Not worth the time it takes to see it

Rating: 2/10 (4 September 2006)

Let me start off by saying I like artsy movies. Movies with subtitles, ambiguous endings--I can take it. Bring it on. I also like shots of nature. Give me grass, sky, birds, whatever you got, I usually like it.
HOWEVER, when I rented this movie, I had a horrible flashback to "The Thin Red Line" before I even got to the counter at Blockbuster. I went to the theatre to see it, shortly after I saw "Saving Private Ryan", thinking it would be a thoughtful war movie. I was ready to see a movie like that...
But "The Thin Red Line" is not that movie. It was a horrible movie filled with tall, lush, waving grass. I know this because that is where the camera sat pretty much the whole bloody time. I also remember not being able to understand what people were saying. In this day and age, the audio should not sound like crap, and I have no idea why it did.
So back to"The New World." It is another slow, tedious movie with very little emotional involvement by actors who are, at times, almost impossible to hear. Yes, many artsy shots. Plenty of nature. But the story cannot be communicated by hand motions, soulful eyes and fuzzy eyebrows (yes Colin--that means you!).
And the soundtrack was so weak. Who said that a symphony blaring over all the action is a good idea? Whoever had that bright idea should not be encouraged to do THAT ever again. And speaking of things never to do again, I am adding watching movies directed by this Malick fellow to my own personal "Don't Do" list. Giving blood, watching paint dry--these things would be more interesting.
Boo. That's all I can say about this movie.