It doesn't work

Rating: 2/10 (19 July 2006)

First of all, watch "Abre los Ojos." Then you'll understand why I hate it.
Cameron Crowe showed his utmost lack of creativity with this one. Even some SHOTS are exactly alike (i.e., club scene). I was completely upset that Crowe can get a perfectly good Spanish movie, Americanize it, and be treated as a film hero. Crowe has nothing on Amenabar, and shame on Cruise for thinking he could top Noriega's performance by being a schmuck.
Also, Cruise's "schmucky" performance made the continuity of this film completely bizarre. There were some very strong scenes that called for a very different performance/script. Whether it's the screenwriter's fault for not adjusting the mood of the scene or Tom Cruise for being such a schmuck, it just simply doesn't work.
As a standalone movie, I'd give it a 6. However, because I've seen "Abre los Ojos," I'm giving the low marks that I post here. Practice some Spanish and watch "Abre." (Unfortunately, not even Penelope could have salvaged this mess.)