Based on a six hour BBC miniseries, State of Play stars Academy Award winner Russell Crowe as Cal McAffrey, an old-school investigative journalist, who is paired with novice reporter, Della Frye (Rachel McAdams).  After their no-nonsense editor (Helen Mirren) assigns the duo to research the brutal murder of a beautiful D.C. assistant, the two begin to uncover a scandal that involves several powerful political figures. Among them is ambitious and promising Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) who also happens to be one of McAffrey’s dear friends.  Collins is thought to be the future of his political party and a possible contender for the upcoming election, but as the plot begins to unravel, secrets are revealed that threaten his career, his friendship with McAffrey and the country’s political structure as a whole.

At first glance, State of Play may seem like just another political conspiracy thriller but, at its depths, is a much more relevant statement about modern journalism and culture.  While everyone in this film delivers top-notch performances, the most interesting and dynamic exists between Crowe and McAdams, who respectively represent the old-schools and new-schools of journalism.  McAffrey is a newspaperman, someone who researches and fact checks and lives and dies by the presses.  Frye is your typical Gen Y-er, raised in the Internet Age and used to information being just a click away.  The plot twists keep the film engaging throughout, but the scenes depicting the opposing schools of journalism are the brains of the film and help it to rise above many in this genre.

I’ve always believed that a good movie will leave you thinking about something once the lights come up – that you will somehow walk out of the theater different than you walked in. I left State of Play not only thinking about the current state of media, but how this dichotomy transfers to our culture. As we continue to see newspapers fall, there seems to be a growing backlash against new-school journalists and Gen Y as a whole. There is a bitterness that is creating an “us” vs. “them” mentality, which doesn’t seem to be benefiting anyone.  This film shows the advantage of the two schools working together – the old teaching the young the tricks of the trade and the new teaching the old the advantages of technology.  As a member of Gen Y, I can certainly identify with McAdam’s character and I feel this constant battle in the world daily.

That Girl says: Like it!  State of Play is an intelligent and thought-provoking film that is worth holding the presses for.  More than just well-acted, directed and crafted overall, its depiction of the modern state of the media makes the film relevant in our current culture.  It also delivers an important message about respecting the past, but embracing the future – and the need to do both.

Release Date:  April 17th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  132 minutes
Rated:  PG-13
Company:  Universal Pictures
Cast: Russell Crowe – Cal McAffrey
Ben Affleck – Stephen Collins
Rachel McAdams – Della Frye
Helen Mirren – Cameron Lynne
Robin Wright Penn – Anne Collins
Jason Bateman – Dominic Foy
Jeff Daniels – Rep. George Fergus
Director: Kevin MacDonald
Official Site: http://www.stateofplaymovie.net/

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It began in 2006 as a hit Disney Channel TV series and then branched out to the big screen in 2008 with Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert.  Now the “Hannah Montana” phenomenon is all grown up with a full-length feature film entitled Hannah Montana: The Movie.  Just as the franchise continues to grow in success, the film depicts Hannah’s continued climb to stardom as an international pop sensation.

At the film’s start, Hannah seems to be the girl who has everything, but somewhere amidst the hair, make-up and Rodeo Drive shopping sprees, Miley has begun to get lost in the shuffle.  In an attempt to help her return to her roots, Miley’s father (Billy Ray Cyrus) tricks her into going home to Tennessee for her grandma’s birthday.  This is where the adventure begins, as Miley reconnects with her family, falls in love and rediscovers herself in the countryside of her home town of Crowley Corners.  Miley is joined on the big screen by several favorites from the TV show and additional cameos by Tyra Banks, Taylor Swift, and Rascal Flatts.

Hannah Montana: The Movie was definitely not on my must see list, but since it was a slow weekend as far as releases, I thought I would give it a shot for the sake of you, i am that girl readers.  I walked into the theater with several preconceived notions about this film, despite the fact that I’ve never even seen an episode of the TV series.  I was expecting screaming tweens, blond wigs, and bad pop songs… So when I actually got a touching coming-of-age story, I was pleasantly surprised.

Miley is likeable on-screen and it’s hard not to fall for her charm and youthful energy.  There is an innocence about her that is endearing and the film proves to be genuine and heartfelt overall.  While the plot seems fairly generic and borders on corny cliché at times, it is perfectly suited for its target demographic of young girls.  There is also a wholesome message at the film’s core about finding yourself by returning to your roots and the importance of knowing where you’re from to get to where you’re going.

