Reviews

Ok, I know this isn't supposed to be a comedy, but it is laugh-out-loud HILARIOUS!

I mean, c'mon, is this really supposed to be a suspense-drama, lol!?? Spoiler alert - shockingly, it IS! It is one of the most pathetic attempts at an action-thriller I've seen in a LONG time!

The premise (trailer) sounded interesting, so I gave it a chance. There are very few movies that I can ever stop watching once I've started - even the worst (and I worked for Roger Corman!), but this one I can't even bring myself past the 15 minute mark.

It's just that BAD.

I mean the lead can't stop posing for the camera (YAWN) and every other actor has NOTHING to work off of. Even the guy from Severance, who I thought was great in that show, seems to be phoning it in. But in all fairness, there's not much more than a hollow caricature for him to work with, so I'm sure this won't be on his resume.

No chemistry between any of the actors, dialog worse than amateurish, thin and obvious plot-line, and even the scenery is contrived in a desperate attempt to hold the attention of only the most brain-cell-challenged of viewers.

I found myself rooting for the killers to bump off the protagonist quick-smart, if nothing else than to put both him and this movie out of their misery.

Revolting/embarrasssing piece of garbage and complete waste of time - you've been warned.

This movie is straight high camp, but put together exceedingly well. Ridiculous? Yes! Over-acted? Yes! Eyes-glued-to-the-screen good? Yes! Keep in mind that in addition to directing such dramatic works such as Blood & Wine, Bob Rafelson also directed The Monkees, so you already know this is someone who appreciates tongue-in-cheek! Just imagine....Debra Winger as a frumpy/unattractive closet lesbian lusting after the object of her obsession....a devastating Theresa Russell at the pinnacle of her sultry exquisiteness. Think Jane Seymour in East of Eden, or Lena Olin in Romeo is Bleeding and you get the picture. Don't expect high-brow storyline here, just sheer fun!

I go to a lot of screenings and it is rare that once the credits roll I feel satisfied. One or more of the elements of most films just don't work together to create a feeling that you have been thoroughly entertained.

I am happy to say that this film DELIVERS! The acting is superb, the chemistry between all of the actors is sizzling, the comedy is absolutely hilarious, the storyline grips you and never lets go, the music is superb, and you feel emotionally connected with the characters and story.

If you check my previous reviews, you will see that I am most often moved to write a review when a film was really bad, but this film caught me completely off guard and I just had to express my overwhelming satisfaction with this filmmaking experience.

I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to try and finance a period film with two stars who were not well known outside of their own country. I am just overjoyed that it all came together. This is how film should make you feel when you leave the theater - entertained! To the entire production team - BRAVO!!

Not that scary, not that suspenseful, not that entertaining. Was really looking forward to seeing this film for a good scare and the only feeling I felt was boredom!

I don't think the film could decide whether it was trying for slapstick comedy or horror - well, neither one worked. Silly two dimensional characters don't really add much to the project either.

With cheesy music and staged scenes, the only thing really horrific about the film was the acting!!! I think Wes Craven learned from his amateurish mistakes in this film.

I would not recommend wasting your time with this one!

Terribly disappointed with CITY OF MEN after being swept away by CITY OF GOD. Lost is the exciting and unpredictable storyline, and instead, in its place, is bland predictability with the obvious attempts at audience manipulation by a superficial pretentious production and distribution team. This story ended up feeling like a sappy soap opera rather than a gritty indie feature, which is what is should have been. This is what happens when distributors try to seek a wider audience (ridiculous sweeping shots of the Rio coastline, etc) at the expense of a gripping story and characters. I really couldn't care what happened to any of the characters in this film - they were all so 2 dimensional. In short, sad waste of potential that should have been a slam-dunk following the exceptionally inspired CITY OF GOD. Boo!

It is not often that I am moved to comment on a movie on IMDb, good or bad, so I warn you before you consider renting/downloading this catastrophe....this movie truly is Bad (notice the capital "B"?)! I have not felt such a strong attempt by a filmmaker to manipulate an audience since Lucas' first prequel disaster. "Lady in the Water" is filled with characters who are shallow racial stereotypes, devoid of all personality or interest, and the film's attempt at humor is pathetic at best. I have seen some pretty bad movies in the past, but have not felt this angry at a sub-standard film in a long while. I am only glad I didn't pay retail (at the theatre) to watch it. Did I mention that this movie is BAD? Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. You have been warned.