Hey folks, Harry here... Last night I got a pair of reviews... A pair that while both were positive, I wanted more... Not the details mind you... I had wanted more passion from the reviews... I wanted to feel Crowe's film possess them the way his films regularly possess me when I write about them. Well, I've got a buttload of reviews here... EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM did some flip only possible in THE MATRIX for the flick... There is one paragraph of spoiler material in this entire rundown of reviews... it doesn't give it all away, but it has more than ya probably want to know... BUT NEVER FEAR... I warn ya about it in my typical SAVIOR-MAN mode... Now, when getting a buttload of reviews for the new Cameron Crowe flick.. Which do you lead with.... Well, The Musician of course... Here's a Guitarist and his thoughts... Oh how the tides have turned for Mr Crowe, once he would critique the strummers on stage, and now the strummers critique his images on screen... Gotsta love it....
Hidee-Ho there Harry.
Me and my girlfriend were at the LA test screening card-filling-out thing for the Cameron Crowe's newest Vanilla Sky.
We just moved to Los Angeles on the 1st, totally broke, and already found ourselves seeing a FREE movie in Hollywood, on the Paramount lot, with Cameron Crowe and his wife Nancy Wilson in attendance!
I play guitar, so seeing Nancy Wilson was a bigger thrill for me than anything.
Anyway, Cameron Crowe has blown my mind. He has created a genre bending, mind fucking masterpiece with his new one.
The plot is so complex and twisted, I can't do it justice. It mixes elements of romance, comedy, sci-fi, drama and thriller. And unlike most movies that try to create new genres by mixing established ones, Vanilla Sky is a total success.
Tom Cruise is perfectly cast as the "golden boy" whose life is turned upside down and inside out.
In the first half hour or so, Crowe uses his well honed romantic comedy skills to create characters that are full and real and people you know and can care about.
He then spends the rest of the movie pummeling the shit out of them.
IT'S GREAT!!
Imagine if, about halfway through Jerry McGuire, Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger each took three handfuls of shrooms and continued the story.
That's kinda what Vanilla Sky feels like.
Cruise has to act in a mask a lot of the time and is believable even from behind that. The mask is actually his own face, which creates a really creepy effect. Cameron Diaz is HOT as a bad girl, psychoslut. Perfect! And Penelope Cruz is perfect as the girl that shows Tom what love is truly about.
But, the true star is the film itself. That sounds cheezy, but it's true. I've never seen a movie like this before. It's unbelievable. The crowd was locked into their seats for the duration and I think the movie got a hugely positive response judging from the really long applause at the end.
Also, Crowe knocks it out of the park with the music. I'm going again when this one comes out, just to pick up the million things I know I missed. I know this review isn't that good (like I said, I play guitar) but I have to praise Cameron Crowe for not only directing outside of his normal thing, but for creating a totally new kind of movie. It was a blast and we both completely loved it. Welcome to LA!
Call me by the name of my fictitious Motown band...
The Fros of Passion
Next we have Friar Dino of the Croweian Monastary...
Hi Harry,
I just read the two reviews from the NY screening and thought Id put in my two cents.
I live in LA and was lucky enough to get to see a secret screening of what was supposidly either hardball or vanilla sky. Thank fuck it wasn't hardball.
Anyway imagine watching a film starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz with them sitting in the audience, 4 rows directly behind you no less. Now imagine coming out of the theather on paramounts lot and talking to random film students about how this movie was a gift from the movie gods and how scary it is that it could end up being cut to shreads only to have Cameron Crowe appear so that you could shake his hand, tell him he's made a masterpieace and literally bow before him. That was last night for me, pretty cool huh?
Wanna know the best part?
The movie.
Cameron Crowe's films get better and better and this one is more than anyone could have ever expected, his directorial style moves from a Crowe film to Kubrickian with the slightest effort.
Tom Cruise will pull at every emotional string in your being, Penealope Cruz will sweep you off our feet, Cameron Diaz, Jason Lee and Kurt Russell have all put in some of there best work.
The music, although there wasnt much of a score, was first rate. I simply can't say enough about this film, go see it. Dont read any reviews ever!!! Thank you Cameron Crowe. God, how I am supposed to wait till christmas
Friar Dino
And now for AKASoze who... one could say is a bit of a fan of the flick... I don't think that is overstating things... I think... I think perhaps he's in love with the flick a tad... a wee bit... as P.J. Soles would say, "Totally!"
