ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=EmulateIE7" /> <meta name="keywords" content="movie review, movie reviews, dvd reviews, blu-ray reviews, recent movie grades" /> <title>True View Reviews</title> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="../../tvr.ico" type="image/x-icon" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../../cssnew/index.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../../cssnew/review_list.css" /> </head> <body> <!-- The wrapper division encloses the whole page --> <div class="wrapper"> <a name="top" /> <!-- The header division encloses the page header --> <div class="header"> <a href="../../index.htm"> <img alt="TVRBanner" src="../../graphics/TVRBanner.png" class="trueviewlogo" /> </a> </div> <!-- The content division includes the posters new items, annoucements, copy right & certification areas of the page --> <div class="content"> <div class="moviedata"> <div id="rightpane"> <div class="moviename"> EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE </div> <div class="releasedata"> <a class="releasedata1">Release Date: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">Friday, January 20, 2012</a> <a class="releasedata2">Runtime: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">2 Hour(s), 9 Minutes</a> </div> <div class="genre"> <a class="releasedata1">Genre: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">Drama</a> </div> <div class="rating"> <a class="releasedata1">MPAA Rating: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">PG-13</a><a class="moviedataitalic2"> </a> </div> <div class="director"> <a class="moviedirector">DIRECTOR(S): </a><a class="moviedataname"> Stephen Daldry</a> </div> <div class="actor"> <a class="moviecast">CAST: </a><a class="moviedataname">Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Zoe Caldwell</a> </div> </div> <div id="leftpane"> <img src="../../posters/2012/extremelyloudandincrediblyclose01-20-12.jpg" alt="EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE" class="posterimage" /> </div> </div> <div class="what"> <div class="reviewers"> <div class="reviewer1"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#A"> <img alt="Laurie" src="../../graphics/TVRIconSm.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <a class="grade1">B-</a> </div> </div> <div class="reviewer2"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#B"> <img alt="Renee'" src="../../graphics/RRRIconSm.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <!--<a class="grade1">5</a><br /> <a id="A1">Out of Five Reels</a>--> </div> </div> <div class="reviewer3"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#C"> <img alt="Liz" src="../../graphics/LizSmIcon.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <a class="grade2">B</a> </div> </div> <div class="reviewer4"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#D"> <img alt="Mark" src="../../graphics/directorchairsm.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <a class="grade1">3.5</a><br /> <a id="A3">Out of Four Stars</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="click"> Click on Icon to read individual reviews </div> </div> <div class="reviewpane"> <a name="A" /> <p class="h1"> LAURIE COKER'S REVIEW<br /> RATING: B-</p> <p> After seeing  Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close I spoke with a friend who watched it at an earlier screening. She and I, it seems, have two totally different takes on the film. Many online critics appear split in their view of the film too. I actually enjoyed (as much as one can use this word with a film centered on the events of 9/11) the film and appreciate the exceptional adult cast associated with the film, including Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks, and in particular, Max von Sydow.<br /><br /> Ten-year-old Oskar Schell (played by Thomas Horn - a young actor I found little about which to complain, but my friend thought terrible), has a nearly perfect life, in a story based on Jonathan Safran Foer's novel. Aspergers syndrome (making him hesitant and fearful of just about everything), makes his unique and full relationship with his father all the more important, but when terrorists take down the towers (where is father is that day), his life changes and he needs desperately to find his way in his altered existence all the while dealing with his disability. He happens on a key, in a blue vase in his father s closet, a year after the towers fell and makes it his mission to locate the lock it fits, a daunting (improbable) task in any city, especially New York City. This key begins an adventure, much like the ones put forth by his father, which takes Oskar and his mother (Bullock) on an emotion journey that eventually offers some sense of closure, allowing for healing and acceptance.<br /><br /> Tales that turn on the events that took down the towers can prove problematic. It is a touchy subject for all the obvious reasons and filmmakers must tread lightly.  Extremely Loud, creators have let a substantial amount of time pass and take on a perspective that makes the people involved the main focus and not the events of that day. Could Oskar s father died a different way and the film been as powerful, who is to say? According to my friend, she liked nothing about the film, except for Bullock, Hanks and Von Sydow s performances.