Suspend Your Disbelief ..... or Have a Good Laugh

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 2006)

I realized about 30 seconds into this film that I had two choices: one - laugh my ass off, or two - swallow hard and just go with it. I chose the latter, and ended up really enjoying this film. Stunning visuals aren't enough to carry a movie, and there were moments where I couldn't quite suppress a snicker (levitating as a shaven-headed Buddha, for one). However, what made the film was Hugh Jackman's performance. He was bloody amazing. I had no idea. You should see it if only for his performance.
All in all, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief, and if you have at least a medium-level tolerance for pretentious film-making, you will be rewarded with a genre-defying film, whose merit lies not in any particular cleverness but in its ability to make you feel something. At worst, it will make you laugh. At best, it will make you feel a certain spiritual awareness.
It bears mentioning that if you're single and lonely, this film is a kick in the pants. ** ALSO, this is not a date movie - perhaps the worst possible date movie of all time. Moreover, if you're in a two-year relationship that feels so-so ... not a good pick. You wont be able to leave the theatre and get away with the usual chit chat.
In sum, as I rate films according to genre, this one managed a perfect 10 if only because it is in it's own wonked-out universe. Suspend your disbelief, and you may really like it. Failing that, roll a big spliff and you almost certainly will enjoy it. Or, just laugh your ass off.