Unexpected yet worthwhile.

Rating: 6/10 (30 November 2019)

I've heard so many people call this movie 'a gift' or one of those movies you can watch over and over again and never get bored of, but I don't entirely understand the hype. Sure, I wasn't sitting there waiting for the movie to end the second I hit play, but I also felt stuck, waiting for it to pick up the entire time. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind wasn't what I was expecting, nor what I was in the mood for when I sat down for a movie, and I think it's safe to say I won't ever feel compelled to watch it again, but I can see it's appeal. It's different and funny and for those who can understand Clem or Joels choice to have the procedure, it's a good choice I movie to watch.
I wouldn't call it a bad movie, it's just not my cup of tea.
I also struggled with a couple of the plot points throughout the film, for instance Mary's choice to send out the tapes to everyone who'd gotten someone erased from their minds. I mean, sure, given her viewpoint on the company and the situation, it probably seemed like the ethical choice to mail out the tapes to everyone so they'd know what they'd done, but it was also selfish. She was in pain, she'd just discovered a major aspect to her job was a lie and it makes sense that maybe she'd send out the tapes so she wasn't the only one who felt stupid or hurt, but its just cruel. To inflict the pain you felt on so many others who probably had honest reasons to get the procedure isn't ethical, it's revenge, and it's childish, just like some of her other choices during the film.
As for do I think Clem and Joel will stay together? Who knows. With the knowledge of how their relationship went the first time around, it seems entirely unlikely. However, now that they're aware of the tapes and their past mistakes, there's a realm of possibility where they work through their problems and come to appreciate one another for who they truly are instead of fighting.
Overall, did I enjoy my time watching the movie? Yeah, and I would definitely say it's a worthwhile watch, but if you're looking for something fast-paced or easy to follow, this isn't the movie for you.