Great plot, and great cast make this a must see film!

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2002)

I always thought that Tom Cruise was a pretty boy. I automatically hated him......then I saw his performance of Jerry Maguire, and he was exceptionally good. I then rented Magnolia, and he was good in that too, so since then I've began taking an interest in his films from MI:2 through to this film - VANILLA SKY.
I made sure I went into this film as cold as a turkey - I didn't want to see any trailers for the film, I hadn't read any reviews, so I didn't really hav a clue what to expect, and I'm soooooooo glad, because I think I appreciated the film far more.
This film, may I say is very, very good. It has a great script - even though it's a remake, don't hold that against it! The storyline is very cleverly wrapped around one single event in David Aames' life. Cruise shines in his role, giving a performance which ranges from - dashingly smug, depressed, in complete love, confusion, frustration, etc etc. Yep, it's all here (almost!). His character goes through so much that you MUST give him credit for it.
Cruz is actually very good in this film - I liked her in 'Blow' with Johnny Depp - she does well here, reprising her role from the original, and giving it a fresh new feel, and to top it all - I can UNDERSTAND what she is saying!!
Cameron Diaz is equally as good, if not better as the suicidal, and crazed Julie. Her role was quite a challenge I suspect, as she could have easily gone down the one dimensional 'unhinged stalker' path and given a crap performance, but she doesn't, she keeps it controlled, and unnerving. A career performance from her in which is a vital role to the film as a whole.
Kurt Russell? I've always liked Kurt, and he doesn't dissapoint here, he is strong in his role and come the end, I don't even think he knew what was happening, and to show that on screen, is truly something to behold.
And finally, Cameron Crowe. He has, with this film, proved himself to be more than a 'feel good' director. He has created a world which will captivate his audience. His opening of a completely deserted Times Square is unforgettable - David Aames is a character that fears being alone, and what sense of loneliness would you feel if everything in Times Square came to a stop? Phew! But, that's just the BEGINNING! When we are drawn in even deeper to Aames' world, we are as disillusioned and as confused as he is! I won't give plot details away here, but just don't try to think too much during this film - it'll all be explained to you come the end, and if you are NOT moved to shed at least one tear, then get yourself checked into the closest asylum!!!
****PLOT SPOILER - I THINK**** After Aames' tragic car crash, which some might say had it coming, we witness the 'Golden boy's' transformation, and by God is it very realistic. The make-up is great, and I never once questioned the fact that it WAS make-up. Cruise's performance and the way his 'new face' sits on him is shocking. Of course, the first initial shock of seeing him look the way he does after the accident does wear off eventually, but it does come back to haunt us as it does to David himself. Very clever.
So, to conclude - this film succeeds in all levels of genre that it undertakes - romance, thriller, comedy, and even sci-fi to a degree. It has a good, strong plot coupled with strong actors and characters. Mix all this up with a cracking soundtrack, and a director who knows what he wants and never insults his audience, and you have a film that will make you consider your everyday actions, value other people's feelings, and make one hell of a pub conversation or two.
This is the best film I have seen in a long long time!!
"Without the sour, the sweet ain't as sweet."
A good line, and one I can fully relate to!
9/10
Enjoy!