SmugKitZine
Tied for the best movie I have ever seen
Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Matylda Swan
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Logan
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
SnoopyStyle
Grad student Omar Razaghi wants to write an authorized biography on his favorite writer, the late Jules Gund, but his estate refuses. It consists of his older brother Adam (Anthony Hopkins), mistress Arden Langdon (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and wife Caroline (Laura Linney) who all live in a remote settlement in Uruguay. Omar's girlfriend pushes him to travel to Uruguay to change their minds. Arden takes a liking to him. Caroline insists on withholding approval. The settlement is facing a large land tax and Adam agrees to approve if Omar helps him secretly sell some family jewels. Pete (Hiroyuki Sanada) is also part of the group who ages used furniture to sell as antiques.James Ivory is continuing on without Ismail Merchant. Omar Metwally delivers a very flat performance that keeps this interesting group static. Ivory seems intend on a slow, flat mood. It takes much too long to get to the fireworks and there is plenty of potential. It's obvious from the start but the movie insists on dragging it out for too long.
LyceeM16
I am immensely pleased to have found this film. Many of the performances (Anthony Hopkins, Hiroyuki Sanada, Alexandra Lara, and Laura Linney) were inspired but some (Charlotte Gainsburg) were not. The story is engaging but there were many aspects of the plot that did not make real practical or emotional sense. The motion of the plot is a bit formulaic. The story drew me in in spite of the gaps, however. The cinematography is lush and beautiful. I particularly liked the warmth of the relationship between Hopkins' and Sanada's characters and the coldness at the heart of both Linney's and Lara's portrayal of their characters. When all is said and done, as E.M. Forster said: "only connect."
Conrad Johnson
I recently saw this film at a festival in a nearby town. I was very disappointed to find that it was not a sequel to the ever lasting "Final Destination" series, because at least then I would have no expectations for the film. I stepped into the theater and as the film began to roll it showed beautiful scenery but as the film went on my hopes slowly fell by the minute. After watching for an hour I wanted to walk out of the theater and not look back, but out of respect for any members of the cast or film crew I sat in my seat hoping each minute would conclude the film. The acting was bland and showed the least emotion in a role I have seen since the Bill O' Riley show. I hope that says enough, because the actors might as well have been reading off a teleprompter. The only amusing part of the film was Anthony Hopkins wit and flamboyant humor. But not even the Oscar winning actor could save this sinking ship movie, the titanic has a better chance of floating again then this movie does of being seen by me twice.
filmlover333
City of Your Final Destination This first solo project from director James Ivory, from what little I saw of the film it promises to deliver.True to form Ivory makes the most of exotic locations and an a stellar international cast.The incomparable Anthony Hopkins rarely disappoints and in this role he more than exceeds any expectation.Laura Linney plays her role of the tightly wound widow to perfection while Charlotte Gainsbourg is splendid as the vulnerable mistress.Omar Metwally, the biographer, and Alexandra Maria Lara, his overly ambitious girlfriend, are superb.The dialogue is written by Ruth Prawler Jhabvala has captured the essence of Peter Cameron's novel of the same name.
