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Showing reviews from 51 to 100 (total: 121)
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Some people guessed the 'surprise' ending well before the end. They seem to think this was a fault in the movie. Hardly. This movie is among other things a who-done-it mystery that deliberately gives you enough clues during the movie to figure it out on your own, exactly what a good who-done-it is supposed to do. The scripting is excellent, the plot well directed and the acting first rate. There is also a lot of thinking material in this movie. It is not simply a moralizing about the death penalty, there is a lot more than that going on here.
9/10
12.3.2003 -
panpiper@ - age: 36-49
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One surprise after another. This is a great movie.
8/10
12.3.2003 -
r_sab@ - age: 26-35
This was an astounding movie. It left me in total awe. However, it is somewhat "heavy" so I would not recommend it to everyone. Spacey, as usual, is phenomenal. I don't know Linney's work very well but I thought she was quite good in this role. Winslet gave a good performance but I did find her character cried too much and it was especially annoying towards the end of the movie where time was crucial (I. E instead of taking action she was crying!) Finally, if you like a movie with a twist that leaves you thinking long after you leave the theater go see this immediately!
10/10
11.3.2003 -
catdan75@ - age: 26-35
I was expecting something different, but still, it was very good. At some point, you think you've figured it out but... you haven't. Very good.
7/10
11.3.2003 -
ghanimas@ - age: 26-35
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This is an extremely moving and intelligent film; throughout the entire second half when I wasn't trying to figure the story out, I was crying honest tears.
9/10
10.3.2003 -
jauntyjaded@ - age: 18-25
This movie really kept me interested... and although some of the scenes may not be suitable for some people... I found it to be a very good movie with awesome acting by Linney especially. I would recommend it!
8/10
10.3.2003 -
romantica101@ - age: 36-49
Great movie with a mind-blowing concept. One of the best movies I have seen.
10/10
10.3.2003 -
rainbowforever@ - age: 13-17
This is an all around amazing movie... the twisted ending was well done. I highly recommend it to everyone as it was the best movie I have seen in a very long time. I am very hard to please when it comes to movies and I give this one a 10!
10/10
10.3.2003 -
angelic_eyes35@ - age: 36-49
Great movie..
9/10
10.3.2003 -
babbeee@ - age: 18-25
I watched the movie on a treat, having watched the trailers and not seen anything worth my time or care... but was I wrong? The acting, the script and best of all the way the movie keeps you on your toes "you always think you know, but you don't" is worth it and worth the chill down your spine. It makes you think, and sometimes we do take things for granted. Watch it, it will do something to you.
10/10
9.3.2003 -
tulip_71@ - age: 18-25
If you wanna see a movie with meaning this is the picture for you. Very good movie, with great acting, the storyline moved along with anticipation hanging around the next corner.
9/10
9.3.2003 -
j_stjames@ - age: 18-25
Amazing movie, good acting, great plot, the whole package... this is a must see.
9/10
8.3.2003 -
shadi_iskandar@ - age: 18-25
While I recommend seeing the movie because it is thought provoking and the acting is fair, the direction was wanting and the plot left me a Little peeved. David Gale is not a hero, or even a martyr--he's a narcisistic, manipulative egomaniac that loses everything because of poor choices and alcohol. The surprise ending was no surprise. There were too many "hints" right from the opening scene. And what he did would never make his son proud or even well-adjusted. If the son/wife were so important to Gale, there should have been better scenes with them included. Gale's relationship with his son was not believable (and since Spacey never acts poorly, I assume a direction or editing problem) --they tried to make the son adorable (like a Welch's Grape Juice ad) and Gale a "sweet" Dad. It didn't sit with me. Finally, the action didn't grab me soon enough. I found my mind wandering for the first 20-30 minutes. So, I suggest seeing it with lowered expectations.
6/10
8.3.2003 -
halfpint1145@ - age: 36-49
This is one of the best films I have ever seen so awesome.
10/10
8.3.2003 -
salimjm2000@ - age: 18-25
OHhh... OutStanding! A great story, and everything is just perfect. Don't listen to anyone, see it now.
10/10
7.3.2003 -
sandood_318@ - age: 18-25
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Very good movie - one of the best in a long time. Didn't expect too much from trailers - Kate Winslett? :-0!!, but winds an engrossing tale and will be certain to stir some discussions after. Spacey is good but Laura Linney steals the show with a role that will keep you thinking for some time after - one of the most under-rated actors currently playing. Not for all tastes but some very good twists in it overall.
8/10
7.3.2003 -
mark@ - age: 26-35
Just See It.
