I started watching this movie because it had featured in the UK Guardian's list of top movies for 2014, both in UK & USA. I thought that with Scarlett Johannsen in the lead it was not to be missed. I actually gave up after about 40 minutes, something which I rarely do.
Since then, I've been trying to figure out why I had such a negative reaction. In part, I think it's the theme of an alien visiting the earth. Nowadays, there are all too many movies with extra-terrestrial themes and frankly I find them not at all engaging. To give Scarlett Johannsen her due, she does act the part very well. I think it was her skill that persuaded me to watch the movie as long as I did. I assumed that it would mutate into something with a story-line that would grip until its ending climax. By 40 minutes, this just hadn't happened for me.
I'm prepared to concede that, like all movie fans, my tastes are very individual and that is something I have to live with. But for anyone who might read this review, be warned that this is a movie that can only be described as "different". You may find it absolutely compelling, but be prepared for this not to be so.
Since then, I've been trying to figure out why I had such a negative reaction. In part, I think it's the theme of an alien visiting the earth. Nowadays, there are all too many movies with extra-terrestrial themes and frankly I find them not at all engaging. To give Scarlett Johannsen her due, she does act the part very well. I think it was her skill that persuaded me to watch the movie as long as I did. I assumed that it would mutate into something with a story-line that would grip until its ending climax. By 40 minutes, this just hadn't happened for me.
I'm prepared to concede that, like all movie fans, my tastes are very individual and that is something I have to live with. But for anyone who might read this review, be warned that this is a movie that can only be described as "different". You may find it absolutely compelling, but be prepared for this not to be so.
