OK, I just got back from seeing this movie, and I both love it and hate it at the same time. I love it...because it IS a fascinating and thoughtful film that pays tribute to the power of make-believe.

BUT...on some deep, gut level I HATED THIS FILM TOO...mainly because it reminds me too much of my own situation with my father (whom I'm estranged from). There are two ways of looking at the Albert Finney character: either as a pathological liar who can't deal with his own failings as a person...OR as a Walter Mitty who's tales serve as heavy-duty metaphors. I can't decide which take I prefer.

But who else has seen this movie? Any thoughts?

If you haven't seen it, you SHOULD, simply because this IS a very thoughtful movie, whether or not you agree with the premise (which I don't think I do. I'll probably see it again before passing final judgement).

Oh no...

Is that Tom Green in your avatar?

kiss85 said:

Hey...don't diss my boy! Tom is one of the funniest guys to come out in the last 10 years. If his shtick isn't funny anymore, it's because he lost the element of surprise that his comedy thrived on...AND the "Jackass" crew overshadowed him.

But Tom ROCKS!

kiss85 said:

Tom Green is the biggest shithead to be put on television. he's just another in a long line of idiots that American Tv loves to put on, Jerry Springer being the father of all TV idiots.

Milty said:

Tom Green is a MASTER of social satire...you really shouldn't judge him so harshly.

Milty said:

Indeed.
But I gotta admit, at least Jerry has the millions (and the girls) to show for it.

applekisses said:

Agreed (I KNEW you'd have my back on this one ). Tom's comedy is a living sociology course. There's ALOT of intelligence behind his madness. And plus...Cripes, so much of it is just flat-out FUNNY!

OK, so "Freddy Got Fingered" can't be forgiven...but his "Subway Monkey Hour" and three seasons of his MTV show were FANTASTIC.

And I have a secret delight in how he torments Glenn Humplik...

applekisses said:

well if that is the case, then i still have to see it for myself but i've only seen his stupid talk show and i tell you, it's awful, just god awful. there is nothing good about that shit. go MTV!

DudeDrops said:

Absolutely...you have to look a little bit behind the silliness of it all.

There is NO comparison between him and Jerry Springer of all people...

DudeDrops said:

I went to try and see this today but it was sold out..ggrrr

DudeDrops said:

Is this the new Tim Burton film?

sorry to attack your hero, Tom Green.
i haven't seen the movie

AnotherLoverToo said:

Yup. It's definitely Burton's attempt to get back to thoughtful yet bizarre films like "Ed Wood" or "Edward Scissorhands" rather than over-blown tripe like that "Planet of the Apes" movie. But...the film just bothered me on an emotional level. It seems to glamorize a narcissist and pathological liar. The guy reminds me SOOO much of my idiot father...

DudeDrops said:

There was a lot more to it than the guy just being a big liar. I loved it because it reminded me off all the crazy, absurd stories you remember about a loved one after they pass on. When someone dies, it's always the funny, vibrant stories that you look back on with fondness. To me, it was about making your own memories.

theVelvetRoper said:

I agree that that is the theme of the movie...but Burton is STILL guilty of glamorizing the man for being NOT A STORYTELLER...but a blowhard LIAR who was drunk on his own legend. I see what Burton was aiming for...but I just object to the fact that the film heroizes an asshole. I just REALLY didn't like Edward Bloom.

DudeDrops said:

Well, Edward Blooms a cunt. What can I say?

theVelvetRoper said:

you said cunt

blackcherry said:

Lol, would you prefer "C-U-Next-Tuesday"?

theVelvetRoper said:

if you say cunt again i will C-U-Tonight

blackcherry said:

Does it turn you on when I say it?

theVelvetRoper said:

i think i am leaking

Hmm, I actually was quite disappointed in this movie. Maybe my expectations were too high. I thought it was visually a beautiful film. However, it was too long and I just didn't grow to care about anyone in the film.

Perhaps it comes down to a dislike for Edward Bloom. While Edward and his son managed to 'reconnect" at the end of the film, I wasn't satisfied as the Edward character never saw anything wrong in his behaviors.

I actually grew so impatient with the film that I got up halfway through, used the toilet, got a pretzel, ran into and talked with a friend. Maybe I should try it one more time, but I was just not impressed with this film.

endorphin74 said:

this thread is about a movie

blackcherry said:

I know, right?

sorry to try and get it back on topic!

endorphin74 said:

Must see all Ewen McGregor movies.