Protracted and somewhat dragging, but overall one overwhelming, truly original motion picture that you won't soon forget

Rating: 7/10 (16 January 2002)

I was anxious to see this movie, being that I am--and please don't think I'm corny for saying this--a Tom Cruise fan. I didn't like ALL his movies (didn't care for either of the "Mission Impossible" flicks), but he is a real cool actor, and that was made evident ever since his breakthrough role in "Risky Business." Cruise turns in yet another terrific performance. It's a shame, being he is one of the handsomemest men in the universe, that they had to fracture his face throughout most of the film, but I also have to admire him for allowing viewers (especially females) to see him disfigured, proving (like in "Born on the 4th of July") that he is not just a glamour guy, just a pretty face, that he is up to taking risks in the roles he chooses.
If you've seen the previews, you've seen the first thirty minutes. And for that, I'm glad! Because so many previews nowadays practically give away the film. Anyone who has seen the previews for "Cast Away" knows that's true. Though it was a great movie, we sat there for three hours knowing that Tom Hanks would finally survive and return to civilization in one piece. I won't give away what happens after Cruise gets into the car accident with Cameron Diaz, because the outcome is utterly unpredictable. Cameron Crowe surprises you with plot twist after plot twist, making you think more and more. After leaving the theater, I had a totally different view of life. All sorts of questions came into mind. All those magical "what if" questions. What if things aren't what they seem? Though the outcome is pure fantasy--created with great imagination--it still makes you ponder what lies in the future. Maybe this COULD happen.
Jason Lee is a scene-stealer, as Cruise's best friend. I am a great admirer of Jason, but after cringing at his disastrous role in "Heartbreakers" I was hoping he could stay in the independent circuit, and not even dream of co-starring in another big-budget motion picture. But in this movie he plays the role he was born to play--what he's truly good at. Playing the wise-cracking, intellectual, smart-aleck, know-it-all best friend. The kind of role that put him on the map in such films as "Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy." He is hilarious and brings great comic relief to this moderately depressing story. So I hope to see him in more movies, small- or big-budget--just be careful how they cast you, Jason.

As for Penelope Cruz--I have to admit, I'm tired of seeing her on screen. I used to think she was attractive, but now I think she looks like a bird. But that's not my main reason for disliking her in this film. In fact, I didn't mind her (small) role in "Blow." I guess it's because her role was only semi-serious, playing a sex-obsessed cokehead. In "Vanilla Sky" she plays a serious role that seems to have been written for an American, or someone with good control of the English language. Here, she's struggling through her lines left and right, and the dialogue just doesn't sound convincing coming from her mouth. Therefore, it's hard for her to convey any true emotion. I've never seen any of her Spanish films, but she might've acted well in them, being she has great control of her native language. So I'm not just being cruel. I'm sorry, but I just find her accent to be annoying and distracting.
At two hours and thirty minutes, the movie is too long for its own good and it does drag at times--a few scenes really didn't seem necessary and could've easily ended up on the cutting room floor. But I guess Cameron Crowe is one of those directors who prefers to stretch out the running time, making sure not a single element is left out. "Jerry Maguire" (also directed by Crowe) was also too long for its own good. However, I'm still recommending this film because of the mere fact that it's like nothing you've ever seen. It's the kind of film you won't soon forget and will definitely leave a lasting impact.
My score: 7 (out of 10)