Average: C+
Jack says: C
Some films, in my opinion, are meant to be short and some are meant to be long. My Blueberry Nights is a full length movie that ought to be about twenty minutes long.
The film is the first in English for director Kar Wai Wong, and it palys out like a never ending sleepwalk experience. But it must be said that the cinematography of this film is exceptional. Yes, at times it does get a little too artsy for many. You will find that that the camera hardly every has a straight shot of a face, it is usually obstructed by a window or something like that. It must also be said that there must be some compromise between story and visual appeal, because My Blueberry Nights has about half a slice of the latter.
There are times in the film, mostly among the lousy monologues, I wondered if the crew and cinematographer just let the cameras go, and went to sleep.
What is most mystifying to me is the casting. Why would Wong have enough faith in first time actress Norah Jones with the lead role while surrounded by seasoned, great actors. It's like punishment: for Jones and the audience alike. Jones' character is the least redeeming and interesting of the bunch. Also, it is funny to me that the two wonderful actresses given supporting roles have such similair characters: southern drawled women wearing slutty dresses.
The only thing that saves this film from utter disaster is the artistry and supporting actors: Law, Weisz and Portman. Miss Jones asks us in the opening act of the film, "What's wrong with the blueberry pie?" at this time the pie should have reacted, "It's not me, it's you."
Matthew Say's: B-
To be one hundred percent honest, I'm not really sure what to make of My Blueberry Nights. It's not a bad movie. It's well made, and has a good supporting cast. However, the film certainly has it's problems. One being that there isn't much of a plot, there is somewhat, but it's not quite connected, and doesn't all together work. The other problem being Norah Jones.
This is Norah Jones' first movie, and should be her last. She is not very good at delivering a line, no, she is terrible at delivering a line, and doesn't know how to react to certain situations. She has the looks but not the acting chops.
On the other hand, it has (as I've said before) a good supporting cast which could save her. Jude Law gives a solid performance as the owner of a cafe in New York. Rachel Weisz gives an especially good performance as the unfaithful wife of a polieman. And, Natalie portman gives a good performance as the gambling addictive woman going to Las Vegas.
The movie isn't terrible and is saved by a strong supporting cast, and good filmaking. If only the plot was better, and connected more. And if only Norah Jones stayed on the soundtrack.
Sincerely,
The Citizen Review
