Air has been called “the movie of our time” and is winning various pre-Award show awards for its acting and directing. It’s a decent movie. There are some laughs and some interesting situations, but the film really fails to (pardon this next phrase) “get off the ground”.
Maybe I’ve become to assimilated to comedies, even adult comedies, at least being happy and having a lot of laughs. Sorry, I like those kind of movies. Air, however lacks even the pretentiously hilarious hipness of director Jason Reitman’s sophomore film, Juno.
Now, with all the other hype behind it, it’s going to be up for best picture at the Oscars, heck, they have 10 movies up for best picture now... anything could get nominated. But when the whole movie is weighed out, you have an A-list star, an A-list director, in a solid B- movie.
There is really nothing that stands out from the film as classic or new. Apparently, handsome men have sex with pretty women, have trouble at work, and are really just taller, older boys. I get it George, I understand. Now go and do another movie that requires you to do less facial grimacing (a move that should be called the Clooney) and try to find the next O Brother, Where Art Thou or Burn After Reading… or direct another Good Night and Good Luck or Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. We know you have the talent, we’ve seen it. Even Brad Pitt branches out more than you.
What I don’t need to see is Daniel Ocean trying to be smooth in an espionage thriller, a romantic comedy, or a hospital drama. Give me substance, creativity, a shot in the arm, find the diamond hidden so elusively in the ruff. You know the casting directors want you, now just read the scripts.
Haven't seen the movie, but don't mention Clooney in the same breath as "facial grimaces" while Mel Gibson is still around. - yuck!
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie and was also disappointed. Oh, Clooney is gorgeous, but I found the film predictable and dreary. Yes, your heart goes out to folks getting fired and their desperate soliloquies, but where is the breath of fresh air that AIR could offer?
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying out loud that this "Hollywood Block-Buster" doesn't get off the ground. I felt ripped off by the pre-movie hipe. If this is "Best Picture" material then I'm going to start watching soap operas rather than paying to see a flick!
ReplyDeleteAgreed with most of what you said, Andy. Clooney's problem is that while he plays the first half of the character perfectly (type-castedly), he doesn't really have the acting chops to handle the latter part. Simply put, the personable and charming Clooney just doesn't convey loneliness very well. And that's the weakness in the film. Imagine what Tom Hanks could've done with this role!
ReplyDelete