A big, sprawling, swirling, amazing movie, with full-blown science fiction elements (it's also a thriller, an historical epic, a romance, and much more). Can't give it a proper review yet, as it doesn't open till October 26. Also can't wait to see it again. Am currently reading the book.

Long past Oct. 26th, Ed.

CLOUD ATLAS is certainly the most bizarre big budget epic to come out in a long while. It's like a double or triple feature all in one (actually, there are SIX stories!).  It certainly doesn't all work. You have three directors and actors like Halle Berry and Tom Hanks playing 6 roles each! It's pretty hard to follow at times who is who at times.

The worst decision was to use some often hideously poor makeup to have actors play people from different races! Halle Berry as a Jew! Korean actress Doona Bae (from THE HOST) playing a Mexican AND a Freckle-faced redhead!

3 hours is too long, and the New Age hooey gets thick. Still, I have to say, it was a lot of fun overall. Not a truly "good" film, but one worth seeing.

P.S. No wonder Ed likes it - the filmmakers referenced ZARDOZ as an influence!



ed symkus wrote on Oct 6^th, 2012 at 10:11pm:

A big, sprawling, swirling, amazing movie, with full-blown science fiction elements (it's also a thriller, an historical epic, a romance, and much more). Can't give it a proper review yet, as it doesn't open till October 26. Also can't wait to see it again. Am currently reading the book.

So sorry. Been crazybusy. Forgot to post my review. Here ya go:

http://www.inlander.com/spokane/article-18564-mind-blowing.html

L.A. Connection wrote on Nov 2^nd, 2012 at 2:23pm:

Long past Oct. 26th, Ed. CLOUD ATLAS is certainly the most bizarre big budget epic to come out in a long while. It's like a double or triple feature all in one (actually, there are SIX stories!).  It certainly doesn't all work. You have three directors and actors like Halle Berry and Tom Hanks playing 6 roles each! It's pretty hard to follow at times who is who at times. The worst decision was to use some often hideously poor makeup to have actors play people from different races! Halle Berry as a Jew! Korean actress Doona Bae (from THE HOST) playing a Mexican AND a Freckle-faced redhead! 3 hours is too long, and the New Age hooey gets thick. Still, I have to say, it was a lot of fun overall. Not a truly "good" film, but one worth seeing. P.S. No wonder Ed likes it - the filmmakers referenced ZARDOZ as an influence! ed symkus wrote on Oct 6th, 2012 at 10:11pm: A big, sprawling, swirling, amazing movie, with full-blown science fiction elements (it's also a thriller, an historical epic, a romance, and much more). Can't give it a proper review yet, as it doesn't open till October 26. Also can't wait to see it again. Am currently reading the book.

   If Zardoz was an influence, it can'f be all that bad. ;)

Yes, if you like ZARDOZ, you'll at least give CLOUD ATLAS a shot.

cloud atlas is just now coming out on dvd in red box. i give it a thumbs up. what is the history of trying to get cloud atlas at the last marathon? i hope we get to see it in 2014.
it's derivative of blade runner, the matrix, AI to name a few. my main complaint is that in one scene a vw bug is plunged off a bridge and sinks into the water. what on earth were they thinking.

http://www.alliednetservices.com/clipart/vwbug_002.jpg

I know folks like Ed lobbied for it at the Marathon. It's mixed reviews and it's long length - 172 Minutes! - worked against it.

I admired the film, but, it was an odd concoction with its various threads being highly inconsistent. And, whoa boy, some of those Make-Up jobs!


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/22/article-2282596-176FE5C1000005DC-81_634x580.jpg

inconsistencies?? no one spots a plothole faster than i. what inconsistencies do you speak of. bear in mind that reincarnation covers a multitude of sins.

I meant the inconsitencies in tone and how good/bad each segment was. It's an ambitious film, but at 3 hours that might be a bit of a haul for a number of Marathoners. Of course, offal like MOTIVATIONAL GROWTH feels like 3 hours........