a strangely moving and compassionate film about an interesting artist and man, and the relationships he forges in his later years, and is a meditation on making and the development of an artist through stages of life. The soundtrack is beautiful. Photography by John Monroe captures some of the sense of the mystery and amazement of meeting Al for the first time.