L'instant même

I don't want to be too negative about this, as it's cute and tries to bring something good to the world, but I didn't connect all and found it - and I hate to say this about films - boring for the most part. It's ok, I guess, but with 30 minutes you have seen all the film. Underwhelming experience.

The interaction & conversation between him & the boy are so natural. I didn't feel like I was watching a movie. It was so real. I was even wondering if they really used a "script" because it didn't look like acting at all.

After watching the movie, I started to think kids are more than just innocent. They have concern, worries & struggles. Parenting is such a difficult course. The communication skill is so important when it comes to parenting. I am sure many parents would relate when they watch this movie.

I loved it. It's a beautiful film. There aren't many films made like this today. Probably why this film stands out so much. The dialogue in the screenplay is very organic and realistic. I could almost swear it was improvised. Joanquin Phoenix and Woody Norman (boy) gave great performances and they both have a lot of chemistry together. It's good to see a film that portrays a positive adult male image in film with children. The black and white cinematography makes the film timeless. Joanquin Phoenix it's one hell of a great actor.

Nicely made, with a sweet and mellow story. Very much a slow burning movie, but not uninsteresting at the slightest. Great acting, good kid actor, and good execution. All in all a nice story and film

7/10: great.

A really well made movie. Well shot, brilliant performances, good writing, but overall I wasn't swept away in this one.

For whatever reason, I was never invested in the story, it did start coming together for me a bit in the last act.

I found myself simply watching the movie and then aware of the acute annoyance of just watching it. Not feeling much, not experiencing much, just watching it.

Maybe that's a me problem? My girlfriend (who is far more emotionally and intellectually intelligent than myself and also has immeasurably better taste) said she kinda sorta felt the same way a little bit.

She said "maybe in ten years it'll mean a little more to us."

And I think she has a good point, this is very much about a man who falls into a parental situation and for my girlfriend and I, those are just about the last kinds of situation we're trying to find ourselves in.

So wouldn't that be a great hook for getting us on board? A single, career focused individual having to step up and be a role model and look after his nephew?

The problem is, Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny is just too good of a character, he makes so few mistakes as he just seamlessly becomes a great figure for young Jesse (Woody Norman). And even when he does make a mistake he's so quick to realize it and correct it.

I guess most of the turmoil of the film is what's happening with Jesse's mother and father, but we don't spend a ton of time with them.

For the record, I like Mike Mills other work, 20th Century Women was absolutely brilliant as was Thumbsucker.

I really enjoyed the black and white photography, and the filming locations are wonderful. We sprawl from Los Angeles, Oakland, New York City, and New Orleans. All great cinematic locations.

Overall, it's a good movie and I can see how this would mean so much to a specific audience member, I am also happy to see Joaquin put on some weight, after Joker, he was looking really unhealthy. But personally, it just didn't have the euphoric effect I get when I watch something that really speaks to me.

I'm not sorry.