Reviews

I saw this film at the Toronto Film Festival, and I am still thinking about it a day later. I was raised a Catholic, and I think that this film should be required viewing for all Catholics. Amy Berg has constructed a documentary that is not only about the abuse of children and their families by an individual priest; it is also about the evil and politics that exist within the institution of the church and that have allowed (and continue to allow) horrible abuses to occur. It actually hurt to watch this film, but I did not walk out of the theatre with a sense of defeat. I left with a sense of resolve, knowing that we need to take the CHURCH back from the politicians masquerading as bishops and cardinals and, yes, even the pope.

This is one of the biggest wastes of talent and money I have ever seen. These is not a shred of intelligence or wit or anything remotely resembling the real world in this movie.

If script had been written by a sexist, simple-minded 15-year-old boy with not experience of the world, I might have understood where this garbage came from. A script written by adults?!?!? Inexcuseable.

I can't believe that Hollywood is turning out this kind of garbage and people are PRAISING it as the funniest movie of the year. What has happened to wit in this country?

What would possess these actors to take on these roles? Surely they couldn't have been that hard up for cash?

I had heard a lot about this movie, so my expectations were high. What a pleasure it was to have these expectations surpassed. This is Ang Lee's best film to date. In spite of what the headlines and the talk show hosts' lame jokes say, Brokeback Mountain is not a movie about gay cowboys. This is a movie about lost opportunity. It is about love, about family, about the choices we make in life. It is about the choices each of us makes, and the way we must live with them. It is a universal story. Its universality may the be very thing that undermines its potential to be a 'commercial' success, because it may frighten people who can' see beyond the gay love story. The acting is superb. After seeing CAPOTE, I thought Phillip Seymour Hoffman would have no competition for any of the Best Actor awards. Now I'm not sure. Both Heath Leger and Jake Gyllenhall deliver performances that deserve to be honoured (and not just because they are two straight men who are willing to play gay). The actress who plays Alma is extraordinary. What a delight to see Roberta Maxwell (one of Canada's best actresses) in the role of Jack's mother.

I was riveted to the screen during the entire running time of this intelligent, insightful, beautiful, beautiful film.

I just saw this wonderful film at the Toronto Film Festival and what a delightful experience it was. It's so refreshing to see a film-maker who is willing to take the huge, bold risks that John Turturo has taken in his direction. Also, what a treat it was to see James Gandofini, Susan Sarandon, Christopher Walken and Kate Winslet singing and dancing and making outrageous and exciting acting choices. A wonderful selection of music, a charming and literate script and consistently good performance....what else could you ask for in a movie. Watch for Elaine Stritch in a brief role that is should be required viewing for any acting student. Also loved the work of Aida Turturro. This film was a joy to watch!

This is a very good film, with lots of strong performances. Both Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise do a fine job, and they have a terrific on-screen chemistry. I do have one question: why is it that Jamie Foxx was regarded as a SUPPORTING ACTOR in all the award nominations the film received? He is clearly the protagonist in the film, as it is HIS story that we are being told. The range of emotions demanded by his role is greater than any of the other roles in the film. Besides that, he has more screen time than Tom Cruise. There is barely a frame of film without Mr. Foxx. So how does that add up to a supporting performance? Whom is he supporting?