Poetic Reality Rift

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2010)

A poetic embrace of ideas that have percolated in my own consciousness produce a vivid time-traveling adventure for Nemo. I'm sure this character was inspired by the childhood movie, Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland , a favorite of many. If this was the impetus, it sparked a creative entry into modern film-making of self-aware destination. The machinations makes this film entertaining and thought-provoking. The emotional ties to the characters generate enough empathy. Nemo is a likable character that goes through changes because of self-inflicted choices, his emotional struggles split between multiple realities.
Toby Regbo is the best incarnation of Nemo according to his performance, Jared Leto forgettable as always. I'm not sure what compels people to cast Leto, who has a vapidity about him that is amounts to a constant blank stare. Juno Temple gives an palpable emotional performance as younger Anna. This period of time and relationship is probably the strongest throughout the film. Elise is obviously bipolar by the first appearance by Clare Stone, who gives Sarah Polley a great lead in before she even gives the character a go. Give all the credit to Stone for this character. Polley is actually the perfect casting choice for the bi-polar, older Elise. Krueger really can't hide her accent at all and really as the same problem with Leto, which is, pretty faces don't make up for the lack of acting chops.
Stylistically and melodically, the poetry of visual style and musical accompaniment resonate. Mental stimulation is at the top of the Jaco Van Dormael's list. Factoids litter the piece without too much distraction from the story.
The only issue I see with this film is the runtime, which is 2hrs and 18 mins. It starts to lose its emotional power as it delves deeper into the confusion.
"We only exist in the imagination of a child with an impossible choice." That moment gave me the chills necessary for my 8. I was teetering at a 7, but that moment made this movie work for me.
Another cut can still help this movie, which can make it stronger.