Satisfying if somewhat affected

Rating: 7/10 (19 March 2009)

Just the premise, a man aging backwards, should warrant this one a shot. In its execution though, it reminded me more then a little of Forest Gump. For instance, the narrative with its humor (some are made to get struck by lightning) and the ongoing love-story. Maybe its a few shades darker, but its overall tone, is largely the same. Its sentimental, episodic, nostalgic, looks beautiful, and reminds engrossing through most parts of the picture, but fails to accomplish anything significant.
I though the way they made the character change throughout the film was quite amazing. Brad Pit turns in another good performance, but is clearly out-shined by Cate Blanchett. Likewise, the way the times changes are handled nicely, mostly just hinted at in the background with different trends (just one little misstep in this department: The parts with The Beatles on television).
I wish they wouldn't have to resort to the bookending parts where they read his diary on her deathbed. Its length also wore me out and i felt my interest fading for the last hour, but i probably weren't on the right frame of mind, after all, this is the kind of film you watch with your whole family during Christmas and in that context its probably great. So, all in all, this is a typical Oscar winner. For better and worse.