Bullock brings a home truth
I am a die-hard fan of any and all things Sandra Bullock. My mom introduced me to Bullock’s skill and talent a very long time ago with her favorite movie Practical Magic (1998). Sally Owens, a mom of two, lives in a modern world where witchcraft still frightens people and resorts to denying her powers. The only magic that wakes her up from this denial is the power of self-acceptance.
Bullock’s talent in Practical Magic woke me up to see that my mom is a person just like Sally Owens. A whimsy and mystical woman with great potential to heal the ones she loves, yet goes through self-sacrifice in order to recognize an inner power.
Paramount Pictures
In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2012), Linda Schell (Sandra Bullock) copes with the loss of her husband (Tom Hanks) and the struggles of her son, Oskar (Thomas Horn) as the United States is attacked on 9/11. However, the movie is not centered around Bullock, but of Horn’s character, a nine-year-old adventurist. The journey of one boy’s mission and the connections he makes with the people of New York could not have been more inspiring.
This movie, that opened on January 20, 2012, wasn’t a box office hit or highly rated by acclaimed film critics. According to Tom Long, film critic from The Detroit News, the movie is “crass” and added that “obnoxious” should be included into the title. To close his review he remarks
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” is the kind of movie you want to punch in the nose.
I did notice that the star ratings for the movie were extremely low, but was astonished throughout the film. “How could a Sandra Bullock film be so poorly rated?” I asked myself over and over again while eating some popcorn. Then it occurred to me that Sandra Bullock was in this movie for a reason. Some compelling piece of Linda Schell resonated with Bullock’s personality.
As Long mentions that the “horror of 9/11 with a cutesy story about a boy’s unlikely quest…as crass,” I am here to say that this movie was much more than an example of what Long refers to as “chutzpah.” As an award winning actress, Bullock ultimately has the decision to act in a movie or not, so clearly there must be a stronger theme in this film besides the historical event of 9/11 to entice Bullock-goers. Movies like The Blind Side (2009), Premonition (2007), and Hope Floats (1998) all capture the roller coaster of being a mother and expressing the flow of love.
A bond between mother and child could not have been more suiting for Bullock’s role in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close; she probably wanted to connect with Linda Schell on a maternal level, since she is raising baby Louis in real life. Something male critics may not have enough insight for.
I agree that the September 11th attacks aren’t something of playful nature, of course, but in the movie Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, the revelations of dealing with grief and death are universal and aren’t just solely equated with what happened on 9/11. People who are young and old deal with grief and loss differently and all have treasures to unlock.
Perhaps Tom Long wasn’t noticing the extremely loud and incredibly close signs of human connection with love while he watched the film. Or maybe he got up and used the bathroom and missed the important scenes. No matter what happened, he is entitled to his own opinion. I guess the saying goes for reviews too, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close breaks the common patriotic theme of 9/11 and settles on a louder and closer story that hits home for everyone. We never truly understand just how far ahead the maternal intuition is in today’s age.
Thanks for your review!! I appreciate when “regular” folks give their insight to films and books. I personally look forward to seeing this movie
~Sharon~
Sharon, thanks so much for commenting! I enjoy passing along good art. Do you have any favorite Bullock movies?
I have been pondering this movie after seeing previews and reading a few reviews … don’t you think that the inclusion of the words “incredibly close” could also have double meaning — as in, this event is so “incredibly close” to all of us, that we balk at depictions?
The other 9/11 movies haven’t done particularly well either. I just wonder if we as a society are ready to grapple with these representations, or if we’re too mired in the versions that play in our minds to see outside of ourselves.
I definitely appreciate your perspective here — good review!
Mikalee, thanks so much for reading the review. I agree with your comments on the meaning behind the title and mired visions we have when traumatic experiences take place. I believe art is very fluid and up for interpretation. The human experience is astonishing and learning new things and perspectives is something I personally enjoy.
I just saw a trailer for the movie over the weekend when I went to see The Artist, and I am impressed, that an actress of Sandra bullock’s stature could’ve easily chosen “another vanity project” but chose to do a film, which clearly has a beautiful message about life, and love and how in the end we are all connected.
