wmdm2024

The cast for this program is excellent and the story begins with promise. The affair presented made it easy to sympathize with the wife, a fairly common theme, but there was also some additional mystery surrounding how the affair began. For me the real interest began when a number of scenes allowed husband's character to explain (to the audience) how this all happened, giving him dimension and humanity. However, by the third episode the story line meandered and the devolved into a demonstration and of what most women fantasize about doing to an unfaithful husband. And when the other mysteries surrounding the affair were revealed, it was not worth the wait. As the series continued all dimension given to the husband was taken away and he was returned to the status of a one-dimensional villain in need of punishment. The final scene (epilogue) was an indulgent endorsement of the selfish and vindictive actions undertaken by the wife to destroy her husband and anyone within 1000 yards of him, including their son. The ridiculous scene occurs in the serene town- square where the wife sits sipping on a coffee, empowered and smug, while the meek husband passes by flashing a pathetic apologetic smile, apparently accepting of his fate, as he dutifully fades into the abyss.

I will be brief. I have now read the book and seen the movie. The movie, seen in 3D, was incredible. It is the most beautiful movie I have seen visually. It is often compared to Avatar, but Avatar had no connection to reality and does not have the depth. It was pure fantasy, even James Cameron would agree. While both films, in my view, are the gold-standard for the use 3D technology, the visuals in Life of Pi are more artistic, real and stirring. The director is to be commended, the boat sequence is shot like an organic memory.

The performances are brilliant with exception. But I believe the director struggled with the ending and how to shoot it, as the book does not translate well to film in this single pivotal area. In the end Ang Lee has the young Pi give an account to the investigators which makes sense, but i would have the older Pi, narrator (Irrfan Khan), give the account simply because I found him to be the more impactful performer. Also the account, as delivered by Pi, removes all doubt for the viewer as to what happened on the boat, whereas the book leaves room for interpretation which I preferred.

It is a brilliant movie, beautifully shot, and well acted. See it in the theatre, and pay the extra cash for 3D.

Without spending too much time discussing the plot, this movie is essentially a film about a misfit kid who ultimately must save the town that has misunderstood and mistreated him for most of his life. Yes, Norman sees dead people. However, everyone is aware of Norman's claim of this power and they either ridicule him (other kids) or are ashamed of his seemingly wild claim and erratic behaviour. Of course Norman's extra-sensory powers will soon be required to rid the town of a curse. The resulting events make for a great story and film.

There are several themes in this film that were well developed and ultimately resolved to my satisfaction. The animation is incredible, and I loved the creative camera shots that the director(s) chose in many scenes: much more advanced than the usual animated film.

I took 2 children to see this movie, a 6-year old girl and a (near) 4 boy. The kids loved the comedic zombie scenes in particular and were laughing out loud for much of it. They were frightened in other parts but in a functional thematic way, not to the point of nightmares. However I did note that some of the deeper themes went right over the kids' heads, and while they weren't too bothered by this fact, I advise that children over 8 might enjoy the film more fully.

The climax of the film is beautifully animated, and very poignant. On the whole a great film. I would state only that the humour surrounding the zombies was hilarious for adults and children alike, and I would have included more of it. Certainly this film is worth the admission. I saw it in 3D, it wasn't mind-blowing 3D but it certainly gave the film more texture.