The Unbelievable Case of Benjamin Button

Rating: 2/10 (16 March 2009)

The overall premise of Benjamin Button didn't sit well with me and the subsequent unfolding of the plot confirmed my suspicions--mainly, that I'd have to suspend my disbelief too much to enjoy this movie. Many of the plot elements were eyeroll worthy, such as the fiasco in the beginning when the father kidnaps and abandons his son (without any repercussions, apparently). The multitude of unintelligible accents also aggravated me to no end, especially the narrator's exhausted, Southern accent (ugh!). I also found Benjamin Button to be a wholly unsympathetic character, as was Cate Blanchett (after she grew up, that is). The only redeemable aspect of the movie is when Benjamin Button encounters Tilda Swinton's character. I thought that part of the movie was quite sweet--but to what end? (because their ties are severed so abruptly!). The ending of the movie was also nicely executed, but by that time, I was ready to flee the theater. I recommend that you watch this movie (if you still want to) when it comes out on cable. Don't pay to see it.