10/10
7.3.2003 -
peebody@ - age: 18-25
This is a brilliant movie! I see some comments against it with low scores based on the overlying anti death penalty feel to it. So, if you don't have a problem with that, this movie is for you and add another point out of 10 to the movie rating average. And if you can't get over that message to enjoy the movie, don't go. Spacey put out another brilliant performance. On the surface, this seems like an easy character to play. Or is that just what Spacey brings out in it? The multi dimensional professor, father, activist, alcoholic, bum and prisoner was probably a reason why Spacey took on the challenge. The writing was very good. I was surprised to be choked up over something like ordering the last meal. The plot was such that it let you figure things out just before they were revealed, leaving you feeling good that you figured it out..
9/10
7.3.2003 -
cliffa@ - age: 36-49
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One of the best movies this year. Wow. Finally a good film.
9/10
6.3.2003 -
ninagoldman@ - age: 36-49
Great movie, had a great laugh!
10/10
6.3.2003 -
dugfuddy@ - age: 50+
I had very high expectations for this movie, and for the first time in a long time, they were meet. Amazing in every way. Makes you think long after the movie ends. Highly recommend to everyone. I rate a lot of movies here, and this is the first one I am giving a 10 too.
10/10
5.3.2003 -
denokris@ - age: 18-25
I really liked the movie. Unexpected ending.
10/10
5.3.2003 -
lamt@ - age: 18-25
''The Life of David Gale'' is merely OK. That's high praise for a manipulative script containing so many vagaries. It's what happens when Don Quixote, tilting at windmills, meets sleuthing Nancy Drew. Spacey's acting as the martyr is flawless while Winslet's take on her role of the reporter is - well, Spacey. It's fine as a cheap Tuesday flick or better yet, a video with a warm blankie and a hot cup of cocoa. If I were on Bandstand, I'd rate it a firm 60 out of 100 - tops. Neal McKenna.
6/10
5.3.2003 -
nealm@ - age: 50+
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This is a movie to make you think, and keep thinking. If you feel that you've lost the plot, then that's what Alan Parker wanted you to do. You get bits of information during the conversations between Spacey and Winslet, leaving you asking yourself 'did I miss something here? ' but we get to see these scenes as Spacey (David Gale) goes into flashback. Alan Parker often uses these time/point of view shifts, such as in "The Wall" or in "Angel Heart". The transisitions between flashback and present time are cleverly illustrated by flashes of words either typed or written on paper; words such as 'rape', 'guilty' or 'execution'. We need these transitions as we assemble the pieces of the puzzle in our heads; putting a series of events in chronological order so that we get a story line. Perhaps not his best work, but better than most of the movies coming out of Hollywood these days. Anything with Alan Parker's name on it is going to be a quality film, os it's worth the admission fee.
8/10
4.3.2003 -
jepower@ - age: 36-49
It was too focused on a palimpsestual yet vagary depiction of reality.
6/10
4.3.2003 -
queen_tabby@ - age: 1-12
The truth is I guessed the movie's "surprise" ending, and so did my friend. But did that ruin it for us? Not at all. It's an interesting film, and, as one reviewer has already pointed out, the moral implications are not unambiguous. Anyone who thinks this is a "bleeding heart" liberal movie protesting the death penalty is wrong. The film makes you think again. And again.
8/10
4.3.2003 -
anarchick1@ - age: 26-35
Good movie.
10/10
2.3.2003 -
moshibear@ - age: 18-25
Great movie really involved. A brain twister.
10/10
2.3.2003 -
pwd@ - age: 18-25
It's a bit too long, but the end is good. It saves the movie. The work of Spacey is good.
7/10
2.3.2003 -
sylvain,st_amant@ - age: 26-35
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Sucked, not worth even the dollar theatres. Don't rent it either.
1/10
1.3.2003 -
heymelnyk@ - age: 18-25
Okay, folks, nevermind what the snotty reviewers at the Globe say, this movie is a must see! It's got all sorts of twists and turns that tie up very smartly at the end. It'll keep you thinking for hours, even if you guess what the "surprise" ending is! And the moral of the story isn't simple either. Laura Linney and Kate Winslet are amazing and Kevin Spacey - well, he's just always good, isn't he?
9/10
1.3.2003 -
sophiebgood@ - age: 26-35
A rivoting plot, well thought out and perfectly executed. A must see for all Kevin Spacey fans.
10/10
1.3.2003 -
chefjeff14@ - age: 18-25
An excellent, intelligent, suspenseful movie worth the time and money to see in a theater!
