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Jun. 11th, 2006 01:54 pmSo, we're just back from seeing A Prairie Home Companion (the film, not the radio show, which was in Austin this week actually). I have to say I enjoyed it thoroughly, and those of you who've tried to talk to me about cinema will note what a miracle THAT is.
I'm not going to do a full review like I sometimes do, because I'm tired, but while this movie is not for everyone, it's certainly quality work and I think most people will find something about it to laugh at. It has some funny conceits, some good music, some absolutely hilarious slapstick, and a really nice sort of metacommentary about performance. From the start you get the sensation that it's a movie about storytelling, which of course means I like it, because I feel a connection to people who tell yarns and tall tales. They certainly nail the backstage atmosphere of live performance.
I will say that the last fifteen minutes are by far the worst of the film, which is a shame because then that's what you're left with. It felt tacked-on and incomplete, as if they'd had this great momentum going and then realised they had nowhere to go with it. I can understand why; a pat ending would have been inappropriate and they weren't left with many options -- but all the same it was disappointing.
Anyway. Good movie, bad ending. Definitely a recommendation for DVD rental when it comes out, and I personally think it's worth full admission price, but if you're not a big fan of the radio show you probably won't.
I'm not going to do a full review like I sometimes do, because I'm tired, but while this movie is not for everyone, it's certainly quality work and I think most people will find something about it to laugh at. It has some funny conceits, some good music, some absolutely hilarious slapstick, and a really nice sort of metacommentary about performance. From the start you get the sensation that it's a movie about storytelling, which of course means I like it, because I feel a connection to people who tell yarns and tall tales. They certainly nail the backstage atmosphere of live performance.
I will say that the last fifteen minutes are by far the worst of the film, which is a shame because then that's what you're left with. It felt tacked-on and incomplete, as if they'd had this great momentum going and then realised they had nowhere to go with it. I can understand why; a pat ending would have been inappropriate and they weren't left with many options -- but all the same it was disappointing.
Anyway. Good movie, bad ending. Definitely a recommendation for DVD rental when it comes out, and I personally think it's worth full admission price, but if you're not a big fan of the radio show you probably won't.