In the end, it’s all about the journey or “the climb” as they refer to it in the film and as Miley learns, no matter how much commercial or financial success you may achieve, knowing who you are and staying true to yourself is the true definition of success.  The film also offers an interesting depiction of fame through the Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana dichotomy, delving into how notoriety can change people and the importance of staying grounded.  In terms of production value, this big-version is well shot and directed and while the music lacks originality, it’s still catchy and appropriate for the story.

That Girl says: Like it! This is almost embarrassing to admit, but Disney delivers an upbeat and uplifting tale that is sure to make audiences smile.  It may be formulaic, but it’s a formula that works and transfers nicely from the small to the big screen.  Amidst the clutter at the box office, it’s encouraging to find a film that promotes the importance of a woman knowing herself and Miley seems to be a positive role model that young girls can identify with.

Release Date:  April 10th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  102 minutes
Rated:  G
Company:  Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Miley Cyrus – Hannah Montana / Miley Stewart
Billy Ray Cyrus – Robby Ray Stewart
Emily Osment – Lilly Truscott / Lola Luftnagle
Jason Earles – Jackson Stewart
Mitchel Musso – Oliver Oken / Mike Standley III
Moises Arias – Rico
Lucas Till – Travis Brody
Vanessa Williams – Vita
Margo Martindale – Ruby
Director: Peter Chelsom
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/#/home

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Fast & Furious raced into theaters this weekend and broke box office records while doing it.  Dragging in a stunning $72.5 million, an amount previously unprecedented for an April release, is it really worth the hype?

First of all, I know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t I already see this movie like 8 years ago?”  Sort of… Funny how you can drop some “the’s,” add an ampersand, and somehow end up with a whole new movie, right?  This is the fourth installment in Universal’s franchise and the first time the original cast has been reunited since the original The Fast and the Furious (2001). This time around, Dom (Diesel) is in the Dominican Republic, still a fugitive from the law after Brian (Walker) let him go in the first film and he fled across the border to Mexico.  Meanwhile, Brian has been chained to a desk at the FBI and is ready to go undercover and get back to the streets.  The two remain on opposite sides of the law until Dom’s long-time love, Letty (Rodriguez) is harmed and the two reunite to avenge her and bring down a drug lord who is using street racers to smuggle drugs across the border.  The high-speed pursuit runs from the streets of LA to the tunnels of Mexico as the two attempt to outmaneuver the dangerous drug cartel.

This movie is pure testosterone from the opening sequence to the closing credits.  It will undoubtedly play well amongst 16-year-old boys, but how will it fair for the rest of us?  Well ladies, this is a mediocre film at best.  It’s high octane, the cars are cool, and the street racing is somewhat entertaining, but that’s where my compliments end and my criticism begins.  The story completely lacks any character development and the lack of back-story may make it difficult for anyone who is unfamiliar with the older films to fully understand it.  The special effects look like cheesy CGI and the acting is laughable.  Paul Walker is easy on the eyes (as usual) and I only mention this fact because women in the film are completely objectified.  Neither of the film’s main female characters seem to serve any purpose except for to be love interests for the male leads and every woman featured at the street races seems to be in full hooker attire.  Overall, I think I could have done without the “new model” and “original parts.”

That Girl says: Leave it!  Fast & Furious would have made a great videogame for adolescent males, but it falls short as a film.  While the fast pace will carry you throughout without being too bored, the cool car chases just aren’t enough to make up for the intolerable acting and lackluster effects.

Release Date:  April 3rd, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  107 minutes
Rated:  PG-13
Company: Universal Pictures
Cast:  Vin Diesel – Dominic Toretto
Paul Walker – Brian O’Conner
Jordana Brewster – Mia Toretto
Michelle Rodriguez – Letty
Director: Justin Lin
Official Site: http://www.fastandfuriousmovie.net/

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Witch Mountain is back in theaters this weekend, restarting the beloved Disney franchise of the 1970’s that began with Escape to Witch Mountain and continued with the sequel Return to Witch Mountain.  This latest installment, Race to Witch Mountain, stars Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as “The Rock”) as Jack Bruno, a Las Vegas cabbie who is thrown into an action-packed race against the clock when two teens with supernatural powers end up in the back of his cab.  Bruno and the alien twins, Seth (Alexander Ludwig) and Sara (AnnaSophia Robe), embark on an adventure through the Nevada desert as they attempt to get to Witch Mountain before it’s too late.  With the help of brilliant astrophysicist, Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), they must solve the secrets of Witch Mountain in order to save humanity.

