This movie is has a lot of similarities to Chinatown (a film that I absolutely love) and feels similar to a great movie called Devil in a Blue Dress. You could also throw in L.A. Confidential, but the prior movies I mentioned are closer to what you are going to see in Motherless Brooklyn. That is not a bad thing. If you get to see a new film that is close to Chinatown and Devin in a Blue Dress, consider yourself fortunate to have an actor/director like Edward Norton around.
This film opens up with a bang. Fast paced. Fun. Suspenseful. Funny at times. Really well done. The set up is masterful. The second act is also fun, but you should be prepared for a few slower moments that really build up the characters. Alec Baldwin is awesome in this movie. Edward Norton shines.
I am going to stop the review to mention one thing......there is an actor by the name of Dallas Roberts that is in this movie and dishes out a performance on the level of Daniel Day Lewis. He plays a supporting character too. Where did this guy come from? He read his lines perfectly. Flawlessly. He was so incredible, you'll wonder why you haven't seen him in more high end, A-list films. My wife recognized him from The Walking Dead. Fuck that dumb ass show.
Okay....back to the review. I am going to HAVE to buy this on Google Play. I must own this. The scenes, cinematography easily is the best this year. So well thought out. Look at this shit.
The film has an amazing scene (as I think back to this movie, I really cannot wait to watch it again) that takes place in a public forum that is similar to a scene in Chinatown, but in this film it has a similarity, but goes it's own way.....as if much of the similarities are a nod in the direction of Chinatown, but takes the story in a different direction. So good.
The film drags on at one point where Edward Norton talks about the supporting female leads mother. It is so slow, but necessary as it is info the audience needs.
I fucking hate jazz music. Fuckin' suck noisy balls. But, I'll tell you this........there is a jazz club scene that made my dick hard. The music was incredible and you could feel it somehow.....is that what jazz is supposed to be? Have I been listening to shit jazz? The scene in this movie made me want to buy the entire soundtrack. Dang it......it is awesome.
I love this movie so much. A 1950s detective movie is right up my alley. Fuckin' loved it. I might go see it again before it leaves theaters. In fact, I know I will.
Lastly, I wanted to say that my wife and I went to a matinee (we have kids which means time constraints) and it costs us $75. No shit. Why? Well, we went to a AMC Dine-In. Ever been to one of those? I hadn't ever been to one. I got chicken tenders and a beer my wife got a chicken sandwich and a tea. ($50 total for food) After the movie, I told her those were the best chicken tenders I had ever eaten. No joke. She commented the same on her food. Weird right? Great food. It cost $75, but in all honesty, I would pay it again for the same experience. The food was that good. The movie certainly helped. Go see it.
Motherless Brooklyn is an 8 out of 10 for me.:0074