Hey Harry, AKASoze here recently back from an LA test screening of "Vanilla Sky" - I don't know about any New York screening, but we got the one with Sir Crowe himself in attendance. This will be a spoiler-free review. First off, this isn't your father's Cameron Crowe film -- although there are a number of classic Crowe moments throughout this Kubrick film (yes, it's quite Kubrick - and not just because it's got Tom Cruise and creepy masks). This movie, as is, is a work of art. I can only pray that it doesn't get dreamworks'd and cut down to a 2 hour mess from a 150 + minute masterpiece. I advise anyone who is truly looking forward to this film to avoid all advertising. Anyone who saw the film can recognize that it is probably impossible to market, and may unfortunately suffer the same fate as "Almost Famous." Since the film is practically impossible to market, the preview will probably include all sorts of twists and surprises that should be completely unknown before entering. BELEIVE IT OR NOT, I predict an oscar nomination for Kurt Russell, he's AMAZING in it....I don't know where he's been, but this is his best work since "Tango & Cash," even better than...yes, that's right: "Captain Ron." But I'm being serious, Russell is fantastic in the film. And Penelope Cruz is VERY good, very hot and very naked. Allow me to repeat: Penelope Cruz is naked in this film. There's actually no way this film can be bad, you've got CAMERON CROWE + PENELOPE CRUZ NAKED + CONAN O'BRIEN + A GIANT FLOATING HOMER SIMPSON (no joke).
The previous reviewer was very right about the audience being all film students -- those movieview people aren't the most observant people in the world, one guy was wearing a USC: School of Cinema-Television sweatshirt the whole time in line. For those of you wondering how to trick the movieview people, you just switch from discussing Altman and Kubrick to Yahoo Serious and Freddie Prinze, Jr. as they walk by.
You can tell that Crowe is a little out of his element...actually...you really can't -- the movie works on almost every level and has enough classic Crowe moments to succeed as a "Cameron Crowe film" as well. The film has a practically flawless and perfect opening and closing 15 minutes and everything in between is far better than most everything that's come out this year so far! Wam Bam thank you Cam.
(and to make the night even better, I saw Kevin Spacey wandering Melrose right after the screening!!!)
AKASoze
Ah, then The Quick Brown Fox basks in love of the film, but the lack of faith in her fellow humanity and marketing departments that they simply won't GET this movie and that it'll be completely mismarketed... We'll see...
You've probably been bombarded with reviews for Vanilla Sky, so I'll try and keep this one brief. This shouldn't be to hard because, aside from two (maybe three) things, this movie rocked.
Problem 1: Pacing: Several scenes dragged a little bit and the movie takes a little while to pick up momentum. Trust me, though, stick with it. Once this thing picks up, it's truly awesome. Plot twists and mindbenders abound.
Problem 2: Sense of Humor: This movie for some reason has a number of one liners that seem out of place with the mood of the movie. However, I don't recall the humor still being there once the movie really starts moving.
Problem 3 (?): Abre Los Ojos: I have not seen the movie on which this is based, but if it's exactly the same in terms of plot points, there are going to be a lot of angry nerds.
One other thing... Cameron Crowe was at my screening (it was in Hollywood). This guy is awesome. He hiding himself in front of the theater after the screening, a little nervous because he didn't know how this would go, but was quickly reassured by the number of fans who were able to recognize him. Crowe is a geek just like all of us. It's clear that he really loved Abre Los Ojos and hopes that his remake does it justice.
The shame is that while Vanilla Sky will probably get positive reviews, it'll likely bomb at the box-office because there's no way it'll be advertised correctly. It probably won't be up for any Academy Awards because this isn't the type of thing Oscar rewards. All I know is that all but one of the friends that went with me (and there were quite a few of them) loved this movie. Hopefully it'll be able to find its audience, but I wouldn't bet on it.
- The Quick Brown Fox
Now this next review... this first paragraph may tell you way more than you want to know, so if you want to just skip it, and pick up with that next paragraph... You should be totally in the clear... Alrighty?
I just got back from the first test screening of Cameron Crowe's new film, Vanilla Sky. First off I feel this is a major departure for Cameron Crowe. This is not the touchy-feely Crowe of Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous; he is covering new ground on this film. The film follows a rich magazine CEO named Christopher, played by Tom Cruise, who is too much of a playboy and partier. He gets in trouble with one of his lovers named Brenda, who is played by Cameron Diaz, when she becomes jealous of his new lover Sofia, Penople Cruz. But Christopher is beginning to change his old ways for he is actually in love with Sophia. But Brenda is driven over the edge and in a jealous rage, tries to commit suicide in her car and bring him with her. Christopher immerges from the terrible accident with a horribly disfigured face. He becomes angry at life and his friends reaction to his disfigurement. For now his best friend seems to be steeling Sofia away from him. But just when nothing could get any worse, he gets his face back thanks to some surgery and Sofia suddenly decides to accept him back into her life. But his dream turns into a nightmare when he begins having visions of the women who tired to kill him in some cool Devils Advocate women-switching shots. From there the story changes completely into The 13th Floor and The Game territory. While I won't ruin the ending, it is a big surprise and definitely changes the tone and message of the film; A real change in style and content for Crowe.
I think that this change is a welcome one though and this is surely his most visual film. The editing, photography and style is an improvement over his direction in Almost Famous. And while the story is defiantly not his usual material, which is probably because it is based VERY strongly on Open Your Eyes (1997), he is able to handle it beautifully.
The acting is also very solid. Tom Cruise delivers a very good Eyes Wide Shut-like performance and has been daring in picking a role where he is disfigured during more than half the film. While I have not liked Penelope Cruz in any of her American films, she pulls off this role with just a few bad deliveries and overall is very believable. Jason Lee is GOLD in this film and adds in some great comedic relief, which is interspersed between the drama in typical Crowe fashion.
