A fascinating and enchanting film!

Rating: 10/10 (22 June 2009)

Well, ladies and gentlemen, Darren Aronofsky has done it again! He is one of my favorite directors and screenwriters but this movie, in my humble opinion, completely transcended his other gems Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and more recently The Wrestler. This tale takes its audience on a breathtaking journey through some of the most enthralling visuals in cinematic history (almost all done without any CGI at all! Unprecedented in today's era of lazy film makers!) Aside from the breathtaking eye candy, the story this movie tells is very touching, heartwarming, and thought provoking and tells the story of love, loss, devotion, and obsession in a very unique and powerful way.
And the cast! Brad Pitt was originally slated to play the role of Tommy/Tomas but for some reason he left the project and was replaced with Hugh Jackman. Honestly, I truly believe that this movie is all the better for it! I admit that I was never a huge Hugh Jackman fan before watching this movie but I was an instant convert after watching this back in '07. And I frown very sternly at anyone who says that Rachel Weisz only got her part because she's involved with Aronofsky. She was brilliant and has incredible chemistry with Jackman! Add onto this a stellar supporting cast with Academy Award winner and Requiem for a Dream alumni (and ever lovely) Ellen Burstyn at its center.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the soundtrack. Clint Mansell provides a genius accompaniment to this movie. It sets the tone in a way words cannot describe. I am normally one who doesn't pay much attention to a film's musical score. But this one is impossible to ignore or forget. It is a masterpiece of movie music.
My only disappointment about this movie was that I was unable to see it in theaters where I believe it would have been all the better. You will understand after you see the movie and hear its music.
I don't want to say much else about the movie in order to avoid spoiling its magic. All I can say is "Seriously, watch it.....Dude, what are you waiting for? Get your butt down to the video store and rent this...NOW!"
11/10