tardis_stowaway (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tardis_stowaway) wrote2009-11-12 12:17 am
tardis_stowaway) wrote2009-11-12 12:17 am
Entry tags:
Amelia
I went to see Amelia despite some mediocre reviews. After all, it features: (1) Amelia Earhart, a fascinating and courageous woman who I admire; (2) the seriously attractive Ewan McGregor; and (3) Christopher Eccleston. You all know how I feel about him. ;) It was an enjoyable enough way to spend some time in a movie theater, and it did deliver the three things I went to see. Still, I wish it had been a little better. The review that follows isn't especially spoilery (it's a history; we know how it ends), but the extremely spoiler-phobic might want to turn away now.
The film put a lot of emphasis on the relationship between Earhart and her husband/publicist, played by Richard Gere, but it never really convinced me to root for their relationship. Part of it was that I'm not a huge fan of Richard Gere (nothing against him, I just don't find him at all attractive and his acting isn't extraordinary enough to make me care about him anyway). Part of it was that his character was occasionally a bit sleazy. I'd have preferred to see less of that relationship, with more focus on Amelia's early life, her relationship with Ewan McGregor's character, and a bit of background for Christopher Eccleston's character that would let us know why he decided to go along on the extremely dangerous round the world flying attempt. More Eccleston is always good, despite the fact that he was freaking me out by doing an American accent. (Also, the film totally wasted an opportunity to have Eccleston make out with Hillary Swank, which would have been hot. Hell, if I'd been writing it I'd have found some excuse to get Chris and Ewan kissing. I blame the internet for the corruption of my brain.) Also, I just wish the film had been a little braver, speculating a little more, especially in giving us some additional window into what Earhart and Eccleston were feeling in the final moments.
After that complaining, here's some additional things I liked about it: lots of lovely shots of vintage planes over beautiful landscapes. Ewan MacGregor looking very debonair. Hillary Swank's performance. The young son of Ewan McGregor's character telling Amelia that he wished she could be married to [Richard Gere's character] and his dad. Aww, the poor kid would fit right in on the internet. Learning a little bit more about Amelia Earhart, a woman ahead of her time in more than just her daring flights. I would recommend that others see this movie, but wait for when when it's released on DVD rather than spending money for the theater.
Meanwhile, I was amused by this Onion article about an alternate universe's Sci-Fi channel show asking what would have happened if Germany lost WWII.
The film put a lot of emphasis on the relationship between Earhart and her husband/publicist, played by Richard Gere, but it never really convinced me to root for their relationship. Part of it was that I'm not a huge fan of Richard Gere (nothing against him, I just don't find him at all attractive and his acting isn't extraordinary enough to make me care about him anyway). Part of it was that his character was occasionally a bit sleazy. I'd have preferred to see less of that relationship, with more focus on Amelia's early life, her relationship with Ewan McGregor's character, and a bit of background for Christopher Eccleston's character that would let us know why he decided to go along on the extremely dangerous round the world flying attempt. More Eccleston is always good, despite the fact that he was freaking me out by doing an American accent. (Also, the film totally wasted an opportunity to have Eccleston make out with Hillary Swank, which would have been hot. Hell, if I'd been writing it I'd have found some excuse to get Chris and Ewan kissing. I blame the internet for the corruption of my brain.) Also, I just wish the film had been a little braver, speculating a little more, especially in giving us some additional window into what Earhart and Eccleston were feeling in the final moments.
After that complaining, here's some additional things I liked about it: lots of lovely shots of vintage planes over beautiful landscapes. Ewan MacGregor looking very debonair. Hillary Swank's performance. The young son of Ewan McGregor's character telling Amelia that he wished she could be married to [Richard Gere's character] and his dad. Aww, the poor kid would fit right in on the internet. Learning a little bit more about Amelia Earhart, a woman ahead of her time in more than just her daring flights. I would recommend that others see this movie, but wait for when when it's released on DVD rather than spending money for the theater.
Meanwhile, I was amused by this Onion article about an alternate universe's Sci-Fi channel show asking what would have happened if Germany lost WWII.
no subject
Man, Chris with an American accent- that's crazy. And weird.
no subject
It was really disconcerting! For a few minutes I even wondered if they'd dubbed him, since he sound of his voice was so different.
no subject
I agree it could have been better but think they were respectful of the story.
Plus I kinda giggled at CE's accent.
It was good but I kept expecting his real one.
no subject
It was good but I kept expecting his real one.
Yup! The difference was distracting.
Regarding expecting the new one, I do have the crazy urge to write fanfic where in the last moments before the inevitable crash, fearing his imminent demise, CE instinctively reaches into his pocket and pulls out...a fobwatch! *cue eerie Time Lord music and saving of the day* I don't have time to actually bother writing it, but it's fun to contemplate.
no subject
no subject
no subject
I contemplated seeing GI Joe just for the Eccleston, but just couldn't quite bring myself to do it. Your dedication is impressive. :P
no subject