don't waste your money

Rating: 2/10 (17 January 2006)

I also got a free ticket for an advanced screening of this film. From all the previews, the cinematography looked beautiful, and, as I'm somewhat of a history buff, I knew the background story was interesting... all in all, I was excited to see the movie.
An hour into the movie, I was literally sitting there with my eyes closed thinking "hmm...this is nice nap music." The only reason I rated this movie a 2 instead of a 1 is because the cinematography did hold up...it was beautifully done. And the costuming and location were very authentic. Other than that, the movie left a LOT to be desired. The script was TERRIBLE. Most of the dialogue (if you can call it that) wasn't spoken aloud, but rather were thoughts of the two main characters. It would be one thing if they were having profound and interesting thoughts...but they weren't. Collin Farrell constantly thinking, "I love her. I made her love me. I want to love her in the wilderness." And then Pocahontas', "Come back to me. Mother guide me." Blah, blah, blah, blah, BLAH! The lines that were "thought" and the things that were coming out of their mouths were just completely ridiculous. Even the battle scenes were lacking.
After about an hour and a half, my friend and I actually got up and left. I don't think the movie was even half way done - Christian Bale hadn't even made an appearance yet. On our way back, we joked that the movie wasn't even worth the subway ride it took us to get to the theatre...and that if we were Christian Bale or Collin Farrell, we would be completely embarrassed to be a part of it. Honestly, sitting in the theatre I felt embarrassed for them. That uncomfortable, squirm in your seat, "Aww, why are you doing this? You're better than this!" feeling. Do you think that while people are filming a movie there is ever a point when they look at each other and just say, "Wow...this is complete and total crap?" I have a feeling The New World may have had one of these moments.
If you REALLY want to see this movie, go ahead and pay to see it in the theatre... but for those who are just mildly interested, wait until they show it on TV. I wouldn't even waste my money on the rental.