First thing I said after I saw this movie, and I think I actually tweeted it, was: Steven Spielberg is stuck in the 90s! If he would have released this movie 2 decades ago it would have won every award and it would have made millions. Just think about it: sobbing story, horses, beautiful scenery, war, handsome and brave men, funny one-liners, and of course THE ORCHESTRA (is it safe to say this kind of music was overused? that's what I thought). It reminded me of those types of movies like Braveheart, or Legends of the Fall- am I the only one?
Now, in some ways, War Horse is a good movie- it is made in a visually attractive way, the characters are approachable and you can't go wrong with a story about war or animals, can you? Both in one film? Perfect. It was nicely directed and I loved the sets, but then again, I do have to repet myself, the music killed me- I understand the need of classical pieces and, in some scenes, the orchestra worked, but mister Spielberg, must you use it almost all of the time? The script is cheesy and tries to mix some comedy with drama, but doesn't quite succeed (men running away from a duck?), and so, the actors weren't allowed to shine too much, as everything seemed a little too forced, too dramatic.
I admit it- I was bored, for about a half of the movie- I think it got interesting when Albert went to war, but until then, the only things that got my attention were the brief appereances of Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch (seriously, Britain, do you even have an ugly or not-charming man in your region?). Speaking of men, I thought Jeremy Irvine, beside the fact that he is, indeed, a handsome young man (girly comment), was pretty good and showed a certain spark that can definitely raise up to be a star in a couple of years- the boy has got potential.
I can't really say more, as it didn't really stir up anything in me. I do not like animals, in any shape or form (shocker, I know, I have been told), so the horse part didn't get to me! Some moments were nice and I am sure, heartbreaking for some (Joey stuck in wires, Albert whistling Joey in the "hospital"), but overall I wasn't impressed.
Sorry mister Spielberg, nice try though! Thanks for Cumberbatch, Hiddleston and Irvine!
Without a doubt, this is Spielberg trying his hardest to manipulate the hell out of his audience but it somehow works and brought me into the story despite some of the very corny moments. Great review Aziza.
ReplyDeleteYES! Same emotions!! I don't like animals much either, and I definitely don't like animal movies. The horse was pretty, but in all honesty, he shouldn't have been called War Horse, but the Horse of Death. Everywhere he went, death followed.
ReplyDeleteThat beginning made me think of Sound of Music. The middle part was okay-ish (Hiddles is so pretty- damn that death horse!), and then that absolutely ridiculous part in the battlefield happens, and the ending was awful.
Glad to read Irvine has got potential, he was the only one from the upcoming adaptation of "Great Expectations" I didn't know anything about and I really want to see this film.
ReplyDelete@Dan: Thanks! It did have a lot of corny moments, and I must admit, in some points, I was brought into the story, as well, but overall...neah!
ReplyDelete@Nikhat: Glad to see we agree! :)
@Sati: I really want to see Great Expectations, as well, that's a great cast! Have you seen the BBC version that just aired at the end of December?I wrote about it- amazing! You should check it out!
Yes, you know how I think of this one. That score.
ReplyDeleteI think Warhorse is proof again that Spielberg is past is best, maybe not to the point of say George Lucas or Francis Ford Coppola, but Spielberg doesn't seem to get the best scripts anymore.
ReplyDeleteFor me, his other 2011 film Tintin was suspenseful, just too much a copy of his earlier, better work from the 80s.
Hopefully Mr Spielberg still has some great films left in him, we'll see ( :
I haven't seen it. I have no intention of seeing it. I did have ticket for a screening of it a month ago but missed it as it was too far away.
ReplyDeleteI will await the rental!
@Andy: Yeah, I know, the music was too much, sometimes!
ReplyDelete@Chris: Like you said, he is living in the past, and I don't think it's a problem of script, it's just how he makes movies! Hopefully he still has something inside him!
@Scott: It's out now in the UK- i wouldn't really recommend it for the big screen, but you should catch it on DVD!
Ahaha interesting take, especially given the overwhelming criticism that it's overly melodramatic and you manage to come out of this unmoved. You must have a heart of stone Aziza! :P
ReplyDeleteY'know, when I saw this film I must be feeling kinda melancholy as I teared up a lot, but now that I look back I feel that this movie is overly sentimental and corny at times. I wasn't bored though, there is enough going for it to keep me engaged, yeah namely all those attractive Brits, ahah. But by the end with all the sunset and classical orchestra sweeping in the background, it just felt too much. Well at least we can give Spielberg some points for casting :D
ReplyDelete@Castor: :) No, I don't! I was moved during some scenes, but I didn't cry and it wasn't that dramatic.
ReplyDelete@Ruth: Yes, it did feel too much, but man, Spielberg is good with casting :)
I think I am yet to see a positive review from real people. And by that I mean people I know and who's opinions I trust instead of some professional film critic. It holds no appeal to me whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge animal rights activist and the fact that I hoped this horse would die just so the movie would end probably doesn't speak very highly of it. Nice review, glad you (kind of) didn't like it!
ReplyDelete@Russell: Don't get me wrong, the movie is good and it's rightfully executed, but so many cheesy moments....maybe you should give it a try, especially now, that it is a Best Picture nominee
ReplyDelete@Alex: You're an animal activist and you didn't like it? that's a surprise
I HATED it. I wanted that beast to go down. Cue credits.
ReplyDelete