sashabirnbaum

Truthfully, I had high hopes for this film. I really did. I got to see it with a large audience and there are some great moments in it but it doesn't add up. I think the actors were really good but I expected more. The idea alone seems so risqué I think they could have done more with it. Instead they seemed to have taken the low road. I'm not sure if it was the script or the directing, but it didn't really make me feel much of anything. Other films I saw at Sundance caused me to think, to cry, to laugh, to be furious but this one left me blank. On a great note I did love the actors and respect them for charting dangerous waters. They are commendable performances by two of my favorite actors.

Had the pleasure of seeing this at Toronto and Sundance. I'm a festival rat and do not usually comment on movies. But this film struck me in different ways on both viewings. The first time I was consumed in all of the performances, which are spectacular. The second time I was wrapped up in all of the symbolism. The reflection shots, the little fake houses, the spiritual references, the overall tone of the movie that was set by the director and his brother. Is this a perfect movie? It's as perfect a movie as you will find on the premiere festival circuit. And when I found out it was filmed on a tiny budget, I was even more impressed. It turns out to be a funny and moving story that makes you laugh a lot. The director is funny, the actors are all funny and the music is amazing. Every scene that had a song in it was completely amazing. Martin Scorsese is the producer of the film and the director is clearly a big fan. There's violence, emotion and a lot of humor. It's not about the mafia but it has a Sopranos feel to it. I can't put my finger on it, but it's there. To sum it up, it has some very heavy scenes but those scenes are peppered with hilarious moments. So it's never too dark or too heavy. It plays like a film from the 1960's or 70's. Heck of a job. I want to see more from this filmmaker.