The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

[Thrasha]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I guess me and my date were in the minority but we were incredibly disappointed.

I thought it had everything their to be a magical, sweeping epic... But the story meandered for so long in the middle. The characters really did nothing to make me grow attached to them.

I thought the relationship between Benjamin and his mother could have been fleshed out more, especially when she announced that she was pregnant. The director hinted at a sort of fracture in their relationship at some points, but never really acknowledged it head on.

The ending was great, borderline tear jerker. I couldn't imagine myself keeping a dry eye had I been a little bit more in to the movie. Other then Cate Blanchett's, I thought their wasn't a single standout performance.

Brad Pitt brought nothing more to this role that any other actor could have. And I like Brad Pitt as an actor, so it disappointed me even more.

I was expecting a movie that would move you, as you watched this characters life unfold before your eyes. All the ingredients were there to make a classic, but instead I left the theater feeling flat and unfulfilled.

[dodgerblue]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I went in expecting a story that would really affect me and possibly challenge my emotions.

But I was disappointed. Everything seemed to remind me of what forrest gump did better. And no surprise, it is the same screen writer, so the similarities are there imo. The premise of the story is so interesting it seemed like a can't miss. But there really isn't much of a story here after all. Which is maybe why the original is just a short story. I am "curious" to read that now though.

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I just got back from it.

I liked it a lot. The special effects are mind blowing. I thought Pitt did a very good job in it...as did Blanchett.

Nothing specific....I just really liked it.

It's loooooong too. Almost 3 hours.

[CMH]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Which is maybe why the original is just a short story. I am "curious" to read that now though.

With the exception of the guy being named Benjamin Button there are no similarities.

Not even in the way he ages are there similarities. In the story, Benjamin Button is literally an old man that grows younger into a baby, both mentally and physically. From my understanding, the movie is only a physical change.

[Thrasha]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

With the exception of the guy being named Benjamin Button there are no similarities.

Not even in the way he ages are there similarities. In the story, Benjamin Button is literally an old man that grows younger into a baby, both mentally and physically. From my understanding, the movie is only a physical change.

No...

He acts like a child in some ways when he's in his formative years, even though he looks 90.

And as he ages, especially in his later years, he becomes a child again. Both mentally and physically.

[dodgerblue]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

With the exception of the guy being named Benjamin Button there are no similarities.

Not even in the way he ages are there similarities. In the story, Benjamin Button is literally an old man that grows younger into a baby, both mentally and physically. From my understanding, the movie is only a physical change.

Just read it. Liked some of the things in the story that I felt would have worked in the movie (but I won't spoil it for anyone). You're right though, nothing much similar except he ages in reverse.

[trobinson97]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I guess me and my date were in the minority but we were incredibly disappointed.

I thought it had everything their to be a magical, sweeping epic... But the story meandered for so long in the middle. The characters really did nothing to make me grow attached to them.

I thought the relationship between Benjamin and his mother could have been fleshed out more, especially when she announced that she was pregnant. The director hinted at a sort of fracture in their relationship at some points, but never really acknowledged it head on.

The ending was great, borderline tear jerker. I couldn't imagine myself keeping a dry eye had I been a little bit more in to the movie. Other then Cate Blanchett's, I thought their wasn't a single standout performance.

Brad Pitt brought nothing more to this role that any other actor could have. And I like Brad Pitt as an actor, so it disappointed me even more.

I was expecting a movie that would move you, as you watched this characters life unfold before your eyes. All the ingredients were there to make a classic, but instead I left the theater feeling flat and unfulfilled.

I agree with all your criticisms and praises. I still think it was a good movie, but it could have been great. Man was it long too.

The ending was just, excellent. I mean really really good. It made the little shortcomings of earlier parts that you touched on forgettable for me. Cate Blanchett turned in another great performance and like you said, was really the only standout.

[JayBee74]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I agree with all your criticisms and praises. I still think it was a good movie, but it could have been great. Man was it long too.

The ending was just, excellent. I mean really really good. It made the little shortcomings of earlier parts that you touched on forgettable for me. Cate Blanchett turned in another great performance and like you said, was really the only standout.

I agree with your assessment of Cate Blanchett, but I couldn't even rate this a "good" movie. And when you say "Man was it long too", if a movie is good enough those nearly three hours will fly by. I thought Pitt did a professional job, but little about his character at any phase of his reverse development moved me and the lack of chemistry between this obviously attractive pairing of Brad and Cate "added more time" to the nearly three hours. Much of the movie was "gloomy" which isn't my kind of fantasy picture.

[fishepa]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Saw this last night, I thought it was pretty good. Cate Blanchett was looking HOT in those scenes where she was younger.

[rubisco43]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This was just another "OK" movie for me. Did nothing great, but wasn't horrible. Cate is an amazing actor, and Pitt continues to show that he's not all looks... the dude can act. I agree with the above poster that they could have focused a little more attention on Pitt's mother. But I don't know how they really could have improved on it. Maybe it'll just be another good-not-great movie for me.

[The Chef]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Saw this movie tonight and really enjoyed it, Im not sure how they could have made it any better, though it would have been nice to see

Spoiler

an actual funeral for Benjamin as it would have been nice to have a solid closing of the chapter as it pertained to Button.

Other then that I really enjoyed the movie and will purchase it once it comes out for sale.

[Smokey]

Re: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I just saw it and thought it was very good. The acting was great, the story was very good, the special effects were amazing, an all around good flick.