Universal connections! Couldn’t agree more.
beautiful review. so, despite the reviews, you would highly suggest it? i’ve been wanting to see it, as i typically enjoy Bullock’s films.
Definitely go see the film.
I’ve been wondering if this movie was going to depress me or not. Thanks for posting this.
After reading your review, i will like to watch this movie asap…..
Nice blog and very good article….
Please do visit for today’s new headlines http://top99news.com
I love Sandra too, and Tom! I was going to see the movie anyway but appreciate you navigating the reviews for us!
Sarah, it was a pain in the neck to go through the negative reviews out there, but I managed. Glad you love Sandra too! I appreciate Tom Hanks as well and his talent. Loved that he was a producer for City of Ember. Maybe I just love books transforming into movies period LOL.
I can’t believe this movie got bad reviews. Not only do I love Bullock and Hanks, but the story looks so moving that even the previews make me tear up. Which is hard to do, as living in NYC my whole life has made my heart hard and black. Haha, thanks for the review! I can’t wait to see the movie!
Well living in NYC must have just kept your feelings and tears for safe keeping. When the trailor moves the audience, you know it’s going to be a good one!
Great review. Thanks for including the trailer too! I’d like to go see this movie now. I agree with you on Sandra Bulloch. She’s an incredible actress. So is Tom Hanks! Two of my very favorites. I liked Sandra in all the Miss Congeniality films and she was awesome in The Blind Side!
Rebekahacarr.wordpress.com
Rebekah,
Thank you. I just really went to movies and just connected with the human experience of the film. Open mind and open heart! Something I see Ms. Bullock understanding.
It’s nice to see Sandra Bullock bring another winner to theartres! She needed to get back to work and divert attention from her personal life!
Seeing Sandra rise above the negative ashes like a phoenix is enlightening. I am happy you enjoyed my other posts on here as well.
Thank you for the support.
I think your review dwells on Bullock rather than the movie itself. I saw the movie too, and I agree with the critics that this movie was a bit “obnoxious”, even overplaying the protagonist’s social anxieties. Bullock played a large role in the boy’s life, but he was enticed by his father (Hanks) who knew how to handle him; his mother (Bullock) was all he had left after the attack, and while their one emotional moment together was moving, she didn’t contribute much to the movie. Although, there wasn’t much to contribute. The movie had a weak plot and relied on the sadness of 9/11 to keep it going.
I appreciate Bullock’s role in this film, no doubt. I find a lot of quality in her films and movies. It was just interesting to note the analysis of being a mother in this film. I do recommend seeing the film again and just paying attention to Linda Schell (Bullock) a person that the main character did not obviously admire or want to understand. Love your comment though!
I haven’t seen this movie yet but I am crying just looking at the trailer. Why haven’t Hanks and Bullock made a movie together before this astounds me.
Karyn, I often try to make up plots and storylines for my favorite actors and actresses. I wonder what it would be like to see Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts in a film together and having their mother as Kathy Bates. LOL Maybe I am too out there for movie making.
I thought I was the only person who wanted to see this movie. After a year of bad movies this is the only movie I wanted to see for a long time. God blog post, will check your blog out.
Doris,
The movie will take you on ride for sure. But it is most definitely worth watching to understand the concepts of commitment, love, and grief. Thank you for reading and commenting.
fantastic review, ill be sure to check it out, personally i love any movie that Sandra Bullock is in so i’m sure its awesome!!
Then you will be pleased of course.
My wife and I along with another couple saw the movie this weekend. Wow! is one of the first thoughts afterward. We all thought the movie was extremely intense taking the viewer through a range of emotions that leave you mentally exhausted.
I can’t disagree with you here! Seriously, as an empath, I noticed that my body was reeling with emotion every which way. I should say people shouldn’t fear this movie, but just set out to learn something from the experience.
Found this freshlypressed. I recommend reading this book, it was wonderful! I have yet to see the movie, but no matter what the reviews say, I plan on seeing it. Who doesn’t love a little Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock (though, as you say, the story isn’t really about them). The book struck a chord in me, and so I’m sure this movie will at least be enjoyable.
Steve, I want to read the book. Books always fascinate me because they usually are more pleasurable than watching a movie version of it. Do come back and tell me what you think!
