The Iceman Cometh

Rating: 5/10 (16 August 2008)

The less read about this vanity project, before you watch it, the better (provided you haven't seen the original, acknowledged to be superior 1997 "Abre los ojos" aka "Open Your Eyes"). The main problem is that young, handsome, and wealthy Tom Cruise (as David Aames)'s "David" is neither likable nor engagingly unlikable. Mr. Cruise has good taste in women, like precious Penélope Cruz (as Sofia) and jealous Cameron Diaz (as Julie Gianni); but, the movie isn't very sexy. Ms. Cruz played the same role in the original, sexier film (with Eduardo Noriega). Ms. Diaz and Jason Lee (as Brian Shelby) are most enjoyable, in supporting roles. Cinematographer John Toll is also outstanding. Cruise and director Cameron Crowe have excellent taste in music; they take an "everything but the kitchen sink" approach to the soundtrack by sampling The Beatles' obscure "Revolution 9", without the screaming Yoko. It's a "Revolution of the mind".
***** Vanilla Sky (2001) Cameron Crowe ~ Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz