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Oct 6^th, 2012 at 10:11pm

ed symkus Offline
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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.

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Reply #1 - Nov 2^nd, 2012 at 2:23pm

L.A. Connection Offline
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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.

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Reply #2 - Nov 2^nd, 2012 at 3:03pm

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

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

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Reply #3 - Nov 2^nd, 2012 at 7:21pm

Lile Offline
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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 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.

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

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Reply #4 - Nov 2^nd, 2012 at 7:26pm

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

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Reply #5 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 11:56am

kirok Offline
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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.

PANTS UP. DON'T LOOT.

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Reply #6 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 1:13pm

L.A. Connection Offline
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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!

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Reply #7 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 7:31pm

kirok Offline
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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.

PANTS UP. DON'T LOOT.

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Reply #8 - Jun 14^th, 2013 at 7:49pm

L.A. Connection Offline
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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........

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