pb2030

A lovely, never not entertaining Los Angeles character driven story. It never drags and is constantly interesting and frequently funny. The main character played by Chris Pine (who also wrote and directed) is a sweet seeker of truth and justice whose beginner's mind innocence is winning even as it is thoroughly weird in a kind of admirable way. He meditates sitting cross legged underwater at the bottom of the pool in a Tiki motel which he tends to meticulously like a Zen monk performing a Japanese tea ceremony. Danny Devito, Annette Benning, Jennifer Jason Lee, Stephen Tobolowsky and the rest of supporting cast are all great fun. Not for everyone, but well worth the watch. Be prepared for some delightful confusion. Perseverance furthers.

Fast paced. Never a dull moment. Lots of unexpected characters and plot twists. The leads are surprising at every turn. Gives a fascinating view into the 30's. The male lead has depth and is very appealing. Stella Adler is radiant and quite atypical. Little details like the lead's soda jerking ability and his passion for aviation design are unexpected delights. Loved that what might have been a throwaway character - Miss Brooklyn - turns out to be a great singer with another unexpected attraction to men in uniforms with lots of buttons. The closing soda fountain fight is one of the best food fights on film, especially the final shot of "ice skating" on the slippery floor. So much rich detail and above all the perfect constantly fun pacing.

What an amazing film! Full of surprises at every turn. The storm at sea is more visceral than the most special effects laden films. The acting is great. The beautiful nobility of the characters is pitch perfect. Contains one of the greatest screen kisses of cinema especially in its enthusiasm. The end is deliciously satisfying and even transcendent. Plus Gaelic, bagpipes, and a world class dance party scene. One of the greatest supporting actress performances of all time - from, dare I say, one of the greatest little known screen actresses of all time. Without a mean or overly sentimental moment. Pitch perfect. Exotic. Unlike anything else.