I was very excited to finally see Boyhood on DVD as I had missed it in the theaters. All I had heard before seeing it was the daring and ambitious undertaking by director Richard Linklater to film the movie over a 12 year span using the same main actors throughout. And there were rave reviews. Lots of them.
OK, I do not get it.
While the acting and cinematography are good, the plot is basically non-existent other than the passage of time among the family. There is basically no conflict (a few abusive husbands but even that is passed over quickly). The children hardly even roll their eyes at their mother let alone rebel or act like real teenagers. They simply grow up.
Sure it is an nice character study but none of the characters have any real depth worth watching - just average teenagers and a single mom going through life. No surprises occur. I do not think I needed 2 hours and 45 minutes to see that. I get that the revolutionary concept of the long shoot was risky, but I cannot say it added any value. Of course there are those out there who will appreciate the "art of it all" but I am not one. I have liked many of Mr. Linklater's other films and hope that his future films no longer indulge in what essentially amounts to a gimmick.
For my other movie reviews, please visit:
https://nomorewastedmovienights.wordpress.com
OK, I do not get it.
While the acting and cinematography are good, the plot is basically non-existent other than the passage of time among the family. There is basically no conflict (a few abusive husbands but even that is passed over quickly). The children hardly even roll their eyes at their mother let alone rebel or act like real teenagers. They simply grow up.
Sure it is an nice character study but none of the characters have any real depth worth watching - just average teenagers and a single mom going through life. No surprises occur. I do not think I needed 2 hours and 45 minutes to see that. I get that the revolutionary concept of the long shoot was risky, but I cannot say it added any value. Of course there are those out there who will appreciate the "art of it all" but I am not one. I have liked many of Mr. Linklater's other films and hope that his future films no longer indulge in what essentially amounts to a gimmick.
For my other movie reviews, please visit:
https://nomorewastedmovienights.wordpress.com