Cloud Atlas 2012
Release Date: October 26, 2012 (2D theaters and IMAX)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Screenwriter: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D?Arcy, Xun Zhou, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: R (for violence, language, sexuality/nudity and some drug use)
Official Website:CloudAtlasmovie.com
5 out of 5 stars This movie is definitely not a one-hit-wonder in any sense
Here are a few words to give you an idea, right off the bat, of how I felt about seeing Cloud Atlas: mind fuck, was that really Tom Hanks, and OSCARS!! I’m definitely not kidding on the last word. If this movie does not get at least two Oscars, (I’m thinking acting, direction, make-up and/or music) I will be legitimately shocked. Yes, it is that good. The story is beautiful, the talent (on all fronts, not just acting) was amazing. But I will forewarn you, it’s….complicated. The different time lines are all connected, in both major and minor ways throughout. All the major actors are playing main roles as well as bit extra parts. Little signs from other time lines show up everywhere, it’s definitely a movie you will have to see multiple times to learn everything…and possibly a couple more to fully understand it.
And this movie is definitely not a one-hit-wonder in any sense, directed by Andy and Lana Wachowski (the Matrix, V for Vendetta) along with Tom Tyker (Paris, je t’taime, Run Lola Run), it’s already destined for greatness. Not to mention it casted some of Hollywood’s biggest hitters (see also: Tom Flipping Hanks, and Halle Frakking Berry). Along with a few recognizable faces, including Hugo Weaving, or basically the bad guy from every Wachowski movie ever (Agent Smith: The Matrix). Also featuring Susan Sarandon(Thelma & Louise), Jim Broadbent(Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Moulin Rouge), Hugh Grant (Notting Hill, Music and Lyrics) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, 21). As well as an amazing performance from South Korea’s Doona Bae (the Host, Linda Linda Linda), Somehow she captured the essence of being a genetically engineered humanoid and made her more human than most of Hollywood’s residents. It’s got laughs, mystery, tragedy, love and action, all in one. It brings to light, the effect of events in the past on the future and how everything is connected…especially if you believe in reincarnation and past lives.
Yup, that’s right, this movie just got all sorts of new age on you. But do not fret general public, it’s not too preachy, or anything like your estranged aunt that tends to wear lots of shawls and shoves patchouli in her pockets. It is tasteful, and presents splendid social commentary on mass production, gay lovers in the early 20th century, slavery and old people homes. I know, I know, it seems too hard to believe such a wonderful thing could come from Hollywood in the present day and age. Do not be alarmed, it was not an original idea on Hollywood’s part, it was adapted from the book Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Which I hope to read in the next few weeks and compare for those of you who would not like to spend the time reading a wonderful book, but still share the dissatisfaction of their comparison.
All in all, if you couldn’t tell as of yet, go see it! At least once, if not twice. The only problem I see with this movie, is that it might be just outside of some people’s level of comfort with thinking while watching a movie. I predict a fair amount of people will hate it, and the rest will love it. No middle ground when it come to Cloud Atlas. All in all, definitely a must see, and (in my opinion) top 5 best movies of 2012. Definitely putting this on my top 20 favorites, I’ll decide where it goes after I see it for a third time. That’s my entertainment, what’s yours?
