An over-hyped and simply not enjoyable ride

Rating: 4/10 (4 July 2013)

Like many I guess I'd seen the trailers and the actors involved with this movie and concluded it was worth a look despite some mixed reviews. These days its a given that a big budget film is going to look good and this is no exception - the sets are authentic and any cgi blends in very well. That isn't the problem with Cloud Atlas.. neither is the acting which considering the multiple characters being played by any one actor and heavy make up involved is perfectly fine. What ultimately detracts from what is a great 'looking' film then, is the crucial thing that makes a film - the story. Without giving any plot details away, the story is actually a series of stories in different times throughout the ages which are somehow linked to each other.. The trouble is some of these stories are, to be blunt, a bit dull or simply average and the big message the film is trying to get across is typically vague spiritual nonsense.
To be honest, as visually impressive and unique in style that it is, the film is simply not very satisfying to watch. As some others have summed up well, its a case of 'the emperor's new clothes' Lot of people seeing something that isn't there.