A masterwork and feast for the eyes, but a disappointment for the heart...

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2008)

Benjamin Button is a stunning triumph if you judge it on its special effects alone. Simply great. Make-up, CGI, attention to historical detail etc -- great.
While the story is a very intriguing one the actual execution is good, not great - the performances are fine, but the whole project doesn't reach the heart as one would wish.
I am not saying for a moment that you shouldn't watch Button, it is entertaining - but, it is not a GREAT film, I am pleading that major studio films be prepared to make their films more challenging or charming; there is a severe lack of both brains and, more seriously, charm here (Gump which this loosely resembles had oddles of charm) : the result is just too bland and most of all it lacks charm to be great.
It will almost certainly win Oscars for its effects and make-up (Or perhaps TDK will take that? It should win for costuming - excellent. But it should not win for Best Picture.
In conclusion: the look and design of production are not enough if at the end of it all of it leaves us unmoved.