Rate this Movie 
How does the Tomatometer work
Reviews Counted:174
Fresh:119
Rotten:55
Average Rating:6.5/10
Consensus: More than a movie star murder mystery, Hollywoodland takes it slow in order to reveal the intriguing details of the rise and fall of superstar fame.
Theatrical Release:2006
Box Office: $14,271,459
Synopsis: Playing Superman on TV brought aspiring film actor George Reeves stardom, but it also held him back as far as more serious acting roles went. When a 45-year-old Reeves was found dead in his home in... [More]
Starring: Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane, Bob Hoskins
Director: Allen Coulter
"Gigli.""Daredevil.""Surviving Christmas.""Pearl Harbor."Nothing like hitting Ben Affleck when he's down right? But that's my point: He's back up again, thanks to his fine work in "Hollywoodland," where he shows that he really does have what it takes to c
The essence of the era is captured in everything, from the dresses worn by Diane Lane to all of the martinis consumed during the film.
The movie has a dexterous ebb and flow, thanks to director Allen Coulter and his editing crew, seamlessly shifting between past and present throughout the film.
Had they recognized that George Reeves was the real story--and that the dirty linen was only a small part of that story--they could have made a much better film.
It wants to be the next Chinatown -- a film that's about an exercise in futility, but was savvy enough not to be one.
Although the mystery surrounding Reeves' demise fades out somewhat anti-climactically, 'Hollywoodland' has plenty to recommend it.
...except for a middling performance from Adrien Brody, Hollywoodland is a top-notch mystery yarn that holds your interest from start to finish.
Hollywoodland is well made and boasts some strong performances. It just never reaches its full potential, but that's somehow appropriate in light of this sad story.
While the surface of 'Hollywoodland' promises nostalgia and noir, patience will reveal a subcurrent which, if rather too pat, ripples outwards.
... even though parts of the picture don't quite hold together, in the end, it sticks with you.
Top CriticThe meaty beef of the story covers the lasting effect of TV's 'Superman,' particularly for the Baby Boomer target audience, and George Reeves' far too early death.
Mixing past and present as though everything were taking place now is an interesting idea, but the picture is too sluggish to approach the qualities of, say, 'L.A. Confidental.'
...just a bunch of speculation that comes full circle. And that, it must be said, it does with a punch...Affleck's weary bravado is heart breaking.
Brody can't do much with his undeveloped character except chew-the-scenery like Dustin Hoffman usually does.
Hollywoodland may not live up to its ambitions, but thanks in no small part to a subdued and poignant performance by Affleck, it does achieve something significant by memorializing the actor and his lost dreams.
In this bland, ultimately dull reimagining, the question of who killed Superman turns out to be less of a mystery than a plodding attempt at what has been done so much better before.
Hollywoodland explores an intriguing bit of Hollywood history, and through the strength of its performances keeps us engaged and entertained.
Hollywoodland was clearly a labor of love, and it succeeds in making people not only remember who George Reeves was but to see him as something more than an actor in a cape.
In his generous spirit toward a forgotten icon, Affleck turns the death-obsessed Hollywoodland into, of all things, a film about resurrection.
Top CriticHollywoodland might be frustrating. But if you welcome the chance to make up your own mind, then you'll enjoy this stylish turn from novice director Allen Coulter.
June 04, 2008:
RT Interview: Ben Affleck Goes After the Critics for a Change
The actor-turned-director on Gone Baby Gone, his relationship with reviewers and, erm, his favourite critical aggregator... RT! More...
October 17, 2007:
Total Recall: Ben (Affleck's) Bits
In Gone Baby Gone, Ben Affleck directs younger brother Casey in a mystery surrounding the case of a missing Boston girl. In the spirit of Total Recall, we decided to take a look... More...
September 06, 2007:
Box Office Guru Preview: Crowe vs. Bale in Box Office Shootout
Batman takes on Cinderella Man at the box office as the Russell Crowe-Christian Bale Western remake 3:10 to Yuma heads into the multiplexes over what is traditionally a... More...
May 14, 2007:
"Superman" Reigns at The Saturn Awards
Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" cleaned house at the Saturn Awards over the weekend. (Hey, don't laugh. The Saturn Awards have been around for over 30 years and they... More...
Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.
Last week, Moviefone offered us their worst films of the 2000s. Now see their 40 best!
Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.
The Me and Orson Welles star answers reader questions on TIME.com.
Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN.com |
GameSpy |
Comrade |
Arena |
FilePlanet |
GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox |
Planets |
Vaults |
VE3D |
CheatsCodesGuides |
GameStats |
GamerMetrics
AskMen.com |
Rotten Tomatoes |
Direct2Drive |
Green Pixels
IGN RSS Feeds
Comment
