Review of Twelve Monkeys (1995) by Widodo A — 17 Sep 2011

While not thoroughly outstanding in memory, [i]Twelve Monkeys[/i] will always remain at an extravagant limbo of my mind, emerging constantly to exemplify my preferences concerning films. Gilliam version of Marker's story contains lots of what is necessary to keep my attention in focus. Confused, eccentric characters, dealing with intricate situations on an austere, decaying atmosphere.

Chances are, out of the billions of films that incorporate these characteristics, this one was the first to be analyzed by me with a critical eye. For this sole reason, my overall impression must have been impaired, and a good movie, perfectly enjoyable, suddenly becomes a term of reference for all ''time-travel, mind bending, dystopian science-fiction'' that insists on popping up in my conversations.

Inexplicably, the 2 hours and 11 minutes of original plot, excellent acting from top performers, impeccable direction from one of my favorite directors, with a rare appropriate conclusion, have simply failed to seduce me entirely. [i]Twelve Monkeys[/i] is therefore doomed to be considered only ''good'', despite all undeniable achievements and fortuitous distinction marked on my brain. Yet, even with the obnoxious ambiguity of values ranging between my introspection and the objective quality of the movie, the evaluation is most definitely positive in all aspects (but not too positive I'm afraid).