<br /><br /> If the film gets lost anywhere, for me, it is in its indecisiveness. Insurmountable grief, disabilities, anger, loss, family relationships, and other themes for the film, but none is addressed well because of director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter Eric Roth s seeming indecision  so story-wise, it s a bit of a mess. I have not read the source material, so this may be the case with the novel too, but I personally do not know. Aside from that the fact that few people, especially in the big city, would open up a door, invite in a stranger (child or not) and pour his or her heart out, the story stumbles in its very bigness. We find out, somewhat anti-climatically, why Oskar is able to venture out into the big city virtually alone, and what the key fits, but both these revelations underwhelm. We are supposed to find the film s soul in the journey, only we have to decide what the journey symbolizes on our own.<br /><br /> I need to say, I enjoyed Oskar s journey, while my friend did not, but I felt cheated in the final scene and longed to see more of Bullock. Her absence causes doubt as the movie progresses, but then ironically ties into the slightly dissatisfying ending. Von Sydow s involvement made much of the time with the boy (whose acting, I admit, could use some polishing) the most interesting and entertaining parts of the film. His role and connection to the story became far too transparent to me early on, but Vdon Sydow is wonderfully gruff and pleasing to watch.<br /><br />  Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, seems to have spilt critic and viewers, and I doubt purposely, but perhaps this very divide allows viewers fuel for discovery and discussion on the films topics (life topics). As I write the review, I realized I have indeed, far after seeing the film, discovered that it is, as my friend asserts, a muddled mess at times. Its adult cast, however, save some aspects and there are some valuable messages and moments in the PG-13 rated film. I am placing a B- in my grade book. I know my pal will chastise me, but that is my grade and I best stick to it.<br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline">Laurie Coker, True View Reviews</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div> <!--<div class="reviewpane"> <a name="B" /> <p class="h1"> RENEE' COLLINS' REVIEW<br /> RATING: 5 (Out of 5 Reels)</p> <p> <br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline"> Renee' Collins, Renee's Reel Reviews</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div>--> <div class="reviewpane"> <a name="C" /> <p class="h1"> ELIZABETH LOPEZ' REVIEW<br /> RATING: B</p> <p> Oscar winning actors Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are certainly stars and perform in  EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE as the Schell couple, parents to eleven-year-old Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn). The story is focused on Oskar, an exceptional child who dubs himself an  amateur inventor, Francophile and pacifist in a scene where his father is preparing a business card for him to use as he meets people.<br /><br /> The loving relationship ends when Oskar s father was in the World Trade Center on 9/11 and was not seen again, although a funeral was held. Academy Award® nominee Stephen Daldry directs from a screenplay by Academy Award® winner Eric Roth ( Forrest Gump,  The Insider ), based on Jonathan Safran Foer s acclaimed novel of the same name,  Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close and tells Oskar s story about one year out from the time of his loss to self-discovery. Thomas Horn excels in his performance as a complex child dealing with extraordinary circumstances, trying to make sense of life.<br /><br /> The film also stars Academy Award® nominee Max von Sydow as Oskar s grandfather; and Viola Davis and Jeffrey Wright as one of the many families surnamed  Black that Oskar visited through the five boroughs of New York in his quest to find answers to a mysterious key that belonged to his father. The scenes with these three actors are some of my favorite moments in the film, as well as one in particular with Sandra Bullock as she breaks down.<br /><br /> John Goodman is the doorman at the Schell residence and is good as part of the cast, but I enjoyed Zoe Caldwell playing Oskar s grandmother. She truly was a believable and supportive character. As Oskar roams the city in search of answers, he does not know that his encounters with a variety of individuals actually serve as a form of healing for many. Although Hanks and Bullock s scenes are limited, the film is good because of the good story and young Horn s performance.<br /><br />  Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is in wide release on January 20, 2012, and has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for emotional thematic material, some disturbing images and language. Don t forget the tissues.