A very pleasant surprise!

Rating: Null/10 (9 September 1999)

I went into this film, knowing it was 67 hours long (just under 3 hours in non-exaggerated terms) and hoping that it wasn't going to be another "critics only like it because it's Kubrick" type of movie, with lot's of symbolic weirdo bizzaro material that only Stanley Kubrick can deliver. I thought I would be shifting in my seat a billion times and getting restless halfway through the film. I think Kubrick is sporadic at best, with his films. I loved The Shining, and the first half of Full Metal Jacket, but I thought Dr. Strangelove was only OK, and 2001 was absolutely dreadful, with the exception of Hal9000.
But, I must say, that with Eyes Wide Shut, I was never restless, nor was I ever bored for one second, I was actually interested in all of the symbolism, and I only shifted in my seat a few times due to the fact the movie was rather long, but it didn't even seem like it. I give the utmost kudos for Mr. Kubrick for going out in style. It had all the elements that movies today do not such as good acting, great cinematography, a good story, good direction and oh yeah.....It's original.
If you are usually intrigued by Kubrick but don't love him, go see this one, because you will like it. If you are unintelligent and only like watching movies instead of getting into them, then don't waste your time. This movie is for people who will give movies a chance and not base their decision on whether it lives up to the hype. C'mon people. I mean, when has a movie ever lived up to the hype? I thank Mr. Kubrick for giving us a film worth the price of admission.