I for one am looking forward to seeing this movie. Thanks for the “Average Joe on the Street” review, which I hold in much higher regard than some ding dong sitting at a desk with little to no perspective on the real world.
Certainly, I am learning the ropes of trying to be a “ding dong sitting at a desk” but I can tell you that I thrive off of real life perspective. I like to look at things from a new view. So many people describe the film in terms of 9/11. I don’t. I see something that is indeed extremely loud and incredibly close to everyone living right now. The power behind being a mother. I appreciate your comment and it made me laugh, but in the end the ding dongs have a say too. I just am a much more loving ding dong than the already jaded ones.
And what an ending! There was that unexpected twist! You didn’t even see it coming!
Nikole, I know right!? Well, I am happy I saw it. It was well worth the 10 bucks and the amazing support and feedback from all of you!
Well done on freshly pressed first and foremost, and i have to say thanks for reviewing this film WITHOUT actually spoiling it for anybody that wishes to see it (me for a start) I am reading the book for this film at the moment and i am really enjoying reading it from a childs perspective on life without his father. I will say no more as I do think anybody that is curious about this film should also read the book.
Well done again and thank you x
Totally! I did not want to give a blueprint of everything that took place in the film. I just wanted to get across that there is much more to the film than meets the eye.
I try never to rely on critic’s reviews of movies…or books. If a movie sounds in the least interesting and has actors I like, I go and decide for myself. I’ve been ever so glad I did on most occasions.
Angeline, sounds like you are well connected with your intuition. Which is awesome! I don’t regularly follow reviews, but I do follow publisher newsletters and some close blogs. This helps regulate information overload that happens frequently on the web!
Reblogged this on Blake Dean's Blog and commented:
I want to see this movie so bad and I want to read the book. And I thought tis review was spot on.
Thank you for your comment and a reblog!
Made my day!
I freaking loved the book, that’s all I know. So I’m planning on going to see it. Thanks for the positive, if somewhat ambiguous review. I’m looking forward to it.
Sorry if the review seems ambiguous. The movie is worth going to see! I just had to roll my thoughts into something that did not reveal too much.
I do not know how well the movie captures the book. But I want to read the book, hands down!
Reblogged this on samfus and commented:
Sandra Bullock is my favorite actress
Thanks for reblogging this! This feature I do not use too often, but I did once. I liked it.
Makes publishing good content so much faster and easier.
Excellent write up; thanks for sharing.
JR Owens
Well thank you for reading and commenting! It is a pleasure to hear your kind words!
Your review gives the reader enough insight to be interested in the movie but having their own opinion.
I will look forwars watching the movie!
T
hanks!
-Anja
Having your own opinion is certainly something I value. It is great to see how people use their inner sight when facing the world of art.
I didn’t see it yet but I am going to next weekend. Great review
val
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
Val, thank so much for reading! Bummer it is a Monday, you have to wait to see it until the weekend. But it is worth the wait too.
I saw this movie on Friday and I have to say that I thought it was amazing. Thomas Horn and Sandra Bullock did an incredible job of bringing this story to life. At first the movie is about a boy coping with the loss of his father, but in the end also becomes a story about another relationship and all the people that we touch in our daily lives. It was moving and heartfelt. Thanks for your review!
The one movie that I think I will see when it has its grand opening would probably be The Hunger Games! But seeing a movie on opening weekend was thrilling! Worth the wait for dinner right afterward. LOL Thank you for commenting and reading my review. Cute glasses by the way!
Thanks! I read the book 6 years ago and it was amazing. I didn’t know there was now a movie… I’ll go to the cinema for sure to watch it. Thanks for the good news.
Yay! Now you know there is a movie version! Always learning new things!
Thank you for stopping by!
I agree- I was very surprised this movie hasn’t gotten more acclaim. I thought it was fantastic! I wrote my own review on it too, at http://lilmissmovie.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/lets-review-extremely-loud-and-incredibly-close/.Feel free to take a look!
Awesome! I can look at it once I am out of class
LOL Ironically, I am going to my writing for multimedia and the web class. 
