The Constant Gardener is probably your best choice for a night at the movies this week (although I’m most looking forward to seeing Transporter to for some reason that I can’t explain).
I’m a big fan of Ralph Fiennes. I’ve yet to see the man turn in a poor performance… he’s just money.
So now the critics are sounding in. For the most part the reviews look pretty positive… mostly anyway. Here’s what they had to say:
“The Constant Gardener is a movie with something to say, and it speaks its message loudly and with eloquence.”
James Berardinelli, REELVIEWS“A preachy but gripping socio-political thriller…directed by Fernando Meirelles with the same unblinking, sweaty, ground-level grittiness he brought to City of God.”
Rob Blackwelder, SPLICEDWIRE“If it sends audiences home to log on to the Amnesty International website, terrific — but that still doesn’t make it a very good movie.”
Ty Burr, BOSTON GLOBE“This is one of the year’s best films.”
Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
As of this moment, The Constant Gardener is holding a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes which makes it this weeks critics choice. But a poor marketing campaign has me doubting many people will see it. We’ll see.
Okay, so anybody here who has read this Le Carré novel?
This movie looks long, arty, classy, like it has romance, and deals with “feelings”. The perfect film to take that special gal you really want to get into the pants of — I’m so there!
–Franklin (the “l” is silent, like Ralph Fiennes)