paulemzod

I think the principle criticism of the film is its length, and the long and often tedious buildup to the point where it began to interest you, and then, thanks primarily to DiCaprio's performance it moved to its conclusion. If the introduction of the characters, and their various interactions had taken less time, and the better parts strung together more judiciously, that might have saved it. I do not think I would recommend it to my friends. The film is no Dances with Wolves, and the other films that depict the abuse of the Native American tribes. De Niro's voice almost reminded me of his character in Cape Fear. I might even say he was miscast. Not a bad film, just a disappointing one. Perhaps you'll like it better.

This has been appointment television for me for the length of the series, that is now moving into late middle age, and the actors have matured in their roles, and in their lives, most of them now in their forties, fifties, and Tom in his late seventies, Henry five years older. The series is very well written, to support traditional values, and the characters held to strict standards of behavior that are, I fear, a reflection of a vanishing world. And therein for many viewers lies the appeal, the hope that moral standards still exist, even though we witness their erosion on a daily basis. The Peter Pan effect, the hope that right will always win out, and when it doesn't, there is always an injury to all of us. The family dinner is also a reminder of a bygone era, and for those of us who remember it, a fond memory. On Blue Bloods, I feel I have a seat at the table. A pity the series can't last forever, but then neither can we.

The premise of the film promises some very interesting developments, but the focus is on the three principle characters, and not on the alien who visits them. I found that disappointing, perhaps my expectations were too high. Starman with Jeff Bridges is a far superior film, as is another "other worldly" film in which he stars, together with Kevin Spacey, who presents himself as an alien. Jules is somewhat entertaining, but not what I expected. It rubs shoulders with some important themes, but never really embraces them. Recommends with those qualifications. But I am a harsh critic these days.