Melissa - not as bad as everyone says

Rating: Null/10 (6 March 2003)

Vanilla Sky, the remake of the 1997 movie Abre los Ojos (Open Your Eyes), should have gotten better reviews. When at glance, one immediately notices the all-star cast: Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Kurt Russell; and great direction: Cameron Crowe. However, before seeing the movie, all I had read was poor reviews, and all I had heard was `Don't see it, it's awful,' from my friends.

Despite what was said, I loved the film. It was not at all what I had expected, and so not to spoil the movie, I will sum it up as follows: David Ames is a wealthy, successful businessman in a relationship (with Cameron Diaz) when he meets a woman whom he falls for at first site (Penelope Cruz). Just when things seem to be perfect in David's life, he makes a decision that will ruin him and haunt him forever. Cruise is almost too perfect for the part of the superficial rich bachelor; however, I could not bring myself to feel sympathy towards his character. Diaz and Cruz, though not disappointing, left no impact on me. The one actor with a noteworthy performance was Kurt Russell, David's therapist, who really came alive and stayed in my mind even after the film.

To me, the best part of the film was the beautiful and incredible, romantic and surreal, cinematography. I also enjoyed the story line. After seeing the movie twice, I found connections and metaphors that I had missed the first time.

This movie is 4/5 stars. My only complaints are the poor acting and disappointing soundtrack. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an offbeat film with a surprise in the end.