Overrated Films

Showing posts with label 2014. Show all posts

Gone Girl (2014)

(Image via Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox)

Expectations were high for the release of the much anticipated Gone Girl directed by David Fincher. The film closely follows the #1 New York Times Bestseller book by Gillian Flynn. The film has an intriguing dark edge, however the plot is sporadic and often unbelievable.

Nick become the focus of the media when his wife Amy goes missing, with Nick the prime suspect for his murder. The twists and turns of the plot are vague or implausible. For example, it was unclear to me why Amy, apparently a sociopath, abandons her intricate plan to frame Nick for her death, commit suicide and then adamantly returns to her despised husband.

(Image via Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox )

I have trouble understanding all the claims that this film conveys underlying messages prompting feminism and portraying a modern marriage. While I can appreciate the cinematic techniques, the film appears to me to be largely overrated.

2/5

- Lucy

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

(Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures, found at WUNC)

The idea of Birdman was brilliant. A washed up actor (Michael Keaton) known for playing a superhero (*cough* Batman *cough*) wants to finally be taken seriously in his acting (perhaps via a film such as this).

Boyhood (2014)

(Image via Universal Pictures, found at TMV Tours)

Boyhood has received nothing by praise and exultation from many movie critics. The New York Times referred to it as ‘one of the most extraordinary movies of the 21st century’, while Film Comment labeled it ‘wondrous’. Unfortunately, I did not agree, earning Boyhood a place on the list of overrated films.

(Image via Universal Pictures, found at The Guardian)

Boyhood was filmed, written and directed over the course of twelve years by Richard Linklater. The film uses the same actors and watches as Mason literally grows up from a child of 6 to a young man of 18. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents, and Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, Boyhood captures the struggles of growing up and parenting.

I didn't entirely hate Boyhood. It does nostalgically capture the moments of childhood and adolescence incorporating important scenes of family relationships, milestones, school and work.

However, I thought it was at best, an average film with a production technique more interesting than the actual film.

(Image via Universal Pictures, found at Forbes.com)

1.5/5

- Lucy

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Gone Girl (2014)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Boyhood (2014)

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