The story here is incredibly rich and powerful. Or at least the book is, for sure. I worry about movies made from books. I recently read the book (http://themanintheyellowhat.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/finding-a-good-book/) and found it to be amazing. I’m curious if all the story lines are brought out in the film, and how it’s done. You’re right – it’s about so much more than 9/11.
Movie reviews do not have to be all about those things you talked about, I agree. I would like to mention that people cannot always read lengthy essays on why one person thinks a certain symbol is repeated throughout a film or why a movie title represents a specific theme. Not everyone can relate to academics and objectivity. Sometimes objectivity is boring and flat. Life we all know is not flat. Additionally, this is my blog which is to be understood as a delightful forum of my opinion. I love that you brought this idea to me: I do love bullock and certainly value my mother, but the overall point in my review is that movies are an art form. And art makes us think of certain things and enables us to feel a certain way. People should be allowed to connect with the world around them, just like you are able to comment on my blog.
My sweetheart and I watched the movie Saturday night. It resonated personally with me for several reasons and, as such, I think I was able to overlook some of the obvious shortcomings that riled critics. Some of it was either completely implausible or utterly predictable. SB and TH are always great actors, and as such, they’re nice to watch. Young lad Horn… wow, what a gifted and promising presence. I thought the movie touched on some interesting themes about parenting under extraordinary circumstances, dealing with uniquely talented/dysfunctional children, forgiveness, acceptance…
Let’s face it, though. It’s a movie and a S.T.O.R.Y. It wasn’t perfectly delivered or structured, but it was moving. There were so many sniffles, blowing noses and sighs audible in the packed theater where we attended. The 9/11 images delivered in the context of these characters was very cathartic. Very affecting. Worthwhile.
Nice to see a positive review, even though you’re more about the actors than the film.
~ CR
Christine, I agree with you. Cathartic is an excellent word to use to describe the film. An emotional cleansing of beginning anew seems to vibrate through the under layers of the film.
After reading a book that draws me in and captures me from the start, I hesitate to go see the film version. I am almost always disappointed. This film was the exception. I thought it was very well done and Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock having roles in the film didn’t hurt. Though it deals with the horrible reality of a day that will forever be ingrained in our minds, it also shows the gifts that are passed on to those who survive and the tapestry of lives affected. Thumbs up from me!! Read the book!!
I definitely plan on reading the book!
Thanks for sharing your insights on this film. I’ve seen the trailer on TV and thought I might like to see it. Hearing from an actual viewer beats watching the advertising.
I am learning that advertisements can lack a human element or quality. I am happy you read what I wrote. Thank you.
Here in New York, obviously anything 9/11 related automatically makes us wary, and I feel like this movie definitely had many of us in here in Manhattan a bit wary. However, after reading your description of the movie and what it is about, I feel much better about the whole thing, and am now eagerly looking forward to seeing it. I am sure that parts of it will be difficult to watch, but overall it sounds like a message worth hearing/seeing. Thanks for sharing.
I can’t even begin to imagine how a true New Yorker can feel in regards to 9/11, but I am sure that moving quality of the film will help people to relate how to cope with loss and grief. Thank you for your support.
I agree with you: Long missed the point of the movie completely. I thought it was an amazing movie!
Harriet, just like a canvas has multiple points, I am sure Long made a point to be traditional in his review. I personally, care about the human element of art and enjoy sharing my thoughts and feelings on the art and human experience in my reviews. Thanks for reading and commenting. By the way, I love the colors on your blog!
Oh my lanta. Thank you! I absolutely loved this movie because it wasn’t the regular, mundane, pleasure movie. It had so much meat! I like your point that everyone grieves for different things and in different ways. If anything, this is a movie about grief and how we are tied to each other through our differences in coping with it. I thought it was extremely beautiful and incredibly great. <– how's that for cheesy.
I gladly accept your humor. I thought you were very creative.
I like cheese too! 
Sharp cheddar is my fav! What’s yours?
I really wanna see this movie! I can’t wait! It just seems like it’ll be touching.
It is worth watching. I agree with having snow days on weekdays by the way! When I was in high school, my prayers consisted of hopeful snow flurries during the week. LOL I love your blog title.
It is a great movie and an even greater book!
