Review of Barney's Version (2010) by Amilcar A — 20 Feb 2011

I can't really explain how I feel about this movie as if it was only one film. In my view this great picture is actually two stories. One, a very funny and extremely smart tale of some very smart people. Two a very sad and depressing story that could only be seen as the conclusion in this kind of movie.

Barney's version is a terrific film about a number of things. Love, life, friendships and Judaism. It's a bit overridden with cliches and having a Jewish family is not as dramatic as the movie at times makes it to be.

The film is incredibly well written and the acting is just great. Paul Giamatti plays what I would consider an Oscar contending role and the rest of the cast ranges from delightful to downright annoying.

Needless to say, as most smart movies go this one likes itself a bit too much and meanders around more than it should. Some stories are a little too long and the conclusion in my view is just overkill. The film would have been wonderful if Barney had paid his dues through emotions, and not disease.

Nevertheless, Barney's version is yet another excellent art-house movie that will be praised by a few and ignored by many. Even though it has a ton of star power it's just too smart and too sophisticated for the multiplex.

I watched it with about 30 old Jewish couples that reminded me of my grandparents. It was actually really nice.