The script was...Lost In Translation

Rating: 3/10 (11 February 2004)

Lots of hype about the movie...too bad I could not find justification for it.
I like Scarlett Johansson. I like Bill Murray. I understand this was not a comedy. I understand there was not going to be any sex.
I guess I was thinking it was going to be something more like "My Dinner with Andrea" than a rambling bore of a film. Unfortunately, whatever happened in the first hour of the movie was negligible, and hardly set up the ending. I did like the last 10 or 15 minutes, though.

There was too much "I'm bored in Japan" looking out the window, or "I can't sleep" (which you do, just at the opposite time as everyone else), or "look at these pretty buildings". It was too much filler, and not much substance. And, yes, the language barrier/miscommunication routine was somewhat overblown, and ultimately tiresome.
Fool me once ("The Virgin Suicides") shame on you - fool me twice ("Lost in Translation") shame on me. I hope there is not a sequel, which is a definite possibility.
I like the vague ending as is. However, I would have ended it with Bob saying "screw it" (or perhaps nothing at all), and taking the next elevator up after Charlotte. Roll credits.
If you are not a fan of Bill or Scarlett, I would pass on this movie.
3/10