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Monday, January 12, 2009

Revolutionary Road...two thumbs down!

I am not usually mean or ill-spirited with my writing but I feel compelled to tell you of my disliking of a new movie that is being promoted like the next best thing since sliced bread. I am by no-means a film critic, so take my analysis for what it is worth.

Over the holiday I saw Revolutionary Road...I know, it's not out yet. What can I say, I know people in high places.

There were six of us that watched it together (three married couples). We all had the same feelings about the movie. "I'm sorry, that was terrible," is what one blurted out as the credits rolled.

As were we watching the movie, another comment was, " this movie reminds me of American Beauty in its tone and pace," as he made a circular motion with his arm to gesture that the movie needed to move along. And it is no shocker that it did remind all of us of American Beauty because Sam Mendes, Kate Winslet's husband and director of this film, also directed American Beauty.

There were excellent acting performances in the movie by all the cast members, including Leo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet. (And I do hate to bag on the movie because I do really like Kate Winslet and am thrilled she won the Golden Globe last night for Best Actress.)

But the excellent acting just can't carry the slow pace and awful story that is the movie.

A couple in a bad marriage, big whoop. The timing of the release of this movie is all wrong. People right now are worried about their jobs, their retirement, the economy. Five years ago we might have had different feelings for a guy who has a great paying job and a beautiful home in the suburbs. If I had been watching this film in a theater, I would have walked out.

Here was the kicker for me...the main couple (played by DiCaprio and Winslet) had so many arguments, discussions and breakfasts without their kids anywhere in sight. Anyone who has two young kids knows it is impossible to find time to talk to your spouse (especially during the day) and yet this couple seemed to find it all the time. They wanted more out of life...they wanted to be "special." I won't say much else because I don't want to spoil the movie, but all in all, it is a depressing and negative outlook on marriage. (Like the divorce rate isn't enough to depress a married couple these days!)

I will say there was one good thing that came out of the movie for the six of us...we all recognized how happy we are in our marriages and how our "normal" lives are just fine with us.

My recommendation for Revolutionary Road...skip it!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did you not like American Beauty? That is one of my favorites...:)

Unknown said...

Even though I thought American Beauty was dark and a bit twisted, I could still appreciate it. I can appreciate the acting in Revolutionary Road, but the story is weak. I said to myself many times during the movie, "so what."

And if you loved American Beauty, then you may really like this movie. What I may dislike, you may love. Now I feel silly for saying skip it!

Anonymous said...

Don't feel silly! I always like to hear people's opinions on movies, not that I get to see many since having the kiddies!

The Mrs. said...

My sister said it was mucho depressing!!! I was wondering though because of all the awards it's winning!!! Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like THE LAST thing I need!

Mrs. L said...

Very good to know. I thought it looked a little different.

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