Likeable actors populate this feel good film about doing things right by your family. Romance storyline was flimsy, but enjoyed it anyway.2007 Tally, DVD: 37
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Well-acted, tightly plotted film. Did not think it was necessarily "The Best Picture" and compared to other Scorsese films - well, he is certainly deserving of an Oscar, but this wasn't his best either. Kept me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns. Thought that Damon and Baldwin were particularly good in the all-star cast.
Acting was okay, but not to the level that I expected for this "Oscar bait" type of film. DiCaprio and Connelly were virtually chemistry-free; her whole character seemed extraneous, in fact. Film was very violent - although I assume very realistic to the situation there. It definitely makes you think twice about the diamond industry as a whole.
The premise of this movie, as a single girl, really puts it close to home. Acting was believable, in some cases, a little too believable (um, like it wasn't even acting). Really can't imagine the 2 main roles played by anyone else [I find it fascinating that Heigl's character was supposed to be played by A.Hathaway until she dropped out.]. I thought it was funny and moving. The way the characters grew (and talked) throughout the movie seemed realistic and organic.
I have to admit after reading a few reviews and sitting through Dead Man's Chest, I wasn't expecting much from the third installment. I was pleasantly surprised! It wrapped things up for the trilogy and gave a breath of life for the possibility of a fourth. I especially liked the meeting of the Breathren Court. The sets were large and a lot of care (and obviously) money was put into it to make it look the way it did - they were almost another character, especially the ships. I didn't care for some of the existential (Being John Malkovich-esque) Jack stuff, but it led the film back to J.Depp, so I suppose that's a good thing. All the actors seemed quite comfortable in their roles and had fun with it rather than just "phoning it in" the way some sequels seem to go.
The easiest way to say it is that the movie couldn't possibly live up to the hype. The villains/effects were well done, especially the rendering of Venom. I wasn't overly familiar with Sandman, but those effects during the train battle were pretty cool too.
Jackman, Caine, and Bale were all excellent. Johannsson seems a bit miscast, not to mention the fact that she isn't really in the film as much as her third billing leads one to believe. Multiple twists keep you guessing. I loved the ad campaign for this one [The Pledge, The Turn, & The Prestige], but surprisingly, I liked the other magician movie better.