I love John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, so it was worth watching for me. However, I found some of the writing sloppy. I had to suspend quite a lot of disbelief to get through it. For example (possible Spoiler Alert), these creatures who can hear small sounds from miles away can't hear a heartbeat or respiration from feet away? There were many such details left open, like so many untied shoelaces. I found myself tripping over them. Interesting plot, great direction, good acting, worth watching.
This was a soundtrack in search of a movie. The basic plot was in place but it felt like I was watching a first draft that needed a major rewrite and multiple revisions. The direction was horrible--as jarring as a tilt-a-whirl. Ms Paltrow's talents were mostly wasted and Tim McGraw was way over his head. No doubt, some "executive" thought up the brilliant idea to fill a lead roll with a singer instead of an actor. There was also little to no understanding of addiction and recovery which was just one of many off-key notes in this mashup mess. I'm saddened really, because I can see what this movie could have been. That's the movie I wanted to see.
Review: The Irishman
I'm sorry, I just don't get it! I only got part way into the movie before I had to turn it off, so maybe it gets profoundly better but from what I saw, it was the same movie Scorsese has cranked out multiple times (and better in other versions). De Niro plays a great 80 year old but a horrible 30-something! Pesci is not much better. Couldn't they have used CGI or something to take off 50 years? I found Pacino mis-cast as Hoffa - it was more like Al Hoffacino. Sorry, I don't get it. Methinks the Emperor is wearing last year's clothes but the critics are raving about the "latest duds". Wipe your noses.
I made it all the way through but I can't say I'm happy about it. This movie was like the jazz soundtrack - you know it takes talent but it's so melancholy it makes you feel bad and half the notes sound wrong. Isn't Taylor Hackford dead? Maybe not, but judging by The Comedian, his career is. Poor direction and probably miscasting in the lead role. With so many actual older comedians around, WHY did they cast De Niro? Was I the only one watching him read the jokes off cue cards? The script was pretty good and this could have been a very good movie, but alas, it was like the lead character: off (color) and not very likable.