I loved the book and read it all in one sitting (I was on a trans-atlantic flight so I really had nowhere to go) and felt so many emotions during the process. I can’t wait to see the film after your review. Roger Ebert was not as kind and I find that I am usually not aligned with the critics anyway. Thanks!
I guess this is a good book to read on the plane too! LOL Awesome.
I agree 100% with those who say that Long missed the point of this movie. Actually, I question whether or not he’s even picked up a book by Jonathan Safran Foer, who wrote the novel that this movie was based on. Foer is an INCREDIBLE author. He sees the human condition in ways that no other person can possibly bring to life. The writing itself is simply beautiful. The book was phenomenal and I was anxious to see how they would bring such a complex book to life on the big screen.
I was not disappointed. The acting was phenomenal and frankly, people who describe this as “obnoxious” haven’t the foggiest idea what they are talking about- the depiction of Oscar is very true to Foer’s writing of the character. I thought Horn did the character justice. Even a few days later, I am still thinking about some parts of the movie and thinking about the powerful themes that emerged.
This was a movie that left most of the theater in tears and when the screen went black when it ended, just before the credits rolled, everyone sat there, silent. NO ONE MOVED. It was like we were all just frozen and taking a deep breath to process what we had just seen. Grown men were crying. This isn’t for the faint of hearted. It’s emotionally draining because it makes you feel. You’ll remember where you were on 9/11, what you were doing, what you saw, what you read. It’s a powerful and poignant movie. The entire cast was incredible. The “critics” have no clue what they’re talking about. If they couldn’t “write,” I’d question their literacy at times.
And yes, Sandra Bullock, although not a big player in this movie in terms of screen time, turns in a poignant and moving experience as Linda Schell.
I think we all agree that reading the book is needed as well. LOL I guess I am going to open up a new tab and look for the book online.
My boyfriend really wants to see this movie. I’m glad you liked it! It definately looks like a tear jerker though…
I cried. So you may too.
excellent writeup. this looks an amazing movie.
TechSmartLife
Awesome use of promoting your site!
Thank you for writing a review about this movie. I have actually been looking forward to seeing this one. The book was amazing, and I think the movie will be too. I’m glad some people still appreciate these kinds of movies. Despite what the critics have said about it, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close shares certain values and truths that most mainstream movies lack nowadays.
I do enjoy heartfelt films!
Did you read the book? I am.. and even if I’m a big fan of Sandra Bullock- 28 days or the house lake..- I don’t know if watching a movie from a book I red won’t be disappointing. So maybe the critics are unfavorable because of the original book. food for thoughts. and thanks for sharing your point of view..
I have not read the book. However, a good tip to know is that the movie is a different medium to express a story. With this in mind, naturally certain elements of the book may be harder to display in a film. I know in our heads we can see a movie like quality, but in real life it can be harder to paint a exact replica of the book. For one the director should worry about copyright infringement and secondly a budget needs to be practical. When I see movie versions of books, I brace myself that some disappointment might naturally follow.
Just so you know they don’t all hate it the review in my local paper was good and usually the reviewer hates everything. Only thing he panned was the kid’s performance. I would go anyway with Tom and Sandra in it but you bump it up a notch for me
I did see some positive reviews of the film in smaller publications. However, the top dogs seem to have a different say on the film.
Hey, great post. It spoke well enough for the movie to pique my interest. Thanks for sharing.
Naomi, Piquing interests is a perfect start! Thank you for reading my work.
Thanks for the review. You spelled out my thoughts exactly. We’re all inclined to think and notice the cheese factors but failed to realize we’re looking from a different perspective.
Isidora. That is a pretty name. Well thank you for commenting.
Hmm… now I’ve got to bug my husband to see this movie with me. I’m a BIG fan of Sandra Bullock, too. ^^ Do you suggest I read the book first? (because usually the real story in the book changes a bit in the movie)
I did not read the book prior to going to the theater. But I am certainly a fan of books. So if you have time to read the book then do it. If you don’t, then going to see the film first isn’t a bad way to start.
What I get from Bullock’s films is that she doesn’t really care about stars and awards. She cares about good films, films that touch our soul.
