Southland Tales

I watch a lot of films. I enjoy the standard Hollywood blockbuster in any genre. I also occasionally enjoy a film that gives me something to think about and takes me places I didn't expect to go. Without a shadow of a doubt, Southland Tales is such a film. Its not only set in present day America, it intelligently, cunningly reflects American society, in all its glories and failings. My jaw literally fell open a couple of times. My eyes were wide taking it all in and I immediately watched the ending again - to take it in.
Most film characters and plots are one dimensional - popcorn movies, some enjoyable, most instantly forgettable. Southland Tales has not one single character like this, nor any plot line - there are layers to this film that stay with you long after the credits roll. It had me thinking for hours afterwards - telling friends about it days later and now writing a review (something I very, very rarely do). This is a definite must-have - buy, don't rent - you'll definitely want to watch again. Easily, my favourite film in (absolute) years.

I saw this for the first time last night, I'm a big Donnie Darko fanboy and was curious to see what Richard Kelly would bring to us next. I read the reviews, most of them were of the "thumbs down" variety, whether it be from "critics" (and I use that term loosely) or your average joe.

Boxer Santoros (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) wakes up on a beach and he doesn't remember a whole lot about anything. Krysta Now (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is a porn star who is branching out into other outlets, such as a reality show and a music career. Boxer eventually shacks up with her and not long after the two of them have written a screenplay/script, which may or may not mirror events unfolding. Roland Taverner (Sean William Scott) is a police officer who is going through some personal issues, which may be linked to this entire experience. Finally you have Private Pilot Abilene (Justin Timberlake) narrating the tale for you, as well as playing a part in the unfolding events.

People didn't get it and they thought it was bloated, among many other issues. This is what annoyed me, we're in an age where (when it comes to movies) we have a lot of stories spelled out for us, or heaven forbid there is little to no story involved.

Richard Kelly tried something new (which is near impossible these days with the amount of remakes, sequels and video game, book and graphic novel adaptations), he had an original idea and he went with it.

There is no giant robots, there is no giant green men, there is no web slinging or moving faster than a speeding bullet. This is a movie that is original, funny in a sort of messed up sorta way and in gets you thinking about the story.

I dug it, my hat is off to you Richard Kelly.

This film is a masterpiece. It is so annoying how critics write bad reviews about films they quite clearly don't understand.

People who are slating this film obviously dont understand it. They want films that you can watch once and everything is spoonfed to them.

Everyone is saying "Style over substance" aswell, when this is one of the deepest films to come out in a long time. I don't know how, when this film has such a complex story and so many layers, that it gets branded as un-substantial.

Richard Kelly is a fantastic director and writer, a true genius.

Every actor in this film was perfect too. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) especially shines as a great actor here.

I don't understand how films like this slip through the net. It is exactly the same with Darren Aronofsky's 'The Fountain'.
That was another a true masterpiece in filmmaking, but somehow got slated by the critics.

In conclusion: Don't trust critics, Don't Trust Reviews. Watch and find out for yourself.

Hard to follow and very strange but engaging at the same time.
I wouldn't say I loved this film but whilst watching it I was totally immersed in the story and didn't move until it had finished. I'm not a fan of Donnie Darko so was sceptical when I watched this but am glad I did. The characters are weird (but in a good way), the situations are bizzarr and the ending apocalyptic - everything you want in a good movie.
An enigmatic adult version of Alice In Wonderland.
You really have to pay attention to understand it but definately worth watching, especially if you're a fan of any of the actors in the movie.

This film was not easy to like but I enjoyed it nevertheless. It wasn't the easiest to understand but the performances were amazing! I'm suprised a cerain critic with his own friday night show didn't like it because he seems to enjoy EVERYTHING ELSE.