This movie will definitely not please everyone. The younger crowd who wants a romantic film might be disappointed by the odd ending and older audiences may be confused by it. Bit seemed like much more of a romantic/sci-fi movie than a romantic/thriller. I felt this film was very strong and well done, and if it doesn't divide critics too much should be a strong Academy Award contender
Ah, wouldn't you like to know
Here's the follow up piece from the last posting on VANILLA SKY from the Guy Who Saw it....
okay so here is some more about Vanilla Sky, but i don't want to give too much of this film away because it was amazing and i respect the artist...however it was a bad ass movie and i don't feel guilty spreading some good buzz for it.
Tom cruise is basically living the life we all want. He inherits a publishing company from his father, single, has a bomb ass pad in new york, Jason Lee is best friend, cameron diaz bangs him four times a night, etc...
A disfiguring accident ensues, and here is where things get trippy. The plot unfolds and for me to describe it to you all would spoil things and i'd rather not do it.
In terms of a genre to put this film in, I don't know where to begin. Crowe has made an epic post modern film. The film weaves in and out of dreams and reality, comedy and drama, and definitely has a love story in there.
I feel lucky to have seen it without the watching any trailers. My friends all agreed that despite the cast, this film will be hard to market without giving people the wrong idea.
Overall it was a fine meditation on life, death, and pop culture.
The Guy Who Saw Vanilla Sky (remember my tiny piece from last night?)
And now here's Paul who defiantly will see the film again...
Harry:
I’m all excited because last night I got picked to go see a film, which I’m sure you can guess which one it was, because you’ve probably gotten one from every person on the planet who was there….Vanilla Sky. (Next time I get to see a film like this, I’m not going out afterwards to imbibe alcoholic beverages, I’m coming right home and writing you….then again, I doubt I’ll ever get to see something so cool again.) Anyway, it was on the Paramount lot at like 7:30 and I’m thinking “Blah Blah Blah, god I hope its not some fuckin’ stupid shit, but its free, so whatever”. So we go in and the chick introducing the film was…how shall we say…dull? I am not looking forward to this at all…looking for a way out without looking like a fuck….and she leaves without saying what we’re seeing and I’m like “fuck is it so fucking bad they aren’t even telling us?” and then she comes back and says “oh, by the way, the movie you are seeing is Vanilla Sky starring Tom Cruise…blah blah blah”. I sit up….hell yea! I didn’t even think they were showing this film because the most I’ve heard about it is “No one knows much about this film.” I’m not a big Tom Cruise fan at all, but I’m usually impressed by Cameron Crowe, so things are looking up.
(this is the part where I talk about the film, so bear with me, because the most I’ve ever talked about film is the bullshit about French films in a class in college….)
The film is a total mind-fuck---looking back now, there are scenes from the beginning which I’m not entirely sure were “real” or “not real”, having seen the ending. There’s not totally much I can say without ruining most of the film, but the cast was totally great. Jason Lee, who I’ve only seen in Kevin Smith films, is actually working himself out to be a pretty great actor. Cameron Diaz plays a “somewhat crazy” lady well, very different than her standard “Mary” roles she’s been doing. I sincerely hope she takes more shit like this from now on. Penelope Cruz, who I’ve actually never seen in any film that I can recall, was pretty good---and Tom Cruise, the other white meat, was impressive (it says a lot that I didn’t think murderous thoughts while watching him. I sincerely dislike the man, and I have no idea why.) I’ll defiantly go see this again, because even now (and no, it wasn’t the four pints of beer I had afterwards) some of the details are getting fuzzy and I have questions I wouldn’t mind getting answered by a second viewing. The only problem was it was a little long (okay...a lot long...man edits need to be made.) But my word is: great film, defiantly rewatchable—Crowe’s a smart, smart man.
Out-
Paul
And now for the final review... Quick532... one lucky gal...
Hey Harry, about to go into work and wanted to make sure I sent this before I leave. Saw Vanilla Sky last night! Couldn't believe my luck. I was hanging out having coffee the other day when this guy came up to me and asked if I wanted to go to a screening for a romantic thriller. So I went last night, having no idea what flick I was about to see. Shit, I still can't believe it. Cameron Crowe - Vanilla Sky - the movie no one has any info about. Yeah, I saw it. It's really good. No, wait. it's f#$%ing EXCELLENT!
I'll won't spoil if for the rest of you who have to wait until Dec but let me tell you, Crowe does it again. If you liked his other films ˆ Almost Famous, Singles, Say Anything ˆ here's another one to add to the list. Not to mention the fact that Cruise and Cruz sizzled...it's no wonder they ended up in the sack! Cameron Diaz was so totally wacked out and crazy so much so that she scared the bejeesus out of me!
The only remotely bad thing I can think of about last night is that there were a couple of points where the film dragged and they couldn't manage to get the lights to come on at the end.
2 1/2 hours and I still want more, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the end since last night.
- Quick532