10/10
1.3.2003 -
7sab1@ - age: 26-35
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Truly a bad movie! Regardless of one's feelings on the death penalty, (The Life of David Gale) continually drives home the point that the political activists are right and God is irrelevant, if not downright wrong. Witness the remark of Laura Linney to Kevin Spacey before he's about to debate a pro-capital punishment governor: "Listen David, he's going to say that the death penalty is God's law, you just come back at him with a rational argument." Clearly this implies that God's law is not rational, and should be disposed of in favor man's superior reasoning. The movie takes a few more cheap shots at Christians like comparing the Bible-believing governor to Hitler, and having a minor character say, "You can always tell you're in the Bible belt when there are more prisons than Starbucks." But these things alone aren't what derails this film. Though the performances are outstanding and some of the artistic direction works, the plot is murky and inconsistent, with holes big enough to march a protest through. Even if I weren't a Christian, I still wouldn't recommend it..
1/10
28.2.2003 -
jjlemieux@ - age: 50+
The twist was too predictable for me. The only good thing about the movie was that it got me to re-think the capital punishment issue.
5/10
28.2.2003 -
sueahn@ - age: 36-49
This movie is excellent without a doubt... however, don't go in there expecting a comedy, obviously! This movie brings out good stuff about the death penalty and how we should treat it.. Good movie to see... actually a must!
9/10
28.2.2003 -
patroc@ - age: 18-25
I enjoyed the film, kept you interested in it to the very end, but then it gave you a real zinger of an ending and it took 6 intellegent people to discuss the end to come to the conclusion, quite a brain teaser, a must see.
8/10
28.2.2003 -
joyala2002@ - age: 50+
''The Life of David Gale'' is an awesome movie for any audience!!! Spacey will win many awards for this master-piece. This movie is good till end, with a mind-boglling conclusion. A movie that keeps you off-guard and awake at it's best. My girl friend and I rate it a ****** (yes 6-star movie!!!) a 12/10, 2 bonus points for Spacey's performance... later!
10/10
28.2.2003 -
magicdude96@ - age: 18-25
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Great movie that makes you think alot. You kind of feel you HAVE to help discover the mystery... while watching the movie. Very psychological and touching.
9/10
28.2.2003 -
jennifer_chiasson@ - age: 26-35
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When my girlfriend told me she wanted to see this movie, I was like ahhh you must be kidding me!! But since she always comes and see action flicks with me, I was feeling like I owed her to go and see it. Frankly I think I liked it more than she did!! I was impressed by the ending. Not your typical american ending. I think it is worth the 10$. this is a movie that will shock you! In a wierd, but enjoying way. I recommend this movie if you are tired of those good old Hollywood endings!!
9/10
27.2.2003 -
xevino@ - age: 18-25
Excellent film not to be missed. Is going to keep you on the edge from begining to end. Story well exposed and message is clear. This is a must.
9/10
26.2.2003 -
jenny,arnaiz@ - age: 26-35
Does The Life of David Gale want to be a drama, a thriller, a political soapbox.. ? I could go on. I think this is where this film lost me. It couldn't commit to a format; it kept jumping from one to the next until it just got boring. Kevin Spacey handles his performace well, although he could do this role practically in his sleep. Kate Winslet was just... there. Points go to her sidekick, Zack (Gabriel Mann) , for spicing up her end of the story. Otherwise, I would have just plain fidgeted my way out the theatre. Oh, and is there a message to this film? Besides the whole "death penalty is wrong" liberally biased bit. If there was, I didn't get it.
5/10
26.2.2003 -
cbehaviour@ - age: 26-35
Great movie. Sent the message very objectively and kept me on edge the whole time.
10/10
26.2.2003 -
aymelakr@ - age: 26-35
Very good movie... worth seeing it... it was perfectly made... I suggest all of you to go see it..
10/10
25.2.2003 -
friendlybabee@ - age: 18-25
Amazing one of Spacey's best.
9/10
25.2.2003 -
battats@ - age: 13-17
An amazing movie with a surprising ending... Kevin Spacey is great.
10/10
25.2.2003 -
nathaliehottie@ - age: 26-35
This could have been an interesting story, too bad about the writing & acting. The whole thing feels like a bad tv movie of the week. We called the ending miles away, even the extra twist they threw in. I usually like both Spacey & Winslett, but the whole movie just drags & feels overacted.
2/10
25.2.2003 -
darkstar@ - age: 36-49
This was NOT a good film, despite a cast of normaly great actors, this film was at times painfull to watch. Wait for the video.
2/10
25.2.2003 -
edan_armstrong@ - age: 26-35
Excellent movie if you like the genre. The ending is the absolute best part.
9/10
25.2.2003 -
sacoca_@ - age: 26-35
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Great story as well as superb acting.
8/10
24.2.2003 -
j,dero@ - age: 36-49
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