Estelle, exactly right! In interviews I see her being very modest and classy. Not at all crass.
nice post….
thanks…
Thank you for your review. I’ve not seen the movie, I wanted to read the book first before seeing the movie (you know books and movies).
I wanted to take a moment to share a very, very striking quote between the father and son.
“Did you always want to be a jeweler? I might have wanted to be a scientist, but…I’ll never know. Why? Because, I’m a jeweler.”
These words reverberated in my soul after hearing them. I thought how profound…never cease becoming who you “believe” you want to be!
Believe in infinite possibilitie
Beautiful quote!
I read the book also during a transatlantic flight (well, 2 – there and back) and for me, the whole 9/11 plot line was almost a subplot. Yes, it was about a boy trying to deal with something that is so profoundly sad and destructive, but its also about him trying to find himself through the rubble of grief. I enjoyed the book very much. Foer is a fantastic writer – though you do have to be open to his style.
I’d imagine all authors have a unique reason to write the way they do. Just like directors, a style must be created. So perhaps the minds of the busy workers on set of this film was trying to determine the style. Which I certainly believe that the flow of it was pleasing and emotionally cleansing. I enjoy escaping into films and movies because it numbs my reality for a small time.
Our 18 year old son saw this movie on a first date Saturday night. In his words, “Great movie, bad choice for me ’cause I nearly bawled 3 times …” Then his face lit up and he commented, “on the flip side, she knows I have a heart!” And he does.
Appreciate your insightful review; you make me want to see the movie even more now. The book was amazing.
Congrats on FP
MJ
Oh how awesome.
Movie tastes can certainly seal a kiss or break the spell.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I have read the novel. I want to point out that when I was reading it, I wanted yet did not want this book to be made into a movie. Safran Foer uses a very delicate writing style that lends to an incredible story on paper but would be much more difficult to translate to a film. From the ratings I have been seeing about the movie, it does not seem to be doing well amongst critics. I do encourage anyone that was disappointed with the film to give the book a chance. It’s exquisitely written, and the subtextual interaction that Safran Foer creates with his readers creates a personal investment into both the seemingly impossible quest that Oskar faces as well as the character’s vulnerability and growth. It truly is an incredible piece of literature.
Books are a great way to appeal to individuals. Social Media is a great way to rally up those book lovers and go for life in discussions and comparisons. I can’t wait to read the book! I wonder if I can find someone to let me borrow it.
I agree. It’s one of my favorite books. I haven’t seen the movie (and probably won’t) because I don’t think it’s possible to capture Oskar well on film. And, since Oskar was the narrator and main character and therefore most of the story was viewed through his lense, the preview really makes it seem like the mother and father have way too big a role. I am afraid the book and movie should not be held to the same standards because the movie is only going to seem cheap in comparison.
Appreciate reading your views on the film. I love both Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. Look forward to it coming to the UK
Diane, the UK sounds amazing! I often ponder how films do in other countries. I feel like the USA mainstreams the standards of entertainment. But I do imagine that other countries have their own social constructs to meet. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I agree with you that Sandra takes movies with a message or heart to them. She is a class act. Tom Hanks isn’t bad either. Then throw in a cute kid, how could they give it bad reviews. I will see this one! Thanks for your review and congrats on being FP!
Harold, thanks for commenting! Being Freshly Pressed was indeed a great way to start the week. Reminds me that people do love to write and read other’s work.
Happy Pressing.
This was a really neat review. I have to say that I never considered looking at this film from Sandra Bullocks point of view. I’ll have to check it out and keep that in mind.
Of course! Trying to place yourself in her shoes can be fun! Look at her previous films, see if there are connections you can make, and then asses it to your own life. Certainly something to keep your brain from being non-active.
I feel like you’re giving the movie such a positive review mostly because you are a huge fan of Sandra Bullock, which I completely understand, but since I’m not than much of Bullock fan and the fact that most of this review centers around her, I don’t think I’ll be seeing this movie. Also, I really don’t want to see Tom Hanks die. That just seems like it would be awful.
It is awesome you know what your dislikes and likes are. That is about being self-aware. But sometimes I learned that life is funny and places us in unwanted landscapes so we can dig in the ground to find some buried treasure.
Appreciate your comment. It is completely up to you to decide to watch the film or not. Maybe you will like the book!
