Painful

Rating: Null/10 (18 July 2004)

This may have been the most excruciating movie I have ever endured. The premise, perfect; the atmosphere, unbeatable; the chemistry, totally void. I entered the theatre knowing this film may venture away from the typical, slobbery, predictable, unrealistic, "love" story but never had I expected the total disappointment that laid upon me as the last scene faded to black and the credits rolled. The film lacks the jolt of electric eye contacts or embraces. Not even a dot of a plot line exists. I couldn't even appreciate this droning attempt at cinema for it's unique camera angles or mesmerizing backgrounds. Naturally, filming in Paris adds volumes to a films reputation but the focus was not the sites of Paris but rather the intrusive eavesdropping on an estranged couple. Perhaps if I had viewed Before Sunrise prior to buying my ticket to Before Sunset, I would have had a better understanding of the direction of the continuation. My recommendations would be to drop a few dollars on the beginning of this video diary and view it in the comfort of your home so at the very minimum, if it lulls like it's sequel, you would have the luxury of telemarketer as a welcomed distraction.