Review of Barney's Version (2010) by Alexander D — 09 Aug 2011

This is the kind of feel good movie I like to watch as I find it totally relatable and realistic in its portrayals of life events. Topped with stunning performances from Paul Giamatti and another memorable role for Dustin Hoffman, this movie really got to me at the end as you realize how, despite having lived an eventful hedonistic life, lifelessness can get to you before you know it and can hurt you and your loved ones as much as you, yourself, affect those around you equally.

I cannot but feel sympathetic towards Barney throughout the movie despite all his torments and phases. He's hedonistic, he's loud mouthed, he likes himself, but most of all he loves the people close to him and that is what makes him a real human being.

Even if the movie drags on longer than it should, it is still interesting to see his interactions with his wives and how genuine any of his feelings, positive or negative, can be, and that is all we are looking for in a well-written character.

Add to that a pleasant soundtrack as well as some hilarious unique one-liners, you get yourself a nice "life" movie which only people who are true to any human feeling will know how to appreciate.