Crowe Stretches Out, Way Out

Rating: 8/10 (24 December 2001)

This film is truly an enigma. Since I have not seen the original yet, I don't know whether this is good or not. I'm not sure that it wouldn't have been a better film, had it not merely ended in the manner that it began rather than giving such a twisted (and almost hokey) explanation for the events that unfolded. I think the film had some spectacular moments but Crowe could have excised at least 30 minutes from it - it takes far too long to reach its conclusion. At least Cameron Crowe is trying to reach out beyond mere commercial formula, and though he is indeed a talented director had this been directed by Bunuel it would have been a masterpiece. Penelope Cruz is more than adequate as is the remaining cast. In spite of Tom Cruise ( alright - he's good but there are actors far superior to him) being in the film, I give it 8/10.