I definitely remember watching the original films as a child and while this latest version doesn’t possess the magic of the originals, it seems to hold up on its own accord.  Perhaps the most action-packed Disney movie that’s ever been made, this film is appealing to both children and adults. The relatively unknown child actors are perfectly cast and Johnson and Gugino have a quirky chemistry that seems to work well on screen.  It’s short and quick-paced with action driving a relatively simple story.  There’s not much to it in terms of plot, but overall it’s an entertaining ride for parents to embark on with their kids.

That Girl says: Like It!  Race to Witch Mountain may not measure up to its predecessors, but it’s a film the whole family can enjoy.  It will remind adults of their love for the original films from the ‘70’s and expose a new generation of children to a classic science fiction franchise.  It may not be a hit with my demographic, but I can appreciate it as an action-packed adventure for parents and their kids.

Release Date:  March 13th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rated: PG
Company: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast:  Dwayne Johnson – Jack Bruno
AnnaSophia Robe – Sara
Alexander Ludwig   – Seth
Carla Gugino – Dr. Alex Friedman
Ciarán Hinds – Henry Burke
Garry Marshall – Dr. Donald Harlan
Tom Everett Scott   – Matheson
Chris Marquette – Pope
Billy Brown – Carson
Kim Richards – Tina
Ike Eisenmann – Sheriff Antony
Director: Andy Fickman
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/racetowitchmountain/

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The nominations for the 81st Annual Academy Awards were announced this morning and the Hollywood is abuzz with talk of the surprises and the snubs.  So who made the list and who didn’t?  Well it’s a good thing that I Am That Girl’s MovieQT is here to spell it out for you.  And the contenders are…

Best Actor: Noms went to the usual suspects, with the exception of a surprise nomination for Richard Jenkins for The Visitor.  Jenkins undoubtedly delivered a great performance, but his nom meant a snub for another stellar performance, Leonardo DiCaprio in Revolutionary Road.  But alas ladies, our hearts must go on….

Best Actress: Both Merly Streep for Doubt and Angelina Jolie for Changeling were expected, as was Anne Hathaway who was phenomenal as a recovering drug addict in Rachel Getting Married.  We all knew Kate Winslet would get a nom, but it’s a surprise that she didn’t end up with two, considering she won the Golden Globe in both the leading and the supporting categories just a few weeks ago.   Interestingly enough, Kate was nominated for her performance in The Reader over Revolutionary Road, so looks like Kate, Leo, and the film in general were not well received by the Academy.  So who’s the fifth nominee?  That would be Melissa Leo who received critical acclaim for her performance in Frozen River, a film that won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance last year.  Considering this film was in very limited release, Leo was certainly not a front runner in the Oscar race, but you never know with the Academy…

Supporting roles: Since Winslet didn’t score a nom for Supporting Actress, this one seems to be up for grabs.   I was pleased to see Taraji P. Henson nab a nod as I would argue that she delivered a stand out performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and apparently the Academy agrees.  As for supporting actor, Heath Ledger’s shocking portrayal of the Joker has been the favorite in film circles across the board.  In fact, it will hands down earn him one of only two Oscars ever awarded posthumously.  I was also extremely happy to see Michael Shannon take home a nomination for his crazy yet comedic portrayal of the neighbor in Revolutionary Road.  And finally, two words: Tropic Thunder… I mean we all love Robert Downey Jr. , but really, what was the Academy thinking?

And last but not least, Best Picture: All 5 nominated films made my Top 8 for 2008 and 3 of them were in my Top 5, so clearly I don’t have too much to unhappy about.  That said, I can’t help but express my huge disappointment that The Reader beat out The Dark Knight in this category.  I thought for sure that this would be the year that the blockbuster took back the Awards, but it was a dark day for The Dark Knight. Beyond these complaints, I am very pleased that Milk was given the acknowledgment that it rightfully deserves.  It was previously ignored in this category at the Globes, but as perhaps the most socially relevant film of the year, it absolutely belongs among the nominees.  And, of course, I couldn’t be more thrilled about my favorite film of the year nabbing yet another Best Picture nom. Slumdog Millionaire recently won at the Globes and I’m pretty certain it’s headed for Oscar glory as well.

Well that’s a wrap. Check back for MovieQT’s Oscar Predictions and let us know who you think will win!  Don’t forget to tune in for Hollywood’s biggest night when the Academy Awards air live from the Kodak Theater on Sunday, February 22 at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET on ABC.

