Yay- a movie where we are not being spoon fed!

Rating: 8/10 (7 November 2005)

I had to see this movie twice to fully appreciate it. The first time I watched it I was too distracted by Jake Gyllenhall's ass (yes, sad to admit that even though I am a nearly 30yr old woman I have a ridiculous "14yr old girl" type obsession with Jake!) So, I had to go back to watch the movie again because I was pretty sure there was a great movie that I missed the first time around. I was REALLY looking forward to this movie- yes in big part because of said obsession but also because I think Sam Mendes is a genius. American Beauty is in my top 3 favorite movies, not to mention that despite my better judgment- turns out I really do love war movies. I have to say that the movie didn't disappoint, but it's not easy to describe feeling that it leaves you with. I know Mendes has been catching flack for it with reviewers but I really have to hand it to him for not caving to the current political climate and making yet another movie with an in your face statement about the agenda of the United States. Don't get me wrong, we need to have these movies and I love them too but if we get too lost in political statements we loose sight of the human element; and with out making any excuses for itself, that is what this movie does. I am grateful to Mendes that he has enough respect for his audience that he allows us to make our own intelligent decisions about what he has just shown us. The fact that 2 days later I am still not really sure how I feel about what I saw is, in my mind, a true testament to a good movie. That is not to say the movie is without flaws. For a movie that is so focused on the experiences of its characters it would have been helpful to know more about them. It was a bit of a stretch to feel real compassion for any of them because we weren't given a chance to really get to know them. There are some very powerfully emotional scenes that I found myself really wanting to get into but the connection just wasn't there. Because of this some fantastic acting never gets to go anywhere- that feels disappointing. The acting really is very good. Not just from Jake who I have always know to be brilliant (so many reviewers seem to just be seeing him for the first time- for the love of god see "Moonlight Mile" people!!) but also from Peter Sarsgaard who never ceases to amaze. All in all, this movie is exactly what I look for when I go to the theater; something that makes me think, something that leaves me feeling a bit uncomfortable because I don't really know what I think. It is refreshing to be given that chance these days!