The Master (2012)

It's got brilliant moment and great, even awesome, acting performances, but the story didn't work for me. The whole storyline seemed random for what is in the end, a rather pretentious film.

It was good but from a narrative standpoint I wish it had covered more as this seems to be, without explicitly stating it, taking place over a fairly short period of time and I would have liked to see their relationship over years. Still though, a worthwhile watch.

PTA explores themes he's touched on in his other films, but it still feels fresh here. Cinematically an A+ and Hoffman/Phoenix are as good as you'd expect. Felt like two stories fighting for the spotlight at times, but still enough food for thought once the credits roll.

I didn't love it. PSH and JP performances were obvious strong points, but I just thought the story lost focus at times. I didn't like the way the principal dynamic of the story centered around how JP's character related to the "Cause". While still very good, I was disappointed.

Great. PSH is awesome, no surprises there. This is the film that deserves the awards - it's far better than the other contenders, Lincoln, etc. - but won't get them. Great cinematography, editing, music, sets, etc., etc.

If the movie is about what I think it's about, Phoenix beautifully embodies our insatiable consumption for things that ultimately poison us. Hoffman represents our unquestioning devotion to celeb culture. It's the calm before the storm, but there's no storm. PTA love.

This movie has something to offer: GREAT acting. And it's got that in spades. Everyone is predictably phenomenal. What it doesn't have is a plot. It's like watching Sidney Crosby play hockey by himself on a frozen pond. It's impressive how good he is, but what's the point?

Fifties-set flick fits a 55 as a formidable, fatiguing, and frightening force. Philip's fine, Phoenix's fantastic as Freddie, and Amy Adams' an awesome addition but don't do this drama on a date.

It's a little unfortunate the most compelling bit were the characters. There's plenty to mull, but it was a lot more guarded with its subject matter than I'd been expecting.. You'll enjoy it if you like wacky Joaquin.