<br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline"> Elizabeth Lopez, Cine y Mas</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div> <div class="reviewpane"> <a name="D" /> <p class="h1"> MARK SALDANA'S REVIEW<br /> RATING: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)</p> <p> The attacks that occurred on 9-11 have forever changed the world. As I watched the shocking events unfold on television back in 2001, I remember feeling almost breathless and a dull encompassing pain in my body. I remember not really being able to say much that day; and although part of me wanted to turn my television off and go curl up in a fetal position in my bed in an attempt to forget about that day, I remained glued to the set. It didn t matter that I probably had seen the footage of planes crashing and the towers collapsing countless times. I could not tear myself away from the TV. I cannot even imagine how I would have felt if I had lost a loved one in one of the planes or in the buildings. These devastating events have become the subjects of multiple books, films, and television programs. The latest film by director Stephen Daldry (THE READER, THE HOURS) and screenwriter Eric Roth (MUNICH, FORREST GUMP), based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, offers a fictionalized take on the aftermath of 9-11 and its impact on a child whose father is lost in one of the Trade Center buildings.<br /><br /> EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE follows 10 year-old Oskar Schell as he embarks on his latest and most personal  reconnaissance mission , and one not planned by his father Thomas. These missions used to be games set up by Thomas for Oskar, usually for entertainment and educational purposes. This latest quest comes after Oskar s father is killed on 9-11. Oskar, who has never coped well with his father s loss, discovers a mysterious key that belonged to Thomas and determines to find out what it opens. Obsessed with this mystery, he embarks on a journey throughout New York and manages to connect with several people along the way. He bonds with his an elderly gentleman (Max Von Sydow) who rents a room in Oskar s grandmother s home as well as a recently divorced lady named Abby Black (Viola Davis). Despite the obstacles and fears Oskar must overcome to accomplish this mission, he continues to struggle with the pain and grief caused by the devastation that took place on the  worst day . Oskar s latest obsession and his inability to cope with his father s death also put a strain on his relationship with his also grieving mother Linda (Sandra Bullock).<br /><br /> Daldry and Roth produce a heartbreaking film which nearly brought me to my knees. I have read other reviews complaining that this film and the novel that inspired it are contrived, opportunistic, and emotionally manipulative. I really cannot agree completely with these descriptions. Well, my opinion regards the film s writing and directing, as I have not read Foer s novel. The movie plays out realistically and feels genuine, in my opinion. The well written script by Roth and the top notch directing by Daldry felt just as earnest and heartfelt as the characters of Thomas and Oskar. The film can try one s patience, though. I should clarify. The Oskar character can really be trying at times. Oskar may or may not have a mild autism or Asperger syndrome and often comes across as annoying. I can t honestly say he is a totally hateful character, but anyone familiar with the disorders will understand what I mean when I say that his behavior can really turn audiences off at times.<br /><br /> In fact, as I watched the film, there were times when I blamed the actor Thomas Horn, but in actuality, he delivers an excellent performance. It is the nature of his character which irked me periodically. Horn does such tremendously wonderful acting in this film, especially for someone so young and inexperienced. The boy is a natural and should go on to a successful career. Cinema legend Max Von Sydow also makes a wonderful addition to the cast as  The Renter a mysterious man who cannot speak and befriends Oskar. The Renter joins him on his quest and helps him conquer some fears and neuroses which often plague Oskar. Sandra Bullock does a wonderful job as the broken and grieving wife and mother. She really has matured well as an actress. I would have liked to have seen a little more of Tom Hanks as Oskar s father. He plays such a lovable and fun character that his death can pack a powerful punch to even the most casual viewer.<br /><br /> So that said. I do recommend this movie, but audiences should not expect an overall feel good film. Daldry and Roth excellently portray the real human problems of loss and grief and will probably leave most people in tears. I have to admit that this movie made me cry a little. The film does end with a satisfactory conclusion, but the journey there can be a difficult one. The neurotic nature of Oskar s character doesn t help much either, but is just one of several realistic touches which give this movie its genuine and authentic feel.<br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline"> Mark Saldana, The Movie Doc</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div> <div class="reviewpane"> <div class="footer"> <!-- The certification section displays the W3C certification for the page. --> <div class="cert"> <a href="http://validator.w3.org/check?uri=referer"> <img src="../../graphics/valid-xhtml10.gif" alt="Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional" class="w3c" /></a> <br /> <a href="http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/images/vcss-blue"> <img src="../../graphics/vcss-blue.gif" alt="Valid CSS!" class="w3c" /></a> </div> <!-- The copyright sections include the copyright disclimers at the bottom of the page --> <div class="copyright"> <img alt="copyright1" src="../../graphics/copyright1.png" /> </div> <div class="copyright2"> <img alt="copyright2" src="../../graphics/copyright2.png" /> </div> <div class="copyright3"> <img alt="copyright3" src="../../graphics/copyright3.png" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </body> </html>