Das Wunder von New York

I'm a huge Christmas movie buff and I don't normally do dark Christmas movies (like Bad Santa), so I was prepared to hate this movie, especially after seeing the low scores on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, but I'm a huge fan of both Pauls, so I decided to see for myself. I didn't hate it, and in fact, I actually enjoyed it - although I'm not sure WHY. Heheh. Paul Giamatti's character is a no-good thief, but that's what was interesting too me - he can't change and doesn't REALLY try to, even though he keeps saying he has (to his estranged wife), but he truly loves his daughter, so he's not ALL bad. In the end, the screenplay isn't very good, the joyful Christmas soundtrack often doesn't fit the dreary scenes, but the three main actors, Paul, Paul and Sally Hawkins are all very good. Paul Rudd still struggles in the drama department, but this MIGHT be the best I've seen him with it. Recommended for fans of the actors and/or dark Christmas movies.

I really liked this film - like many of Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd's movies. They seem to go for interesting characters and quiet, realistic stories rather than sentimental or violent American claptrap.

It's a movie well worth watching more than once - there are nuances and side remarks I missed out the first time. Don't watch if you are into smartarse one-liners, car chases or beautiful young rich airheads covered in heavy make-up. More reminiscent of British/European films before they started targeting the US market. The characters are neither supergood nor evil - just human and flawed like all of us.

Nice one.

'ALL IS BRIGHT': Three Stars (Out of Five)

Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd star in this comedy-drama film that's a lot more serious (and less comedic) than I was expecting (with that pair). It's a Christmas movie about two losers from Canada trying to sell Christmas trees in New York City. It was directed by Phil Morrison (who also directed the 2005 indie critical darling 'JUNEBUG') and written by first time film writer Melissa James Gibson. It's a lot more of a downer than it looks like (in the trailers) and isn't really that funny but it is a somewhat interesting character study.

Giamatti plays an ex-convict named Dennis, who just got out of prison in Quebec, Canada. His wife, Therese (Amy Landecker) is now sleeping with another man, Rene (Rudd). She also told their daughter, Michi (Tatyana Richaud), that Dennis was dead. In order to make enough money to buy Michi a piano for Christmas Dennis agree to sell Christmas trees with Rene in New York City. Neither is especially good at the job and it's a big challenge.

For a Christmas movie and a comedy the film is pretty depressing. It's also surprisingly sad considering it stars Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd. Giamatti does a lot of serious dramas as well as comedies but it's definitely not Rudd's usual thing (it does mark his second quirky indie film this year though, after 'PRINCE AVALANCHE' from a few moths ago). He is his usual dimwitted and easygoing self in it though and you can't help but love him (and root for him) despite his flaws. Giamatti is definitely less likable in the movie and is pretty hard to like but both of their characters have their hearts in the right place. If you're expecting big laughs this isn't the movie for you but it is a decent emotional buddy film.

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Solid 8. Great Can/Am movie. I really liked Giamatti's character in this movie. He just does what he has to. Not a bad man, just a man learning as he goes, and taking what he needs when he needs it.He look a lot like he did in Crumb, just beaten. Rudd is very good as a man who is always up, and never shuts up.(I see him in the mirror)Excellent characters in the movie as a whole. This will not be your must watch Christmas movie like Scrooged, (or ACS, or most importantly IAWL you old savings, and loan) but you will enjoy it, and feel the spirit of the season move you just that little bit. Going straight in this world is all about trying to keep all the crooked steps in the same direction. Enjoy.

All is Bright (2013) doesn't really appear to stand out as a great movie in any sense. It has a simple storyline, that is more obscure, but, still has a lot of randomness and boring conclusions.

The acting, especially the main characters (Rudd and Giamatti) were decent. They play ex-thieves who go to New York to sell Christmas trees. The supporting cast (Hawkins and Landecker) were good, and their characters play symbolic roles, and this can be seen in the different ways they behave toward Dennis (Giamatti).

The audio was rather apt, with a variety of piano solo's to indicate the mood, with overlaying images to reinforce said mood. The overall imagery was a bit lacking, but did it's part in trying to arouse sympathy for the main characters.

So far, these were the enjoyable parts of the film. The downside for me was... the plot, the weak connections drawn, the lack of explanation for certain tasks throughout the film, and the simple conclusion at the end. The symbolism of the various characters and of the objects (piano, ringtone) show an attempt at trying to build a deeper film, but sadly did not achieve what I was hoping it would. I wouldn't say the film is disappointing, but it doesn't have anything to make it stand out, very similar to Prince Avalanche (starring Rudd). 6/10, as it could've been something much better, had there been a deeper storyline developed, as well as adequate attention paid to detail.