The movie is basically about questioning the world, why do certain things take place? Questioning religion and why god does the things he does? What is the overall purpose of life? Conceptually and aesthetically this movie is beautiful giving lushes imagery. Explaining to us that with destruction comes great creation and that this is the circle of life.

However, where the movie falls flat is in its story. I felt as if the characters were not defined. I could relate to them, but I couldn't care what was happening to them. Their interactions while interesting never really develops beyond those interactions. I felt the movie was also being fluffed with way to much imagery. It felt as if the director though by putting a bunch of random and beautiful pictures together the film could have much more deeper meaning. The film tries to hard to appeal to critics and look like a serious Oscar contender. Dare I say it the movie is too artsy. The movie was laughably trying too hard.

The acting on the other hand is good. Nothing stood out, but it is solid. We can sort of get a sense of what the characters are feeling through body language. They create some great tension, but because of some poor choices nothing truly develops.

However the movie is accompanied by a very beautiful score that picks up the slack in the story. It enhances the movie to a new level. At times I felt choked up by the music playing with some beautiful images. It really did express the message of what the movie was trying to tell.

Overall "The Tree of Life" is very thought provoking, but only because it brings up some interesting topics. However, I could have experienced that through a blog or talking to some religious crazed person. The story is flat of any true emotions or depth. The score is fantastic, just beautiful and it carries the slack of the story. And you can't experience the impact of it without some the beautiful images in the movie. I give it a 3/5, beautiful score accompanied by thought provoking images and concept, however a lackluster story fluffed to look more meaningful.

Like I said I am very mixed about the movie. I recommend people watch it for its sheer aesthetic beauty, however if you are looking for more you will be disappointed. Most people will be turned off by the long beginning that drags on forever. Some will love it for it beautiful imagery and score. I for one like what it tried to do, but wish it had more to offer. Oscar predictions for this one would be mostly technical, like in editing. However the Score is a serious contender.

"Alrightness"