Barney's Version

Directed by: Richard J. Lewis

Release date: 14 Jan 2011 USA / 28 Jan 2011 UK

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Lafevre, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Mark Addy

IMDB page

She said:

I really cannot make up my mind about this film, which I realise is ridiculously unhelpful for those of you wondering whether to go and see this film or not. If you are that person then my advice is see it, then come back here and help me formuate my opinion.

The film is basically the story of an ordinary man with a not-so-ordinary life. The themes of true love, true friendship and family bonds are there but our cigar-smoking alcoholic hero is hardly endearing. He isn't a loveable ass he is simple a bit of an idiot who doesn't appreciate what he has.

That little rant makes it sound like I am not a fan of this film but I didn't hate it! There were some humorous parts and some very touching parts as well. But the film felt long, a bit too long overall. Perhaps this film was meant to challenge the viewer but, alas, I fear it has just didn't quite hit the mark. I give this film {{{2.5 out of 5}}}

He said:

I had a really hard time taking to Giamatti's character through out the entire film. The hard truth is that I don't think Richard Lewis intended to ever show Barney in a positive light. The tag line for the film reads "First he got married. Then he got married again. Then he met the love of his life."

The trailer shows us from the beginning that Barney meets the love of his life during the wedding reception of his second marriage. I don't know about you, but if I saw the groom at a wedding chatting up a woman that wasn't the bride I wouldn't think many positive things.

This is a good film with a fantastic supporting cast, and if I take into consideration that Giamatti was purposely portraying your run of the mill dirt bag I would have to give him top marks in succeeding in that portrayal. This is a quirky film that presents itself as a tale of woe and one of not being afraid to love who you love no matter what. I give it {{{3.5 out of 5}}}

They said: It is great in some parts and seriously mislead in others. Some bits are funny, some are just annoying. You are going to have to make up your own mind on this one! We gve it {{{6 out of 10}}}

Question for the comments: Are there any other films you just can't make up your mind about?

Made in Dagenham

Directed by: Nigel Cole
UK Release: 1 October 2010
US Release: 19 November 2010
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, Rosamund Pike



IMDB Page

She said:

I love films that are based on true stories because you can feel them more in your heart. And with a film such as Made in Dagenham you can't help but do a little punch in the air when you see the bigoted men lose some of their power.

This film isn't a feminist film as such; it is simply the story of a group of Ford factory workers who decide enough is enough, and who fight for equal pay for women. It is about fighting for what is right and for not taking your situation for granted.

There is great bit where the lead tells her husband that 'not knocking her around' shouldn't get him extra brownie points because that is as it should be. Unfortunately men still use this kind of trick today and of course women still get paid less than men... but it is still a great film!

The acting is fantastic in this film and though I suspect the Oscars will probably overlook this British flick I am positive it will bag a BAFTA or two come awards season. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said:
I really didn't know anything about this film and had already slotted it in my head as an "it's free so why not" film before I had even found my seat in the theatre. I find I do this with a lot of lesser known films and I am frequently blown away by how many of them completely change my opinion. I am happy to say that this was a truly wonderful and worthwhile cinema experience.

Like most people the factory workers of my grandparents generation are hardly people I give much thought to, but every once in a while a film like this is released and show a side of history I was completely ignorant of before the opening credits. This one little factory in Dagenham is a huge part of not just British history, but the history of equality.

This is a fantastic film, and though I think most of our American readers wont see it grace their theatres for a number of months I would definitely suggest everyone check it out. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

They said:
This is an excellent peek into the history of equality and we suggest that you add it to your LoveFIlm/NetFlix as soon as it is available at the very least. we give it [[[8 out of 10]]]

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Is there a moment in history you would like to see translated into film?