- Sensibility: This movie is surprisingly reasonable given the breadth of characters and the chaotic nature of the story. A strange survival is really the only major point of concern.
- Cinematography: Classic PTA storytelling with some moments that just strike you with awe. Production design, lighting, and framing are all beyond excellent and capture the variety of tones and feelings portrayed by each of the different groups of characters. It's rare for a film to tell so much about characters before they even open their mouths. There are a few car chase sequences that stand out even among the best.
- Energy: Great performances from the main cast carry this movie to a place where its nearly 3 hour run-time feels shorter than most feature length films. Everything clicks so well and the story progresses in a way where something entirely new is happening in each scene, keeping anything from growing stale even on rewatch.
- Narrative: The story is defined by excellent character writing. Everyone has such distinct dialogue and character themes that everyone is interesting. Strong political themes from both sides of the aisle that give the film more meaning than just entertainment. Only weakness is the ending feels a bit over-extended with some moments around Lockjaw that feel unnecessary.
- T-Points: The film received five bonus points: one for two phone call scenes where Bob tries not to get paranoid and one about "Life!", one for a few small beers, one for great shot from the base of a large canyon where a handoff is taking place, one for Sean Penn's entire performance as Steve Lockjaw, and one for a stunning ending car chase across winding desert roads.
Strong contender for movie of the year, even with lots of highly anticipated films coming out in the next few months. Loved it: even on re-watch the film doesn't lose steam. This film is one of the most unique films I've seen. It's genre-crossing,
character bending, and politically motivated with a message, but not so overtly that it is bothersome or feels like propaganda. Excellent blend of art and narrative: what all films should be.
Number of Watches: 3