Reblogged this on justlivinlifebyjms and commented:
Just like Bernard, I am also a Sandra Bullock fan and also Tom Hanks and am looking forward to seeing this movie!
Thanks for the “Average Joe on the Street” review, which I hold in much higher regard than some blah blah sitting at a desk with little to no perspective on the real world.
thnx again
I do recall another comment saying something similar. I appreciate being coined as an “Average Joe.” However, I like to be known to teach people to look at art and situations in their life to better establish their reality in positivity. The movie like others tell a story and it is great to see your comment.
Awe! Bernie, your gonna make me cry lol Thank you. Great Review! I loved it. I want to see this movie. I have loved every movie that Sandra Bullock has been in. I am sure I will love this one too.
Love ya Kiddo 
MOMMY! Ahhhh this is probably my most favorite comment of all. Because I wrote this review in honor of you. Sandra Bullock resembles so much of you. And I am just really happy you introduced me to her awesome talents. One day I will get you two to meet.
A reunion of sisters from other parents. I love you Mommy. Go see the movie lol
I will keep an eye out for this movie. Sandra Bullock is a wonderful actress……You might want to check out Red Tails starring Cuba Gooding Jr… about the Tuskegee Airmen…I can’t wait until this movie is available at the theaters in Europe..
I wonder if it is on Netflix
This is the first I have heard of this movie, and I value the opinons of “real” people over paid critics, so I will definitely make plans to see this one! Thank you for the heartfelt review. By the way, I adore Sandra Bullock because her roles seem to resonate with who she is as a real person…so she is either a great actress or true to her art (probably both).
Hooray! I am happy you have the insight to understand that acting can have pieces of the real person in the portrayed characters.
Thanks for your review, I rarely if ever listen to the critics of most things I may watch, they are not me so they will not know if perhaps I may understand something in a movie like hope floats, it is about more than a woman being wronged by a husband, it has to do with the inner turmoil that all mothers face, no matter if a single mom or a mom as a half of a parenting group.
I plan to see this movie no matter what but I am glad you pressed this information since I like to have other first person take on things, not the hollywood garbage but the real essence of things.
Looks like you will certainly soak up the value of why this film got nominated for Best Picture!
Sorry to be the lone star state here but I find this movie to be the ultimate 911 exploitation film. I love Tom and Sandra – both – lots. But really? I am a Vietnam-era baby and grew up watching American soliders decapitate Vietnamese infants and place them on the spikes of their rifles. I have no loyalty to cruelty regardless of which side. This is a very easy play to every thing that is wrong with our country. With polarization and the identification of ourselves based on a land mass. I took no joy in seeing the WTC collapse and no joy in watching the soldiers on the nightly news all though my childhood. These flimsy notions of what it means to be an American and what we equate with good and just is exactly what will destroy us all.
The film is not targeting any war or exploits 9/11. It showcases the power of the human experience and how we deal with grief and loss. Your comment is jam full of deep material. Did you ever consider writing a book about your childhood life being affected by war?
I loved the book that this movie is based on, so I’m hoping the movie will be good too (don’t think it’s released here in Australia for a little while yet…).
I also wanted to weigh in and say how much I loved this movie. I’ve seen it twice now, cried both times and enjoyed it more the second time around. If anyone reading knows someone or has a child with Asperger’s, you will probably really relate to this movie on a whole new level. I thought it was a great portrayal of how people handle loss differently. I absolutely love this movie.
Nice writing. Congratulations on being on FP!
Seeing the film’s trailer reminds me of the boy from “Pay It Forward.” Will be waiting for this movie to be shown in the Philippines.
Amazing review. There are always going to be harsh critics out there, but I generally listen to the regular movie goers. I have not yet seen the movie, but the trailer was really sweet and sad. I know 9/11 was a real thing and some people may not like seeing such a huge loss being portrayed in a movie, but sometimes that is a good way to explain the occurrence to those who did not stand so close to the towers when they fell. Congrats on FP!
I too enjoy Sandra Bullock’s performance. Two If By Sea is a favorite and she was fantastic in The Blind Side.
