Quickie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2016)

Benjamin Button (both the film and the character) is a little odd. Though engaging and well-acted it leaves you a little flat as you realise there isn't much point to the story. I mean, it's not something that's every going to happen in real life, is it? Button is a movie that would be much more well received I think if it had a 'Based on a True Story' flashed in front. Obviously that's not possible, and the movie unfortunately ebbs away from your memory not long after you see it. Logically, a lot of things don't add up, though I suppose if you go into the movie looking for a logical film you're not watching it properly.
The special effects were good for the time but haven't held up completely well. Also, the film is pretty long at just under three hours, and unnecessarily so. However, it's not to say it is an unenjoyable three hours – I found myself mildly pleased at what I was watching. A lot of parts were interesting, especially when Button meets new people. There's a grand sense of wonder and harmony that I connected with on more than one occasion. The romance was well dealt with and I didn't find it cheesy at all. It's just when the film finishes, its probing and stimulating touch kind of evaporates, really.
Best Scene: Cate Blanchett is confronted by a far younger Brad Pitt who looks suspiciously like he just walked out of the 90's after years of separation.