Visually Stunning, but Falls Short of Its Grand Expectations

Rating: 7/10 (5 November 2012)

Despite the massive undertaking of trying to encapsulate the immensity of the novel, no one could have done it better than the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer - the film, in it's very simplest representation, is beautiful. The Costume Design & Makeup team deserve an Oscar for their work as the actors are, at times, so heavily disguised that even the most astute audience member will be surprised to learn who played who.
Sadly, the film and its several plot lines lack the cohesion that only the novel could cultivate. With nearly three hours (172 minutes) run time, it still seems not enough time is given to develop the characters and their relationship, and thus, limiting the viewers' emotional investment. The performances are amazing, settings and CGI handled very well, but when it's all over, you're simply left with fragments of each story.
My rating of 7/10 is due, in part, to my belief that no one could have produced a better adaptation. Visually stunning, Cloud Atlas is worth seeing, but does not live up to the gargantuan expectations held before it.