TCTTS said:
Absolutely loved it.
Chalamet will probably win the Oscar, the casting overall was impeccable, the score was awesome (very '80s inspired), and the ending could not have been more satisfying.
But fair warning, in case anyone has any delusions of this being an inspirational sports drama, it's definitely a Safdie Brothers movie (or Brother, rather). Meaning relentless, edge-of-your-seat mayhem from beginning to end, especially in the second half, sprinkled with sex and violence and general insanity throughout (though no blatant nudity save for a few quick glances of nude photos). There's also a super-weird, 20-second-or-so bit with honey that was one of the most random WTF moments I've seen in a while, that seemingly caused two people in our sold-out theater to walk out.
So adjust your expectations accordingly.
That said, there *is* a compelling sports drama inside this thing, that comes to an incredible head in the third act. It's just that Marty is simply not a character you're going to root for in traditional fashion. Rather, he's very much another slimy, in-over-his-head, constantly-doubling-down/digging-a-deeper-hole character type, in the same vein as Robert Pattinson in Good Time and Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems. And while I saw it with my family and everyone liked it, my dad and one of my brothers-in-law were "exhausted" when it was over, and everyone liked One Battle After Another a bit more (which we all watched together the night before). Still, I made the same crew sit through Uncut Gems in the theater six years ago, which they hated with a passion and still give me **** for, so they were super weary going into this one, but were pleasantly surprised when it was over. It's just as relentless, if not more so, but a bit more "accessible," if that makes sense. Granted, it's still not for everyone, but if you're even remotely interested in seeing it, and know what you're getting into, you'll have a great time.
This is a great review for anyone still on the fence about seeing it in the theatre.
The whole family went tonight because our 20 year old is home from A&M and is a movie nerd. I didn't hate it, I didn't like it either.
It was like the point I got to with the Sopranos. Everyone sucks. I don't know sh** about the kid that played the lead role but he's good at being a deek and he surely didn't do Jewish stereotypes any good (please note I am pro Jew, pro Israel).
The entire "dog sub plot" should have been cut. This movie is too long and that detour added absolutely nothing of value.
I liked Kevin O'Leary's debut to Hollywood more than any other character. I think Paltrow must have needed the money.
I have no idea if this was loosely based on something historically accurate. Regardless, I wanted to see some characters die. They earned it.
Big meh across the board at our house but as noted above, it's not for everyone.
