Blue Valentine

In as much as many believe the film is boring and lacked direction. I agree it was boring but it was more reality based to me The grandfather molding from a bad father and husband to a loving grandfather is as real as it gets The couples characters looking so confusing one minute they are laughing the next they are fighting is more real than not although to the last part where the child is holding on to the father does feel somehow. Overall its just a sad film

I went to see "Blue Valentine" based on some mostly positive reviews it received and this is a main reason why I don't trust professional reviewers anymore. "Blue Valentine" is done in the "mumblecore" style of film making. The dialog appears to be improvised and the hand held camera makes it look like a documentary. That in itself would not normally doom a film, but the problem with "Blue Valentine" is that both characters are totally unlikable and we never really care about them. Dean is an alcoholic high school dropout and Cindy is a nurse who marries him because she can't do any better. The main problem with "Blue Valentine" is that it is extremely boring. It is like watching paint dry. If you like watching depressing lowlifes mumbling for 2 hours, you might like "Blue Valentine." Otherwise, be advised to stay away.

In outstanding performances, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams bare their emotions and their bodies. In "500 Days of Summer" they told you what day it was. In this Dark Days of Winter you have to pretty much figure it out for yourself. About the second time the Michelle Williams character screams "I can't take it anymore" I couldn't either. No amount of sex on the screen is worth the pain and suffering. No need to hang around for a happy ending as you know there won't be one. Not only that, what makes you think he won't be back for another round of physical and emotional abuse in a sequel? Speaking of physical abuse, the only time the Gosling character was alone at work, and not surrounded by his big moving company buddies, was when the writers needed him to be alone at work. The nonlinear story telling got tiresome. It takes you away from where things are in the relationship and back to the happy wedding day way too late to care. At that point it was as meaningless, as the writer forced, liquor store encounter with the old, but important boy friend. Anytime the family dog dies in the first ten minutes you know you are not in for fun movie experience. Interesting cinematography, ranging from reflections, to up too close and personal. Rather than a fly on the wall, you feel like a voyeur to a very intimate relationship. It appears they will market this movie on the cute little dance song on the street and the hot steamy sex. Don't get sucked in. It is dark, painful, and heavy handed. If you don't walk in, you won't have to run out of the theater.

While the movie states that it is a love story, I think it depends on your definition of "love story" or how far that term stretches. Let me put it this way: This ain't your typical Valentines movie. It is heavy drama and it does depict relationship(s) very harshly. And because it feels so real, you can get sucked into it. The movie got some heat over one scene (rating wise there was some problem in the USA), but if you see it in context, it does make sense. It does hurt, but it makes sense. You should also watch out for the time-line. Though it can be easily followed (hairline), but it might confuse you for a second there. Great movie with great actors!

What a film this was. The story spans over some year and is about a man and wife with marital problems. I don't really want to tell you anything more...just watch it. I just finished, and they said this film stings...boy does it. The acting, first off, is exquisite. The back and forth from past to present was perfectly placed throughout the film and the overall outcome is so heart-wrenching, it feels like you've been punched in the stomach. Awards season, here this film comes... And The Soundtrack? I want it.....soooooo bad. Whoever did the music deserves a medal. Best Scenes: 1. The part where Ryan Gosling sings "You Always Hurt The Ones You Love" 2. The rest... Excuse Me Michelle... Michelle Williams seems to always play the role of a grieving wife/widow/cancer patient(Dawson's Creek) so maybe that's why she has this role down to a tee. It's not an insult, it's a compliment....or just an observation. I don't think I've ever seen her in a happy comedy role so maybe a future project...no, nevermind. Best Lines: 1. Dean: "In my experience, the prettier a girl is, the more nuts she is, which makes you insane." Cindy: "I like how you can compliment and insult somebody at the same time, in equal measure." 2. Dean: "I feel like men are more romantic than women. When we get married we marry, like, one girl, 'cause we're resistant the whole way until we meet one girl and we think I'd be an idiot if I didn't marry this girl she's so great. But it seems like girls get to a place where they just kinda pick the best option... 'Oh he's got a good job.' I mean they spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who's got a good job and is gonna stick around." Overall: A wonderful and heartbreaking love story with spot on acting, singing, cinematography, directing and writing. It's so powerful, it out-shines most films I've seen this year and it's definitely going down as one of my favorites. 9.5 Stars. Read all my movie reviews at http://dianalynn5287.blogspot.com/