A really well made movie. Well shot, brilliant performances, good writing, but overall I wasn't swept away in this one. For whatever reason, I was never invested in the story, it did start coming together for me a bit in the last act. I found myself simply watching the movie and then aware of the acute annoyance of just watching it. Not feeling much, not experiencing much, just watching it. Maybe that's a me problem? My girlfriend (who is far more emotionally and intellectually intelligent than myself and also has immeasurably better taste) said she kinda sorta felt the same way a little bit. She said "maybe in ten years it'll mean a little more to us." And I think she has a good point, this is very much about a man who falls into a parental situation and for my girlfriend and I, those are just about the last kinds of situation we're trying to find ourselves in. So wouldn't that be a great hook for getting us on board? A single, career focused individual having to step up and be a role model and look after his nephew? The problem is, Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny is just too good of a character, he makes so few mistakes as he just seamlessly becomes a great figure for young Jesse (Woody Norman). And even when he does make a mistake he's so quick to realize it and correct it. I guess most of the turmoil of the film is what's happening with Jesse's mother and father, but we don't spend a ton of time with them. For the record, I like Mike Mills other work, 20th Century Women was absolutely brilliant as was Thumbsucker. I really enjoyed the black and white photography, and the filming locations are wonderful. We sprawl from Los Angeles, Oakland, New York City, and New Orleans. All great cinematic locations. Overall, it's a good movie and I can see how this would mean so much to a specific audience member, I am also happy to see Joaquin put on some weight, after Joker, he was looking really unhealthy. But personally, it just didn't have the euphoric effect I get when I watch something that really speaks to me. I'm not sorry.

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