Tom Long bookends his review with:
It’s the rare film with the chutzpah to trade on the 9/11 tragedy, a damaged grieving boy and a mute old man; but this film based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer and directed by Stephen Daldry (“The Hours”) does just that, managing to match implausibility to crass sentimentality…..Umpteen tearful revelations later this all adds up to not much really. Mixing the horror of 9/11 with a cutesy story about a boy’s unlikely quest just comes off as crass. Throwing a tragic old man on top — to no apparent purpose, really — cheapens things further.
It’s a really short review that he wrote. A quality critic, male or female, would be able to recognize the mother-child theme, but whether or not said critic found the execution to be adequate is a different matter. Tom Long may not be a fan of sentimentality in general and when he realized that Extremely Loud radiates such a flavor, he made up his mind to grimace through the viewing experience. I tend to cringe at sentimentality too, but how can a person feel such loathing for a story about how a child copes with a reality as intense and profound as losing a parent—regardless of the historical context?
Since the film is based on a book, I wonder if Long would hate the book too.
I haven’t seen the film yet but I’m curious about it. The cinematography looks really good.
It’s very true that movies definitely resonate with people differently so ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ I really liked this part of your review: “Or maybe he got up and used the bathroom and missed the important scenes.” It’s very true if you miss even a little bit of a film you are totally behind, and a second viewing watching it entirely you can get something completely different from it.
Reblogged this on Of Tornadoes and the Titanic and commented:
Supposedly the little boy/main character is autistic.
I am seeing this movie this weekend and was excited to see your review on Freshly Pressed. I read the book a few years ago in my book club and was blown away. I quickly tossed it to my best friend and told her this is a modern day classic. She in turn fell in love and passed it on; I will never see that book again. How can you not fall in love with a kid who idolizes Stephen Hawking! Movies usually fall short, so if you loved the movie, please read the book…and then pass it on
Thanks much for the review. I’m surprised that more people didn’t comment on the fact that way before the move there was the book – and that’s where some people are stuck, because they loved the book so much. Whether it remains true to the book or has takes a lot of artistic license will be interesting. Thanks again and I too Love.Sandra.Bullock!
I went to see “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” today at my local theater. I had gone because I had seen Charlie Rose’s interview of Max Von Sydow, aired here locally in Chicago yesterday, January 24.
I had not seen a film as evocative of childhood, of grief, of love and of that desire in all of us to hold onto some period of life and never let it go. It is, as you say, a universal film, and I found it all well-acted. Then I came home and, after e-mailing and calling several friends to alert them to this wonderful movie, went on-line and discovered the various negative reviews. Thanks so much for this positive one.
I believe much of the negativity comes from the inability of many of us, including critics, to deal, even now, with the tragedy and the interruption to the lives of so many 9/11 represents. I think — I hope — that in years to come this movie is recognized for the powerful film it is and the great force for healing it can be. I know that I and those others in the audience I could see were crying and laughing throughout, leaving drained but empowered and inspired.
thanks for your review, I’m also a fellow die-hard fan of Sandra Bullock and look forward to seeing this thought provoking film.
- http://theadornation.wordpress.com
I have to say, I’ve never been disappointed by a Sandra Bullock movie. And that’s quite a compliment!
i really want to watch this movie. Your review says, I should.. and I will
I saw it on New Years Eve in Manhatten. Chilling! LOVED the film.
Saw this movie over the weekend. Wasn’t at all what I expected and it was hard to sit through the first 1/2 hour or so. And I was worried my husband would want to leave. I’m so glad we persisted! Even now I’m feeling the moments. Especially when we saw one of the little twisters, of what a Mother would do for the love of her child. Max Von Sydow, what a gem of an actor. A very different way to see Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. The child actor! A child that has the ability to act in this way, the talent, I have no words for it. I will look forward to seeing him in more films. His name is Thomas Horn. I found this interesting item about him: “Thomas Horn won on “Jeopardy!” during Kids Week with an earning of 31,000 after wagering 12,000 during Final Jeopardy.” IMBD
Nice review!
Looking forward to watching this movie
I am happy that you enjoyed this film too. Working through the grief we all have is very important to growing up and becoming mature.
I could’t agree more. Life is a learning experience for everyone!