Reviews

Returning to the same screenwriter as silence of the lambs was a great idea. It gave this film that extra feeling that made silence so incredible. Also, I read the book, and this movie goes completely by it, as did Silence of the lambs. Obviously the acting was fabulous. Anthony Hopkins revels at playing Hannibal, and I don't think he even had to try this time. It's clear he knows him. As do we, which makes the movie have an element of fun it.

I don't want to be one of those people that breaks down a movie for all it's hits and misses. This was a decent film that I don't feel I wasted my money on, but I would feel that way if I bought it. The landscape is beautiful, and so is ashley judd, so there you go, men and women have a reason to watch. Thrillers are usually fun even if we know what is going to happen because we don't always know HOW. Although she is beautiful, I don't think that Ashley Judd is an incredible actress. She has a lovely speaking voice and plays intelligence well, but that's as far as it goes. Her crying scene really gives it away in this movie. I had to laugh at it. But hey, it's just a movie

Aside from all the other previously mentioned great things about this movie, what I take from it is how corrupt our news media is. They do these bits on how awful corporatons like big tobacco are, which they are, don't get me wrong, but they do the same things themselves. They will sell out the public's safety to save their own asses. CBS would pull a story on health issues if it would hurt the companies that own them. Read the book BIAS by Bernard Goldberg to know more.

Not to lessen the quality of any other part of this film, but the best part is truly the directing by David Fincher. His unique camera use of one continuous shot, even when changing floors, helps make him one of todays more original directors. He creates his own identifiable style so you KNOW when you are watching a David Fincher film.

The story does seem a little slow moving, but it really is necessary since their (the three men who break into the house) original plan was disrupted by the presence of Jodie Foster's character having moved into the house, so naturally they had to think as events occur. And of course Jodie's reaction wouldn't be planned so she wouldn't be prepared in three seconds.

The casting was excellent. Dwight Yokam was very creepy and evil, while Forrest Whitaker draws some amounts of sympathy from you. Jared Leto plays off his part very well also, and the three together have a nice blend of chemistry and detestment for each other, that, at some point makes you laugh a little.

It's filled with plenty of surprises that make it a great thriller. I saw it in a packed theatre which I think has the best effect so you can feel the tension of the audience in the air.

And what an incredible house! Perfect setting for this film, which in itself is a great character, I'm sure that was the plan though.

There are a few things that I really enjoyed about this film. The first being the realistic portrayal of a soldiers spirituality and how he uses it as a tool. The scene where mel gibson's character prays the hail mary with his children moved me to tears.

Another thing that I enjoyed was that plot wasn't all sappy like they stick in so many war films these days to, maybe, make it more appealing to women. The goodbye's to their wives wasn't over done and scenes where the women receive their telegrams is justifiably a tear jerker.

Finally, I appreciate the films theme of being a thank you to vietnam vets, in that it didn't portray them as druggies and baby killers, but as true patriots that loved their fellow soldier.

I first saw this movie when I was ten years old and have been in love with mel gibson ever since. His performance (big shock) always gets to me. I don't mean to make this a love song to mel, but he has on screen chemistry with everybody, so it's romantic to see him with Jamie Lee curtis and Isabel glasser. Elijah wood is good as one of the less annoying child stars from his era. The story is cute, no oscar winner, but entertaining. A traditional love story in an untraditional plot, Will love wait for me? When do you move on? It's never too late, those kind of things. Again, I saw it when I was a kid and loved it, and now I'm an adult and still enjoy it.