Save it for rental

Rating: 7/10 (19 December 2001)

This is one of those movies that I wanted to like it more then I did. Yet, I can't help but be disappointed.
Let me start by saying that I don't understand anyone who praises Tom Cruise's performance. Though there have been instances where Tom Cruise has occasional done well in a film, for the most part, he is an inconsistant actor who comes up short more often then not. If he was considered so cute by the ladies in his youth, he would never be making movies today. Throughout this film, I laughed at the choices he made as an actor. His character has this unconvincing, self-deprecating laugh that annoyed me because it sounded so contrived. And when in doubt as to how to act in a scene, he seemed to default to this unconvincing smile. Furthermore, I can't buy into the entire relationship between he and Penelope Cruz because it stretches credibility that she saw any charm in him. (between all of the other fantastic things that happen which I CAN accept, that women were supposed to be seduced by him, is too far too stretch. And I understand that he was supposed to be a rich, self-obsessed womanizer - but most womanizer's have a charming side that seduces their 'victims.' I think the only reason we're supposed to believe that he was a womanizer is because they (1) its Tom Cruise and (2) the script says so.) I saw the movie with a number of other people and not one person commented positively on his performance.
The saving grace of the film is the idea of the movie. (Which I won't go into detail and spoil it) A friend of mine who saw it thought the movie was 'the biggest piece of trash put out this year' until the ending. He thought it saved the movie. But, any movie that bores and annoys an audience until the finale, isn't put together properly. I think the movie would have been better served if more clues had been given to the audience for them to mull over until the ending. (Though its possible on a second viewing, there may be more clues there, I can't imagine having the patience to sit through it again.)
**Possible Spoiler Clue** And though we both enjoyed the idea of the film, it was far from original having been done in other movies, most obviously, Total Recall.
My biggest regret is not seeing the original, "Abre Los Ojos" first. I'm not sure now whether to see it.
I can see where the movie has potential for disagreement. I only recommend that anyone who wants to see the film, save your $9 and rent it on video with a bunch of friends.