Amazon Holiday

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Seven Pounds

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After killing 7 people in a car accident, Ben Thomas (Will Smith), decides to find 7 deserving people whose lives he can save.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, Barry Pepper, Elpidia Carrillo, Robinne Lee, Joe Nunes, Bill Smitrovich, Tim Kelleher, Gina Hecht, Judyann Elder, Madison Pettis, Fiona Hale

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! Much like practicing yoga, the process of doing it isn't all that enjoyable, but you feel really good once it's over.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: About as much as yoga does.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Yoga can be very cathartic.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: I'm inventing the Eleanor Rigby Award, and giving out the first annual one to this movie because none of the characters in it seem to have any friends. Ahhh, look at all the lonely people. But that's L.A. for ya'. People would rather be totally alone than have to get in their cars and drive anywhere.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: The acting is fine, but Will Smith's character lies and sneaks around so much that he starts to come off like a sociopath. Which in turn makes it hard to understand why Rosario Dawson is so into him. Maybe because she doesn't have any friends.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: There are a surprising number of shots that aren't in focus, and I can't think of any artistic reason for that to be the case, so I don't think it was a choice. Also in the beginning of the film the lighting is often too dark or too bright, causing your pupils difficulty adjusting. And in my case, even causing my eyelids to have to close a little bit.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: It starts out really slow and confusing (especially if you don't know what it's about), but soon builds to a bittersweet, yet inspiring tale of romance and redemption. Does it have a million holes? Sure it does. But if you go along with the good feelings it imparts, you might not care.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: The score combines melodrama with a lullaby, which rocks you to sleep. Probably not the best choice, since I doubt the filmmakers want the audience sleeping. This is yet another similarity with yoga, because sometimes I find it hard to stay awake when I'm lying in Savasana,  too.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/search/seven%20pounds/trailers



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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't get this movie. At. All.

I too wondered why Rosario Dawson had no friends. Then it turns out she has a sister who has kids? Where were they when she was fainting all over LA?

I hope your yoga classes are less dreary at least.

--rp

Monique said...

She has a sister who has kids? I don't even remember that. And it's only been 2 days since I saw the movie.

Didn't you feel good at the end though? I felt inspired to live like I was dying, and remember to be a good person, and enjoy every moment of life-- maybe cuz of Rosario Dawson's attitude and strength. She never felt sorry for herself, and she never stopped trying to make the best of the time she had left... Maybe I'm a sucker.

Anonymous said...

I think it's a good thing they cast Dawson because she was really good in it. And yes, I agree that message came through in the end... but everything before it was all so muddled, unfocused, unbelievably bizarre and strange that the impact of the ending was muted for me. I just wanted it to end.

There were things I liked about the movie, but it didn't add up as a whole for me.

I read there are all these rumors about a big twist in this film and everyone is wondering what it is. Uh... huh? There's a big twist in this film? Did I miss something? Cause if they're talking about the end, we know how it ends from the very start.

Another thing I don't get about SEVEN POUNDS.

--rp

Monique said...

I think they have to give away the ending at the beginning, because if they didn't, you would really have no idea what was going on, since you wouldn't be able to put it all together.

I think they try to throw you off the scent tho, with the first scene where he yells at Woody Harrelson for being a blind virgin. I found that scene very confusing. Like, "Who is this guy?!" But then they explain it later.

But I agree, it's not a twist, since we know it's coming.

And what's the deal with all the vegetarian references? Being a vegetarian clearly makes someone a total God according to these filmmakers.

Anonymous said...

Come to the vegetarian side M. You'll be so much happier. It'll feel like you have a brand new heart ;-)

--rp

Monique said...

No thank you

Anonymous said...

In years to come I think this will be remembered as that: "Don't-drive-and-Blackberry-at-the-same-time Movie."

--rp

Monique said...

That's funny. Especially since I forgot all about the whole Blackberry-driving scene. Wow, I'm forgetting a lot about this movie... Probably due to all the wholes in the screenwriting.

But I stand by the fact that I felt really inspired when I left the theater... Though not nearly as inspired as I felt after seeing Yes Man. Back to back, those movies are like a one-two punch of positive consciousness.

Anonymous said...

So what would be more impactful (not really a word, I know) on my life: being a vegetarian or saying 'yes' to everything?

--rp

Monique said...

Unfortunately for 7 lbs, I have to say "YES!"