Nice, but nothing special

Rating: 6/10 (24 February 2012)

If I had to describe this film in one word it's "nice". Charming, warm, enjoyable are three more words.
But it's really nothing special.
My key problem is that there's no twist really to the movie. Otherwise it's a silent movie for silent movie's sake. And sure it's a nice change of pace, and reminds of us of film's rich history, but if you're just largely copying what was before then... what are you bringing to the table other than reviving an old format? At one point the main character has a dream, where he can hear things. And we the viewers hear things too. And this is where I thought the movie was going to really pick up. Almost a Pleasantvillesque slant... I thought it was going to be dealing with how he was self aware that he was silent and would then break into sound. As we hear a laugh for the first time in the film, it really is a magical moment after so much silence. I thought we may go on this journey as he discovers sound, or something to that effect.
But then... it drops that, goes back to telling a story... and nothing new is brought to the table.
It really is a nice movie, somewhat refreshing... but I don't come away feeling I've witnessed a masterpiece or something that will even remain with me for very long.