Reviews

This is one of those movies that the trailer makes the movie look way better than it actually is. Having said that, this movie is not a disappointment, but it lacks a certain something...say a reason. Mostly this movie is an atmospheric romp through a really long Polish wedding that keeps getting chased around in circles either by the weather or by the family trying to hide the fact that the bridegroom is 'not feeling well'. The music in this film is fun and keeps the gaiety up and I did enjoy the juxtaposition of extreme happiness and utter despair as expressed via the lead actress. She was the only one who was not ready to give up on her lover, though, she, like everyone else, 'barely knew him.' I got the impression because the groom was so new to everyone that they were just ready to dump him and forget about him, and for that, this movie lacked a certain genuine humanity. The ending confirmed my suspicions. I also suspect that the director found himself in a dark place in his head after making this film and perhaps related a little too much to the lack of humanity and compassion in the world....

Okay, my first impression was...that guy looks familiar. Where have I seen him before? His movements look so familiar....wait, is that...Ragnar Lothbrok? And he's selling pickles? Okay, where will this movie go 'cuz now I'm watching it.

And....it goes where so many pretentious New York movies go....into that realm where adults are BFFE's and living a life that can not possibly be lived if this movie was filmed in the suburbs of say, anywhere that isn't New York.

I didn't find Julianne Moore's and Ethan Hawke's relationship all that convincing. Or maybe it was poor development of Hawke's character that was the problem. It is implied that he was once (maybe?) as ambitious as his wife, but not so much anymore? They just came off as a mismatch. And Maggie's character wasn't built strong enough to bat on that power duo's team. And what was with the kumbaya polygamist mothering with the two women? Suddenly, all is well in their world? Aggh, New York, I guess. At least that's what the writer wants us to believe.

In this movie, people talk a lot, rather fast, and they all have a tendency to mumble. I found that distracting. It's not a terrible movie to sit through, but it might make you want to eat some good pickles.

I don't understand why this story is being told to a bunch of young children?! Perhaps in France, stories about a sordid love affair between siblings is completely suitable as a bedtime tale. As an adult, however, I think this (true) story is engaging (pun?). The movie is filmed exquisitely and the actors are convincing in their affections. I did actually enjoy the occasional intrusion of modern devices, such as a 17th century gentleman driving a vehicle filled with hookers when you least expected it. It was neat to see the 17th century juxtaposed with the 21st, and I rather appreciated it as something unique and different. It takes guts to insert creativity that the viewing audience might rebuke, so kudos to the director who went for it. It is not like this movie was tackling the most conventional topic to begin with, so I say, go for it.