interesting, but not original

Rating: Null/10 (10 March 2002)

The only reason I went to see this movie was to see what all the hype was about. While it wasn't as bad as I'd expected, it certainly doesn't deserve all the rave reviews it's gotten.
It starts off interestingly enough. I was confused, but being a fan of the kind of movies that don't just go from point A to point B, I didn't mind this. However, after the first 2 hours I started to get really bored and just wanted it to get to something, some kind of ending.
Once we got to the part where we realize what's been happening, the movie at least began to be somewhat interesting. But the people who've given it acclaim obviously haven't seen many movies. It is by no means original - at least not to those of us who don't just watch romance or car-chase flix. Here's the list of movies that immediately came to mind while I was watching Vanilla Sky: Jacob's Ladder, The Matrix, A.I., 12 Monkeys, What Dreams May Come. By and large, Vanilla Sky ripped off Jacob's Ladder the most - and doesn't even come close to that wonderful film.
I'd also like say that just because Tom Cruise is in a movie doesn't mean it's any good. Critics like to think so, but then again, they also like to kiss a lot of butt.