Review of Pleasantville (1998) by James J — 11 Dec 2009

In order, these are the thoughts that raced through my mind while watching this film:

- This acting is really bad.

- This plot set-up is really unbelievable.

- I can't believe how stupid Reese Witherspoon is being right now.

- This script is hokey.

- I wish this score was original in some degree.

- Well, at least we're starting to have tension outside of the Maguire-Witherspoon dynamic.

- The cinematography here is pretty damn good.

- The concept of the film is really awesome.

- William H. Macy makes this movie better.

- Actually, I'm starting to really enjoy this.

- Oh, is this a movie about racism now?

- Oh, is this a movie about the Garden of Eden now?

- Where the hell did Reese Witherspoon go? Is she not even important to the film anymore?

- Quit staring, Tobey. That's awkward.

- Everyone is getting kid of ridiculous.

- This change of heart in the court is forced and cliche.

- Actually, these last twenty-five minutes are really cliche.

- Tobey, you really, really need to stop staring.

Summary: Great concept, sloppy execution. After a poor intro, the movie begins to pick up, only to end on a very disappointing note.