Well I asked for a positive review, and I got one. It's not what I would call "glowing praise" but it does at least express respect towards the filmmakers. Personally, I'm really curious to see this film, contrary to most I would like to see this sort of "Capra/John Ford" attempt at a heart felt action film. That same approach didn't work with Waterworld though, and from the mass of reviews, it looks like it won't work for audience's as a whole. We'll see, I'll see it. Here is the Lone Ranger's review...
I wasn't going to write but the review of "The Postman" you posted changed my mind. I was at the screening (it wasn't a test since it was a press screening) and wanted to put in my two bits.
First, I think it was a nice thing Kev was there and spoke. Normally you can't get anyone to say shit at these things. I don't think it was self-indulgent of him but a genuinely friendly gesture to people he hoped would enjoy the show.
As to the movie, no, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but I don't really count that against films much anymore since most of them don't make sense either. Writing a good film storyline takes a strong sense of structure and logic - something most screenwriters lack. I'm not going to fuss about "ripping" off storylines either since post apocalypse films have been swiping the same basic ideas since Corman had Robert Vaughn running around in a leopard skin.
What does save the film, I think, and tipped it for me, is Costner's sincerity towards the material. I loved "Starship Troopers" but wanted to brain Verhoeven for not taking it seriously. Emotionally distancing yourself from the material is only likely to pull the audience away as well. Costner takes his world seriously and the running time lets us get used to it. I don't think his portrait is indulgent - it's a very good look at a man just trying to survive a violent, brutal world, then trying to come to grips with the confusion he brings to himself when his survival scam suddenly takes on a life of its own. It's not really "Road Warrior" because all Max did was bring his fighting and driving skills - Costner brings something much more subtle and stranger - hope for a rebirth of America. Costner is a very gracious director - he gives a lot of good scenes to a lot of other good actors - Larenz Tate and the English girl are very very good in this, but Will Patton also has a lot of good time as a copy machine salesman who always wanted to be Napoleon and got his wish, much to his eventual bad luck. Costner is also blessed with a wonderful eye - this is one of the best framed and photographed movies of the year. The landscapes are stunning and well used.
So I don't think this is the Second Coming, but it's an honorable addition to its type and it certainly held me for its time. I may even go see it again, and actually pay this time, which is certainly one of the best tributes I can make to a film. I think Costner and sf fans will enjoy the film. It's not a "special" delivery, but it's sure not "junk mail"...
