anthonypape

I put off watching this movie for some time, for the simple reason - it sounded like a slightly spoof or comedy sci-fi/western due to the name. In fact this is nothing of the sort (thankfully) and is actually a very decent shot at combining typical western fare with an alien element. From the first (quite violent)and bloody fist fight you'll realise this isn't silly kids stuff. Too often these days, a movie like this would have been dumbed down and littered with comedic or slapstick scenes. The story such as it is, is basic, but believable. The way the movie plays, at no point do you question the believability of having cowboys fighting aliens with their obviously superior technology. It was something that concerned me before watching but it works out right and makes sense. No issues with any of the acting, or the effects. Overall a decent effort, worth watching especially for sci-fi fans.

The trouble with this movie is that it feels like it was originally intended as a straight ahead horror movie(albeit with dumb clichéd characters), but at some point the makers decided to change it to a spoof style. Either that, or they have done a very poor job of making a spoof movie. Even the trailer doesn't make it clear the style this movie really is, which is sure to leave viewers disappointed when they discover what it actually is. Its really not clear, until quite well into the film, when the first 'spoof' moment occurs, instantly leaving you thinking 'what the..? oh great, its one of those oh so funny spoof movies..' Whatever they've done, it doesn't work - there's no consistency in the style here, and when the 'spoof' moments occur they feel out of place, like an afterthought, added on later. Its a shame, because underneath this mishmash of styles is actually a very good story with an original twist on the horror genre. This could have been genuinely scary and clever like the Saw series (which BTW, there are echo's of here at points) but instead in ventures into silly territory. What a shame..

Like many I guess I'd seen the trailers and the actors involved with this movie and concluded it was worth a look despite some mixed reviews. These days its a given that a big budget film is going to look good and this is no exception - the sets are authentic and any cgi blends in very well. That isn't the problem with Cloud Atlas.. neither is the acting which considering the multiple characters being played by any one actor and heavy make up involved is perfectly fine. What ultimately detracts from what is a great 'looking' film then, is the crucial thing that makes a film - the story. Without giving any plot details away, the story is actually a series of stories in different times throughout the ages which are somehow linked to each other.. The trouble is some of these stories are, to be blunt, a bit dull or simply average and the big message the film is trying to get across is typically vague spiritual nonsense.

To be honest, as visually impressive and unique in style that it is, the film is simply not very satisfying to watch. As some others have summed up well, its a case of 'the emperor's new clothes' Lot of people seeing something that isn't there.