smart people
I like smart people. They're fun to talk to, and they can make life really interesting. So I was kind of wondering why this movie made all smart people seem like assholes.
I do have to say... the cast is stellar. I love, love, love Dennis Quaid, and I love him even more when he's all scruffy and grouchy. I also love, love, love Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church.
And, of course, I love, love, love Ellen Page. This is the thing, though: I know she filmed Smart People before Juno, but she pretty much played the same character in both movies (aside from some glaring political differences). It would be so refreshing to see her play somebody else. I know she's got it in her.
So, overall... it was OK. Great cast, mediocre story, dialogue that's cute in places. It made me laugh... but I thought it would make me think. That's what I get for having expectations.
I do have to say... the cast is stellar. I love, love, love Dennis Quaid, and I love him even more when he's all scruffy and grouchy. I also love, love, love Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church.
And, of course, I love, love, love Ellen Page. This is the thing, though: I know she filmed Smart People before Juno, but she pretty much played the same character in both movies (aside from some glaring political differences). It would be so refreshing to see her play somebody else. I know she's got it in her.
So, overall... it was OK. Great cast, mediocre story, dialogue that's cute in places. It made me laugh... but I thought it would make me think. That's what I get for having expectations.
April 15, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Popular culture is geared to the lowest common denominator ... and since the 70s there has been a rise of anti-intellectualism in this country. Politicians -- especially of the conservative stripe -- foster this distrust of intellectualism. Look at the latest president, who's made anti-intellectualism a calling card, and stupidity a virtue.
Thanks for the review!
April 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM
You've seen Hard Candy, right? (I think I remember reading a post on that way back) That is, personally, my favorite role from her so far. Although Juno is fun, I hope she takes more risky roles like Haley.
April 16, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Rick... I sincerely hope that the upcoming election signals a change in that trend.
Evan... You're right. She rocked in Hard Candy.
April 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I like Ellen Page in Hard Candy, Juno and in Smart People. She has the ability to play younger roles, which not too many people do. They auditioned several 16-year-old girls in L.A. for Hard Candy, but they all seemed to act and look much older. I think that until she gets a little older, Hollywood is going to monopolize on her abilities. Page's next movie, The Tracey Fragments, will release May 9th and look forward to seeing how well she performs.
April 20, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Yeah...expectations are not something you want to go into a movie with, if possible. Speaking of The Tracey Fragments, is actually at the MSP Film Festival this week, if you can make it.
April 24, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Gotta agree, I was so not digging Smart People. Great cast, though so worth it for them and not the story.
Here's to big things for Ms. Page!
And more work for Quaid & Church while we're at it.