Click here to check out the complete list of nominees.

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After two weeks in limited release, the World War II drama Defiance goes wide in theaters this MLK weekend.  Set in the year 1941 and based on actual events, the film tells the extraordinary tale of three Jewish brothers and their battle against the Nazis.  As Jews are being massacred across Eastern Europe, the Bieleski brothers, played by Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, take refuge in the dense Belarus Forest, which was once their childhood playground.  As others slowly learn of this family surviving in the woods, hundreds flock to the forest in an effort to escape the Nazis and live freely among those who share their faith.  As the community grows under the brothers’ leadership, something extraordinary happens – amidst a harsh winter full of death and loss, humanity thrives and hope is re-born.

It’s always difficult to evaluate films set in this era because there is such sensitivity about the historical period.  The Holocaust is the greatest tragedy the world has ever experienced; however, it is often hard to separate the harsh reality of the actual events from how they are depicted onscreen.  Just because a film deals with the Holocaust as subject matter, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a “good” movie that audiences should run out to see.

Defiance seems to walk this line – I want to love it because the source material is so remarkable, but the film itself has its flaws.  In terms of performance, Liev Screiber is truly phenomenal, but Daniel Craig is lackluster in the starring role.  He is supposed to be an idealistic leader, but he plays the part so stoically that I question his ability to inspire the masses as the character did in real life.  More importantly, his lack of emotion made it challenging for me to connect to what could have and should have been a very touching film. That said, I don’t think all of the blame rests on Craig as Zwick’s direction probably played a significant role as well.  Overall, it seemed as if all of the elements were present to make Defiance an outstanding film, but somehow the sum ended up being less than the parts.  Even James Newton Howard’s Golden Globe-nominated score couldn’t aid in translating the urgency of this real-life struggle for survival to the silver screen.

That Girl says: Like It!  Defiance is a celebration of family, redemption and humanity that should be seen for its historical value even though it plays like a conventional war movie.  It’s an inspirational story that is certainly worthy of the big screen, but a combination of elements, including Daniel Craig’s static performance, make the film feel somewhat uninspired.

Release Date:  January 16th, 2009 (Limited Release)
Running Time:  137 minutes
Rated:  R
Company:  Paramount Vantage
Cast: Daniel Craig – Tuvia Bielski
Liev Schreiber – Zus Bielski
Jamie Bell     - Asael Bielski
Alexa Davalos – Lilka Ticktin
Allan Corduner – Shamon Haretz
Mark Feuerstein – Isaac Malbin
Director:  Edward Zwick
Official Site:  www.defiancemovie.com

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I had a big Golden Globe watch party last night with a huge group of my friends. Everyone brought finger food, wine or delectable desserts that disappeared in the first thirty minutes. We all snuggled up together on the couch, some on the floor, some on makeshift chairs to accommodate the unexpected number, and then we basked in the Red Carpet beauty. The girls giggled over exquisite dress choices and mocked the ones that fell below our rigid expectations. The boys humored us and whether they admit it or not, were as enveloped in the sacredness of Hollywood’s most revered all being in the same place at the same time.

We placed our bets on Hollywood hopefuls, all chomping at the bit for the massage that awaited the winner of the night. It’s better than horse races because these, unlike a race that last but minutes, result from having been invested for an entire year in movies that stole our heart, in actors who have mastered their craft and the Cinderella story of no-name movie taking home the gold.

In this case, that is where my hopes were hinging, on a no-name movie with no-name actors winning – not because it was expected, but more because it damn well deserved it. I often times equate movie awards to politics, because there tends to be hand shakes, deal making and bac scratches that intercede on the purity of the system. However, because of this cynical view, I have recently been surprised by the nobility overriding corruption and unlikely candidates getting their chance.

Let’s just say it’s been my year. Obama gets elected, Florida wins the BCS and now Slumdog Millionaire wins the Golden Globe (and three others for that matter). The movie had no familiar names and the plot was set in India, around India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Ill be honest and say I was practically dragged to it. I remember thinking, I wasn’t in the mood for some Indie movie that I couldn’t begin to relate to. I was wrong, devastatingly judgmental and gratefully for my brother’s insistence to accompany him to this movie, despite my moaning and complaining that I’d rather see Marley and Me.

