CLOUD ATLAS
PG-13
165 Minutes
Directors: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Writers: David Mitchell, Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski
Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent
Cast (I know it's a mess, but that's not my fault.)
Tom Hanks... Dr. Henry Goose / Hotel Manager / Isaac Sachs / Dermot Hoggins / Cavendish Look-a-Like Actor / Zachry
Halle Berry... Native Woman / Jocasta Ayrs / Luisa Rey / Indian Party Guest / Ovid / Meronym
Jim Broadbent ... Captain Molyneux / Vyvyan Ayrs / Timothy Cavendish / Korean Musician / Prescient 2
Hugo Weaving... Haskell Moore / Tadeusz Kesselring / Bill Smoke / Nurse Noakes / Boardman Mephi / Old Georgie
Jim Sturgess... Adam Ewing / Poor Hotel Guest / Megan's Dad / Highlander / Hae-Joo Chang / Adam / Zachry Brother-in-Law
Doona Bae ... Tilda / Megan's Mom / Mexican Woman / Sonmi-451 / Sonmi-351 / Sonmi Prostitute
Ben Whishaw ... Cabin Boy / Robert Frobisher / Store Clerk / Georgette / Tribesman
Keith David... Kupaka / Joe Napier / An-kor Apis / Prescient
James D'Arcy... Young Rufus Sixsmith / Old Rufus Sixsmith / Nurse James / Archivist
Xun Zhou... Talbot / Hotel Manager / Yoona-939 / Rose
David Gyasi ... Autua / Lester Rey / Duophsyte
Susan Sarandon... Madame Horrox / Older Ursula / Yusouf Suleiman / Abbess
Hugh Grant... Rev. Giles Horrox / Hotel Heavy / Lloyd Hooks / Denholme Cavendish / Seer Rhee / Kona Chief
This is a complex story, far too difficult for me to summarize with words, due to personal laziness. Nonetheless, I will review this random collection of sights and sounds, called CLOUD ATLAS.
There are 6 intertwined stories. From the mid 19th century to 2144. Most of the actors play 6 different characters from different eras. The make up is done so well, that this cost-cutting measure is barely noticeable.
If I eat breakfast at Denny's, I won't be disappointed with my food. Because my expectations were low to begin with. Halle Berry and Hugh Grant are different, they aren't a couple of 'Grand Slams' (in both senses of that term). All they've done, thus far, is shoot par on their own course. Even if it's just by accident, they will eventually give a passable performance. And so, this eventuality has now become a reality. They gave us something passable; CLOUD ATLAS is their magnus opus...wait...I meant magna opera, that's the correct plural form of magnus opus...my bad.
I'm not saying CLOUD ATLAS is good because of Berry and Grant, but rather it's good despite their presence; it's only a coincidence. The missing variable is Tom Hanks. He's like that lemon slice you use to make Miller High Life more palatable. This 'Bosom Buddy' can make less-than-stellar actors look good. There are limits, though. All the Tom Hanks in the world, won't make Gary Busey look good, or human for that matter.
Some may not care for how long the movie is, or its erratic narrative. I could say, I found it deep and profound. But I can't anticipate your reaction. Who knows? Perhaps the film's message will fall upon deaf ears. It's really not my place to be so judgmental.
Final Verdict: 90 out of 100
