Reviews

A story needs to have an arc where characters invoke interest in their plight. None of these characters were even modestly sympathetic and were interesting only in their evident insanity so I really couldn't develop an interest in what happened to them. That would be fine if the story teller let us viewers in on the underpinnings of their goofiness. Back in the '60s hippy parties often ended up like most of the scenes in this movie. Again, Phillip Seymour Hoffmann and Joaquin Phoenix are splendid actors and for that matter so seemed the others mired down in this stinker.

Superb casting and the only reason I gave it 2 stars.

Nominating Hoffmann and Phoenix for Oscars was like nominating Adele for a Grammy for singing a beautiful tune in "tongues". Apparently the director was also the writer thus I'll have to assume that the movie accurately portrayed his intent.

Compare to another dark movie such as 2007's "There Will Be Blood". Bleak yet infinitely superior with an actual arc to follow.

As a student in 1968 I worked in my father's law office when 20 years of age running errands and picking up clients and other attorneys at the airport. I once thought I wanted to become a lawyer like the old man. After that experience it never crossed my mind again. It was then I recognized that lawyers were merely another "mob" with public sanction. My father ultimately had to give it up because of all the disingenuous people he had to deal with in that arena. Justice is difficult to come by under the best of circumstances and courtrooms present an intellectual environment one notch above that of an alley.

For me this movie should be required viewing by all prospective attorneys. Especially the criminal variety for eventually they shall be exposed to all that they have seen in this movie in one form or another and very likely much, much worse.

Oh, and I liked the movie.

Although a tear jerker it is definitely a "feel good" movie. All the actors were excellent and Will Smith as always, does the job and does it well. I could go on but pick any ten of the "10" ratings and they've said it as well and likely better than I could.

BUT, since I must include at least 10 lines to post a comment I will say that Rosario Dawson was largely unknown to me as a viewer. Her performance was most enjoyable and I look forward to seeing her perform in many films to come.

AND, this film demonstrates that Will Smith has nothing further to prove in terms of his ability as an actor.