Now seeing as I’ve been incessantly urging everyone I know to see this movie and claiming it’s the best movie I’ve seen in three years, I have to explain why. This movie is one of the most colorful, incredibly scored (it also won a GG for its soundtrack) and has a gorgeous love story interlaced throughout horrific circumstances of a boy unwilling to give up on his dream, his girl and his life. Needless to say, go see it.

However, besides my pick of the winner and my unapologetic solicitation to see my favorite movie, what was fascinating to me was the phenomenon of us sitting there glued to the television. While people can hate on the entertainment industry, there are few things in today’s culture that are as bonding and can provide shared experiences. It’s through these commonalities that we’re able to relate to one another and use as excuses to discuss international politics, failing marriages, Catholic failings and inspirational wrestlers having a second chance.

Movies can make almost anything palpable to an audience. They are stories that deserve being told, often by people who can’t tell them themselves. They are adventures, journeys meant to take us somewhere, alter our emotional state, and return us to our childhood imagination where anything is possible. This year, a movie worthy of note captured the hearts many; it highlighted poverty, disparity, unfathomable circumstance and yet the unwavering power of love that transcends all else. Maybe it was the hope we so desperately need to feel in spite of a dismal economy, a far off war and increasing violence.

A movie may not cure cancer, it may not bring people back from the dead, or improve our economy but it can momentarily make us forget everything and give us a much-needed distraction from life, work and responsibility. While we can’t afford to turn our backs on life, we can certainly enjoy life’s little treats, especially if it’s starring at Brad Pitt for two hours!

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Romantic comedy Bride Wars joins the academy contending heavyweights at the battle of the box office this weekend.  Starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, Bride Wars is the story of two best friends with a shared childhood dream of a June wedding at New York’s Plaza Hotel.  Now both are about to be married, but an error by the office of their mutual wedding coordinator (Candice Bergen), accidentally books their weddings on the same day.  Oh no! Best friends become Bridezillas as both refuse to change their date and the clash over the “perfect” wedding threatens their life-long bond.

While Bride Wars is far from cinematic excellence, I have no doubt that moviegoers will flock to see it this weekend.  The story is entertaining and Hudson and Hathaway are a good match on-screen.  That said, Kate Hudson has had a string of mediocre roles and this is no exception as she plays Liv, a successful lawyer who knows what she wants and usually gets it.  Anne Hathaway, on the other hand, shines as usual in her performance as school teacher Emma, which proved to be the highlight of the film for me.  In addition, Candice Bergen is a perfect fit for the part of the wedding planner, though I’m getting a little weary of watching her repeatedly play similar characters.  There is just one more comment I need to make in terms of performance.  Kristen Johnson, who plays a fellow teacher at Emma’s school, looks so skinny that it can only be described as sickly.  In fact, it was so distracting that it completely pulled me out of the movie every time she appeared on-screen. But beyond this, there are enough laughs to keep you smiling throughout and make the movie ultimately enjoyable.

That Girl says: Like It!  It’s corny and predictable, but if you’re in the mood for something cute and light-hearted, you may find this chick flick worthwhile.  While many of the performances are lack-luster, Hathaway will undoubtedly make you crack a smile.  The film will not only remind you of the importance of friendship, but looking at Kristen Johnson will make you remember how important it is to take care of your body and eat healthy.

Release Date:  January 9th, 2008 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  90 minutes
Rated:  PG
Company:  20th Century Fox
Cast:  Kate Hudson – Liv
Anne Hathaway – Emma
Kristen Johnston – Deb
Bryan Greenberg – Nate
Candice Bergen – Marion St. Claire
Steve Howey – Daniel
Chris Pratt – Fletcher
Director: Gary Winick
Official Site: www.bridewars.com

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As we step forward into a new year, we can’t help but look back and review another year of cinematic excellence.  From movies that shattered box office records to those headed for Oscar glory, 2008 gifted audiences with a number of remarkable films.  So without further ado, here are my favorites from 2008:

8.  The Reader
7.  Iron Man
6.  Frost/Nixon
5.  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
4.  Revolutionary Road
3.  Milk
2.  The Dark Knight
1.  Slumdog Millionaire

But don’t just take my word for it, what are your favorite films of 2008?  And be sure to check back next week for my 9 Most-Anticipated Movies of ‘09!

picture by darren hester

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Like its hero, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a film “born under unusual circumstances.”  Based on a 1920’s short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the movie spent close to 15 years in development with more than a handful of top-notch talent attached along the way.  It’s certainly interesting to muse about what the film could have been with a director like Steven Spielberg or Ron Howard at the helm… But in the end, David Fincher (Zodiac) was chosen to tackle Eric Roth’s (Forest Gump) screen adaption and Brad Pitt to star as the curious title character.  The story is unusual to say the least, telling the tale of a man born in his eighties and aging backwards through the 20th century.  With New Orleans as a backdrop, the audience journeys with Benjamin from World War I to Hurricane Katrina, bearing witness to all the years and people he encounters in between.  More than anything, this is a story about mortality – an ode to life, a requiem to death and a eulogy to the timelessness of love.

