MJ5K's Review

Summary - Perfect 5.0

John Hillcoat adapts Cormac McCarthy’s classic 2006 novel about a father and son who go on a dangerous trek across a post-apocalyptic America. What is the result? A film that stays true to the book and pleases not only fans, but this guy right here. The Road is my favorite film of 2009. For those of you who haven’t read the book, I suggest you do. This film is heavy. Violence, childbirth, cannibalism, and Viggo Mortensen’s very visible ribs.

The film tells the story of a nameless father and son who travel together across America in a post apocalyptic time. Along the way, they try to avoid hungry cannibals, theives, and making friends. The father tells his son that he must always keep the firs inside him going.

The Road stays true to the novel, keeping the tone and feeling of a typical McCarthy novel. It may not be for everyone, but I still say see it.

Acting - Perfect 5.0

The acting in this film is phenomenal. Viggo Mortensen(one of my favorite actors) is moving and spirited as the father who wants nothing more than to keep his son alive and still bares the memory of his deceased wife. To me, though, the true star of the film is Kodi Smit-McPhee as the son. He is one of the best child actors I’ve ever seen and he helps carry this film. I look forward to seeing him more in the future. There are also cameos by the always brilliant Robert Duvall, the on again/off again Guy Pearce, and the very enjoyable and beautiful Charlize Theron.

Film - Perfect 5.0

I love the visual style and cinematography, it is some of the best I’ve seen in the past decade. And me being someone who can’t stand CGI, thats saying a lot. The score is chilling when the scene calls for it, and even when it doesn’t. Everything is so well done.

Edge - Sordid 3.2

Again, there’s violence, strong language, and more that’ll make you say " Eek!!" This is not for the kids.

Reality - Natural 1.0

You never know, something like this could happen…

6 Comments

• Wick Oct 30, 2010 7:37PM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  An understandable rating Bri. This is a movie that can hit reasonable reviewers differently, as the three ratings of Perfect down to OK indicate.

• Wick Dec 12, 2009 2:17PM

  Nope, don’t think I’m gonna see Lovely Bones. However, that means you’ll have a clear shot to declare the WikPik take on it…

  High on my In Theater list now is Up In The Air, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Brothers. Saw Invictus last night. Should have my review up by tomorrow.

• MJ5K Dec 12, 2009 11:26AM

  Regarding Wick’s Review
  Ah, no worries. I respect everyone’s opinion(unless I see something horrible like someone giving Transformers a 5 Perfect and Dark Knight only a 4 Great). I just loved this movie ’cause of the brilliant performances, the dialogue, and the way it brought the book to the screen.

  BTW Are you planning to see the Lovely Bones? I need to know if its worth it cuz I’m hearing mixed reviews.

• Wick Dec 12, 2009 12:26AM

  Regarding Wick’s Review
  Sorry I couldn’t give it a higher score MJ. It’s got a lot to recommend it and was often moving, so a Perfect is certainly understandable.

• MJ5K Dec 6, 2009 1:03AM

  Thnx, Wik. I love the In Theaters Now default on the movie page. I was very much surprised to see no one’s reviewed New Moon, yet. And don’t ask me to review it. My girlfriend dragged me to Twilight last year, and let me just say there is no cheese at the end of that tunnel lol

• Wick Dec 6, 2009 12:11AM

  Regarding MetalJunky5000’s Review
  Solid review MJ5K. “Viggo Mortensen’s very visible ribs” indeed. :-)

  I’m pleased to see your well conceived take. Been struggling with mine for four days. Now that I don’t have to worry about pulling it together, you can have TopPiks for the next few days.

  BTW, check out how the new Movies page defaults to In Theater movies now. Next step is for each movie to show its most trusted commentary. For ever, especially for as long as a movie is In Theaters.

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