Movie Information
Release Date: February 14, 2014
Director: Akiva GoldsmanWriter: Mark Helprin
Cast: Colin Farrell, Matt Bomer, Lucy Griffiths, Michael Patrick Crane, Brian Hutchison, Kevin Corrigan, Alan Doyle, Russell Crowe, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jon Patrick Walker, David O’Brien Hart, William Hurt
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 118 minutes
Studio: Warner Brothers
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Language: English
Country: USA
Love stories aren’t might favorite genre but if done correctly anyone I can appreciate them. After viewing this film the trailers and marketing led me astray to a world I didn’t know I was walking into. That can be magnificent if it’s for the better but of course not the worst. The viewer has to be the judge of that and in my opinion this time around it’s for the worst. Though every aspect of this film wasn’t bad, actually some were quite good. I thought the performances from the entire cast was brilliant. There was one cameo I didn’t see coming at all and it was flawless as well except for their makeup. While short lived I was convinced with the present love story and wanted it to flourish. The soundtrack was wonderful and the story moved me. My problem is the actual story telling that was a train wreck, which makes the film and entire wasted opportunity. I ask why jump over a barbed wire fence when you don’t have to. Just simply walk to the gate door, turn the handle and walk through. If that was done I’m more than positive this film would’ve have been accepted by most. Unfortunately that’s not the case and we’re given a completely unnecessary timeline that’s so confusing it puts you to bed. There is one character who is so in love that he doesn’t age. The meaning behind this is never explained. We’re just told to suspend our disbelief to levels that are unrealistic. This film has about 2% action, and when it takes place no one cares to be fully engaged. Yet I’m supposed to be at the edge of my seat when someone is trapped in a corner. It doesn’t matter anyway because every time they’re in peril a magical horse with no significance comes and saves the day. My favorite character was of Russell Crowe. He did a great job portraying and evil mad man hell bent on turning souls black and destroying miracles. Though his performance is wasted on the telling of the story that even the actors themselves don’t understand. Seriously, if the characters in the film are confused about what’s taking place and no one explains it to them, how the hell can the writers expect the audience to understand? A mixed bad and wasted opportunity.