Limbo
|
Our Price: $15.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.03 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Limbo
Movie Review: Sayles delivers the goods... again.
Summary: 5 Stars
I would wager that for the most part, those who ravaged this film are likely to be big Star Wars aficionados.For the rest of you...
John Sayles is a unique filmmaker. Simply put, he makes films about people; their personal struggles, the choices they make and the results of such choices. Even with films like Matewan, his characters remain central to him, and not the events in which they are participating. This to me is what seperates John Sayles from other filmmakers.
For me the true measure of a films success are the moments immediately following the last image on the screen. If you get up and begin praising the special effects, you have experienced little more than pure escapism, a Hollywood trademark. On the other hand, if your left with a sense of personal attachment -- if what these characters have experienced in some way speaks to you, or offers you a new perspective or insight, then I feel you've just seen a very good film. And while Sayles' films are all similar in some respects, he manages to address a different aspect of the human condition each time out. Hollywood escapism has it's place. But you should know that whenever you pick up a film credited to John Sayles, your going to be exposed to life beneath the surface. It's not for everyone.
Movie Review: Vintage Sayles -- a Haunting Story that Stays with You
Summary: 5 Stars
This a pretty incredible film, so take my advice and don't let anyone else spoil its surprises if you haven't seen it. It's a quiet and strange film filled nevertheless with a lot of complexity, chills and heart. But part of its magic does lie in the suspense of simply wondering what will happen next, so keep yourself in the dark if you can before viewing.That said, this is vintage John Sayles that at the same time explores new territory. Like most of his films, it seems at first to be more about character than plot -- but the plot rears its head, and as with "Lone Star," the story is unexpected and flawless. "Limbo" offers wonderful performances (especially those of the three leads), but it also boasts a knockout soundtrack (who knew Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio could sing?) and moments of quiet and eerie poignance. The ending will leave you thinking (and talking) for some time to come.
This DVD is one of the good ones, by the way -- no paltry "extras" of just a trailer or "more movies to buy!" And what a treat to actually get a chance to listen to Sayles on the commentary track -- unlike many commentaries, this one adds layers instead of stripping them. It's a hard film to forget.
Movie Review: Unique, original, beautiful!
Summary: 5 Stars
Having never heard of this movie when it was released, apparently in 1999, it was a delightful surprise to see it on DVD now in 2010. I am a big fan of David Strathairn and figure that anything he is in is worth seeing, so he was the draw for trying this DVD. Once inside the story, one finds many layers to it. It is a rich, interesting, intriguing and exciting work of art as well as a ripping good tale of love, loss, redemption, human struggles, danger, survival, character, and MORE! Beautiful Alaska scenery! It is a great adventure story, a lovely romantic story, a deep and moving story of relationships, and a poignant story of art and story, via the daughter's creativity. It is a story of trust and betrayal. Truly great performances from all and a movie with surprises and contradictions. It is unique and original. The many definitions of "limbo" given are very interesting unto themselves and shed light on the many layers of the story. Great tale, beautifully shown. And David Strathairn is still a big draw for any film!
There is one other thing: the interesting tension between optimism and pessimism, who is "right" and who is "wrong" about their outlooks and what they mean.
Movie Review: Well-acted character driven drama (loved the ending)
Summary: 5 Stars
I just saw this again (3rd or 4th time) after finding it on HBO. I once owned the videotape until I upgraded.
David Strathairn as Joe Gastineau is laconic, stoic, but still emotional. His character truly comes alive as a man you can understand. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Donna De Angelo captures the essence of her aging-bar-crooning character and the interaction between her, her teen daughter Noelle (deftly played by Vanessa Martinez), and Gastineau was developed to draw your interest. Throw in a few twists and one of the best endings and you have a treat for people who appreciate dramatic, character driven works. But if you seek a formulaic, cookie-cutter flick, go elsewhere.
Also, anyone who has visited Southeast Alaska will recognize and appreciate the scenic vistas providing the backdrop. I grew up in Juneau and recognized many shots. One can see similar work in Insomnia (2002 with Al Pacino Robin Williams) and Into the Wild (2007 with Emile Hirsch), but this film has a superior story.
In closing, as my friend KLMVP would say, any song that ends with Bruce Springsteen's "Lift Me Up" is a great movie.
Movie Review: Powerful and emotional movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Some have dissed the ending, finding it unsatisfying, but in my opinion, that's exactly what John Sayles wanted to accomplish with this ending, IMO.
The people gave in to the situation and accepted their fate, good or bad.
As many critics have pointed out, tension without resolution was built up and up throughout the movie. They claim that this was the mark of an incompetent director. I disagree.
I believe that Sayers wanted to convey the feelings (frustration, resignation, hopeful/hopeless, etc.) of being in limbo to the audience. At least to me, he succeeded. The lack of resolution made for a much more powerful and emotional ending.
Sayers could have made this movie an "action packed thriller" but did not. It must have been at least somewhat tempting to Sayers; given the box office appeal of "action packed thrillers" which probably would have made a lot more money.