With awards buzz circulating long before the film’s release, I was more than a bit curious about this movie.  Hearing words like “masterpiece” and “classic” thrown around the entertainment community, I walked into the theater with great expectations.  But as I probably should have learned by now, movies, like life, rarely measure up to what we expect. And while Ben Button is a landmark in filmmaking; it falls short of greatness in story telling.

In terms of look, the timeless charm of New Orleans creates a picturesque landscape for a film that is nothing short of visually stunning.  From start to finish, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is beautiful to behold and the seamlessness of the aging effect is an astounding accomplishment in the art of filmmaking.  A large part of the film’s lengthy development process was waiting for technology to catch up with the requirements of the story and the two met in the middle to achieve absolute cinematic perfection.  Of equal importance was the task of finding an actor who could play the character of Benjamin from his eighties through his teens and Brad Pitt does an exceptional job.  Likewise, Cate Blanchett is perfectly cast as the adult version of Daisy; the little girl Benjamin falls in love with as an old man.  When this little girl grows up, she becomes a dancer and having trained in classical ballet myself, I was impressed by her believable grace as a ballerina.  Moreover, Taraji P. Henson, who plays Queenie, the slave woman who becomes Benjamin’s mother after his father abandons him on her doorstep, delivers what is arguably the best performance in the film.  To top it all off, Alexandre Desplat’s score is simultaneously whimsical and haunting, effectively creating mood and capturing the film’s essence.

But my praise for this movie must stop here because while The Curious Case of Benjamin Button succeeds as an epic life story, it fails as an epic love story.  Central to the film is the relationship between Benjamin and Daisy, who meet early on and come into and out of each other’s lives. Yet this is by no means a fairytale love and their relationship feels oddly mature. They’re not star-crossed lovers but two adults who finally get together when the timing is right.  While I appreciate this incredibly realistic depiction of relationships, it doesn’t allow the audience to emotionally invest in the characters. There were so many hellos and good-byes between the two, that their moments of joy together had little emotional effect on me as a viewer. I wanted to rejoice when they finally settled down together, but somehow I just wasn’t touched.

Part of the problem is the pace of a film that clocks in at nearly three hours.  There are sections that drag as the story lacks drama and after investing that much time in the relationship between these two characters, there doesn’t seem to be a true moment of pay off for the audience.  The other flaw is in the characters themselves who don’t change much over the course of the film or their lives.  While many would argue that people don’t really change, we never see Benjamin develop any sort of emotional maturity and he never seems to apply any of the wisdom he’s gained from his unusual situation.  Aging backwards seems a wonderfully original premise, but the film never fully analyzes this concept. Don’t we always say, “I wish I knew then what I know now?”  Doesn’t it seem odd to make this sort of film without discussing how the wisdom of old age could affect the decisions of youth?  Or maybe that’s the point? Maybe this knowledge wouldn’t necessarily change anything.  Maybe it’s just about living in the moment because when the past can’t be distinguished from the future, all you have is the present.

That Girl says: Like It!  I walked into the theater with great expectations for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but the film, like the title character, is unusually passive.  While stunning both visually and technologically, it lacks the passion that would have made it a masterpiece.  That said, it is an epic story, which contemplates life, love and loss and encourages viewers to do the same.  At its core is a message about time and love being the greatest of commodities and I walked out of the theater with a new appreciation for the two.  If this film can make you look at your own life differently, then however flawed it may be, it’s three hours well spent.

Release Date:  December 25th, 2008 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 159 minutes
Rated:  PG-13
Company:  Paramount Pictures
Cast:  Brad Pitt – Benjamin Button
Cate Blanchett – Daisy
Taraji P. Henson – Queenie
Tilda Swinton – Elizabeth Abbott
Julia Ormond – Caroline
Jason Flemyng – Thomas Button
Elias Koteas – Monsieur Gateau
Director:  David Fincher
Official Site: www.benjaminbutton.com

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