whatever . . .

Rating: 7/10 (5 March 2003)

I love movies. I also love the Academy Awards; for their spectacle and celebration of the medium, if not for their accuracy. Thus, I try to see as many of the nominated films as I can each year. "GONY" was the last of the 'major' offerings I had to see. And I do feel I 'had' to see it. I didn't really want to. I knew after the first preview I saw that this was not really a me kind of film. I very much wanted to be proven wrong. Sadly, I was not.
I have no problems with the cinematic aspect of the movie. It had a look and a feel that were distinct and very appropriate for the story. The same goes for other technical considerations. Fine.
I'm not squeamish about violence in movies as long as its portrayal is essential to the telling of the story. In "GONY" violence and revenge were the story. It was not excessive. Okay.
There was nothing in or about this movie that I hated. BUT it was way too long. The story could not support the length. Narration, flashbacks, and slow motion were all unnecessary contributors to its length. Half an hour could have been cut without loosing anything but length. So.
Day-Lewis was solid and great as always. DiCaprio may be taking baby steps back to the magic he achieved in "Gilbert Grape," and Broadbent again was simply phenomenal. Diaz, who I can't stand anyway, was just what I expected - very weak. Neeson's cameo was my favorite part of the movie. Well.
I just did not care about anything or anyone in this film. It did not incite any emotion in me stronger than, "Uhm," Perhaps you have to be a New Yorker and have gone through 9-11 to be emotionally attached to the material. (That's just a guess, don't hate me!)
It was an okay movie. I would normally say that people should go see it an form their own opinions. But this time I won't because i brings nothing new to the table in story, acting, directing, cinematography, etc. You won't be missing anything special by skipping this one.
My score: 7/10 = whatever