My brief review of the film

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2005)

A technically very well made film, helped by some fine acting by Leonardo DiCaprio and Alan Alda, it is nevertheless is not at all perfect viewing. Whilst the film is quite a satisfactory biopic, depicting Hughes' experiences well, it never feels deep at all, even though it tackles deep issues. The film just simply does little else other than show Hughes' life, and although that was the point of the film, it feels just a bit too lacking for it to be worthy of a second viewing. At almost three hours in length it feels much too long, and with almost all the supporting characters underdeveloped, it has little other than just its flashiness to hold one's interest. For the technical credits, which are very impressive, and for Leonard DiCaprio's solid performance, the film is worth watching. However I find little to recommend it as a film for which more can be taken out of it with a second viewing.