Best movie I've seen in a long time. I think it's better than Silence of the Lambs; it's close, but Rising was a great movie.
I definitely recommend going to see this movie, and reading the book it's based on.
__________________
Better contraceptives will control population only if people will use them. A nuclear holocaust can be prevented only if the conditions under which nations make war can be changed. The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned. We need to make vast changes in human behavior. B.F. Skinner
That one was good too, but it had so little Hannibal in it, and I love that character. Although the story/serial killer in Red Dragon is a good one, probably better than in Silence of the Lambs.
I think a lot is lost with those movies if you don't read the books, except for maybe Hannibal Rising, but that's because the author wrote the screenplay, and even then, a lot is lost because so much story has to be covered in 2 hours.
__________________
Better contraceptives will control population only if people will use them. A nuclear holocaust can be prevented only if the conditions under which nations make war can be changed. The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned. We need to make vast changes in human behavior. B.F. Skinner
Wow, after reading this, this is a pretty hefty review, so bear with me here....
I just got back from a fully sold out showing of The Number 23 and I was really blown away. I've always been an on-again/off-again fan of Joel Schumacher (Falling Down did it for me, Batman and Robin just....didn't) so I was expecting something either really cheesy or really dramatic. The latter proved the more evident.
The main storyline of the movie is shot and edited with that suspenseful, unexpected cinematography we've come to expect from horror/suspense movies: lingering camerawork, orchestral high points, all leading up to a still feeling of paranoia; or a sense of impending doom. And this is all before Jim Carrey even starts to read the book.
When the story delves into the book itself- which is the really one of the more engaging points of the movie- the mood changes entirely. We dive straight from Jim Carrey's calm, suburban life as an Animal Control Officer into a gritty, film noir style detective story with Carrey as detective Fingerling, a balls-to-the-wall tough cop who leads a dark life. The story sets off with Fingerling getting a call to try and calm down a girl who is planning to hang herself, indubitably named, "The Suicide Blonde"; and from here, the mood turns very Sin City-esque. Upon trying to reason with the girl, Fingerling discovers she's trying to kill herself to rid her mind of the curse of the number 23. Bewildered, Fingerling inquires, and from there he himself becomes cursed by the commonality of the number.
From here on out, the movie gets better and better, though I won't spoil much for you. I will say, though, that this movie isn't a horror film in the slightest. Rather, it's a dark, deep psychological thriller that will have you guessing the ending- and then guessing again. Where most movies these days leave you with one solid twist and a cliche ending, the evasiveness of The Number 23's ending and the poise with which the story is told will have you trying to figure it out as the conclusion of the movie draws nearer and nearer.
As someone who absolutely hates the horror genre and was sort of forced into seeing this movie, I've gotta say I'm completely satisfied. My friends didn't find it as completely mind-blowing as I did (I'm a fan of clever storytelling, that's mainly why I loved Deja Vu), we all agree this movie was definitely worth the hassle it took to see it. (Tickets cost us 9 bucks a pop, and the movie people had to check our tickets and ID's five times because of it being sold out)
All-in-all, a movie I think will certain pull favortism from drama or thriller buffs, and will likely appeal to an even wider audience. My vote: a solid 9/10.
Great review. I'm a big fan of psychological movies, as well as thrillers, so I was hoping this would be good, but after reading your review, it sounds even better.
I'll try to see this tonight, thanks for the review man.
__________________
Better contraceptives will control population only if people will use them. A nuclear holocaust can be prevented only if the conditions under which nations make war can be changed. The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned. We need to make vast changes in human behavior. B.F. Skinner
yeah much props for the review. Jim Carrey is great actor, regardless of what role he plays in...the trailer definetly drew me in, so when I get a chance, im going to go see this.
Just to give a more universal perspective here: not many critics happened to like The Number 23, so I dunno if my view is too biased, but I think I gave a fair judgment. Hopefully I won't have you guys wasting your money, haha.
Just to give a more universal perspective here: not many critics happened to like The Number 23, so I dunno if my view is too biased, but I think I gave a fair judgment. Hopefully I won't have you guys wasting your money, haha.
a friend of mine writes a column for a newspaper and was invited to special screening of 300( too bad he couldnt take a guest :'(.
when he came back from watching it, he was raving for hours and hours .
he said it is literally the most action filled movie he has seen in some time. the music is very "metal," and said that there might be changes to it..as it might not go well with every audience.
its fine with me, imo
theres sooo much violence that it might actually be toned down, especially because of the decapitations.
he said he couldnt talk much and cant give me details, but he did say that as far as acting is concerned, Gerrard Butler doesnt dissapoint and this movie is what 'the gladiator ' was to Russell Crowe.
man im drooling to watch this movie and i'll definetly get the DVD or whatever i can, when that comes out as well.
Well, I saw The Number 23 last night, and it was as great as I had hoped, and ben made it sound. It was very psychological, and definitely the best thriller I've seen in a while.
__________________
Better contraceptives will control population only if people will use them. A nuclear holocaust can be prevented only if the conditions under which nations make war can be changed. The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned. We need to make vast changes in human behavior. B.F. Skinner
Well, I saw The Number 23 last night, and it was as great as I had hoped, and ben made it sound. It was very psychological, and definitely the best thriller I've seen in a while.
really? well screw you for increasing my curiousity about this movie! . i just might end up seeing it this week
You should. Ben did it to me; I had been wanting to see this film, but when I read his review, I decided that I had to see it soon, so I did.
__________________
Better contraceptives will control population only if people will use them. A nuclear holocaust can be prevented only if the conditions under which nations make war can be changed. The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned. We need to make vast changes in human behavior. B.F. Skinner
Eh. Critics have disliked some of the best movies.
__________________
Better contraceptives will control population only if people will use them. A nuclear holocaust can be prevented only if the conditions under which nations make war can be changed. The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned. We need to make vast changes in human behavior. B.F. Skinner
I went to see 300 opening night Great movie!!! Frank Miller did it again instiant comic book movie classic !!!! If you like history movies or comic movies this movie is right up your alley.
man im not a huge romantic movie guy. i catch them here and there..so I didnt know what to expect when putting on "The Fountain".
But this is seriously one of the best drama/action/sci-fi/romantic movies i've seen in a long time and not to mention its one of the best movies i've seen this year.
im gonna add some more to these thoughts later, as im late for an appointment.
watching this movie took me back to my youth. watching teenage mutant ninja turtles II with my friends (also did it last week out of boredom. same friends too...)
i loved how it continued off the other movies perfectly and left no plot gaps. it just made the whole thing all the more enjoyable.
Re:
