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May 9, 2008
Vanilla Sky (2001)
Should I see it?
No - please no.



Its always painful to watch a movie that isn't nearly as clever as its creators think it is. Cameron Crowe is generally creates likable if not whimsical movies (Almost Famous, Jerry Maquire, Say Anything, Singles)...generally. This movie about a completely unlikable publisher who falls for a Spanish chick and therefore jilting a blond chick (played by Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz respectfully - apparently the guy is attracted to skinny girls who aren't nearly as pretty as the media wants us to believe they are) and then gets involved in a car crash which in turn sends him into this meandering surreal (read nonsensical) tour of his own psyche. Cruise tries way too hard propping up a detestable character and making his trails interesting. Cruz is typically abysmal - apparently she believes batting her big eyes is a way of developing a character arc. Cruz with her chirping voice and stilted emoting, is more a piece of furniture than an active player on screen. She's like an abstract piece of art that squeaks words when disturbed.

This a true cinematic disaster. Cruise struggles through every scene with a desperate performance that easily stands as his worst on screen effort. The script by Alejandro Amenabar and Mateo Gil (for their original version of the film Abre Los Ojos) is disjointed and contains a disappointing resolution. The disappointment at the end is probably the biggest emotion that the viewer will be allowed by this vapid work.

As a rule, films with surreal elements tend to be haughty and self-interested affairs. This movie fits this mold and has the additional curse of not having a point. The whole affair is reminiscent of Cruise's semi-public, private relationships - tons of emotional straining, strange statements and actions delivered through disturbingly contrived dramatics all leading to a resolution that is messy and deeply embarrassing for everyone involved.


Related Reviews:
Tom Cruise movies
The Last Samurai (2003)
Collateral (2004)


Other Critic's Reviews:
The Washington Post
PopMatters


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 10:15 AM




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