The Majestic (2001)

The Worst Film Ever

Purely Joyful Movie!

Highly Overrated But Still Good

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

The Majestic (2001): Dir: Frank Darabont / Cast: Jim Carrey, Martin Landau, Laurie Holden, Bob Balaban, James Whitmore: Memories of Hollywood glory days even within the midst of corruption. Jim Carrey plays a struggling filmmaker forced to testify in the House of the Un-American Activities due to suspected Communist communication. After being fired he rampages on alcohol before driving off a bridge. When found he is believed to be a war veteran figured for dead. Martin Landau plays his father who wishes to re-open a theatre called the Majestic. Quite predictable hinting on too many formula elements. Director Frank Darabont previously made The Shawshank Redemption, and here he delivers a credible 1950's setting. This is not the great film that the previously mentioned film is but it does hit the right notes with its historical points. Carrey is wonderfully sympathetic within a life that he accepts because others do. Landau is excellent as his father who aims to reconnect with his son and unify themselves through the theatre with others. Laurie Holden plays the love interest in a familiar role that never seems to elevate. Other roles are standard including Bob Balaban portraying an annoying finger pointer with the charge against Carrey and Communist activity. It is a reflection on a time when cinematic magic was truly something majestic. Score: 8 ½ / 10

So few movies tell a story we can relate to in way we have never seen. The Majestic tells the story of the post war era where the country had to rebuild after having lost many lives and spent many resources. In a small town where many of their sons were killed in the war one special one apparently returns. There are many of the baby boomers who can say they remember these story's and heard of the losses of their families. If you ever travel thru small towns in the mid west you will see the history of this. The markers, the graves, the remembrance of it all. The entire cast is amazing, well suited for every part and the ensemble pulls the whole show together. Jim Carey, Martin Landau pull you into the a world, a town, a people, a family. It is a gentle story, about the hearts and hopes of people. It is kindly told, the way a parent tells a bedtime story to a child. Slow, simple with great meaning. Perhaps this is why I really like it so much. It warms my heart, gives me hope and makes me realize that the really important things in our lives are each other. It reminds me of my Grandfather telling me a story. There is wonder, honesty, entertainment and a moral. This is on my 'Must See' list but going in you have to know what it is to appreciate it.

OK this isn't exactly the most original idea ever and the whole thing feels a bit like an extended 'Twilight Zone' episode (one of the more sensible ones), but this truly is a beautiful film with the kind of performances that are guaranteed to make you smile. A simple tale set in the 50's, a young man is accused of being a Communist and his life is turned upside down. One night he gets slightly drunk and drives his car off a bridge accidentally and ends up almost drowning. He gets washed up on the shores of a small town where he is believed to be a WWII soldier killed years before.This is complete and utter American pie through n through and I mean that in the best way possible. Generally things like this can be quite sickening with all the Stars n Stripes patriotism and this does have that, truth be told this actually has more treacly gooey hanky moments than you can shake a stick at. There is also the element of the all American Communist witch hunts which is the whole plot beneath the surface. Its only kinda touched on really but its played out in a typically heroic way for the main character in the end. You think he will submit to the government, a government of so called democracy, but he fights for truth and justice and the American way. Yes the finale is a bit too vomit inducing for us non Americans. What works for me is the pure visual spectacle of the film with the typically quaint white building built US town set amongst the glorious Californian woodlands on the pacific coast. In short this film looks stunning, its made to look extremely whimsical of course but it works. The era makes this work even better as the sight of old classic US cars cruising around, small diners, the smart fashions, jazz/big band music etc...give the film a very homely taste that I think anyone (more so adults probably) can enjoy.The cast is another reason to like this film, how can you not enjoy seeing Martin Landau in a brilliantly moving role. I loved 'Ed Wood' and this yet another portrayal of angst and heartbreak but even stronger than before. Gerry Black also gives us a lovely performance for the old caretaker of the Majestic, his gravelly raspy voice draws you in whilst his cheeky grin is heartwarming. James Whitmore has a small role but he sure fits in well, performance is perfect as is his costume and character design, looks good with the pipe. To be honest all the main roles are played well by a host of solid actors, many I have seen before and merely know by face, reliable character actors.Then we have Mr Carrey, to be honest a brave move as before this he was known only for his comedies. This doesn't mean he was the right choice of course, in my opinion he can't quite handle the kind of serious emotion involved here (at least at this period in his career) and you can see it. A case of being type cast for over the top crazy ass characters or idiots, due to this you keep half expecting him to do something or say something daft. Carrey never really looks too comfortable in this film surrounded by proper quality character actors, he was yet to break away from his over acting lunacy.A charming nostalgic film that manages to homage the golden age of small town 50's America and the classic (and much missed) age of big regal looking cinemas, but is also a stirring tribute to the fallen of WWII. It is extremely clichéd and cheesy, love it or hate it I doubt there will be any middle ground here. It really does pull all the obligatory heart strings to get you choked up, every old trick in the mushy book, but damn it...it works!7/10

I don't see how anyone could not like this movie. I went to see it in the theater when it first came out and love it more every time I see it.They should make more movies like this instead of the crap they pump out. Its great to see several old school actors in this film that were around during the Hollywood blacklisting.Its a wholesome, family movie yet deals with some very serious matters. I can't believe movie critics were so harsh on this fine film. They should find another career. BTW Jim Carey is excellent in this movie. He should do more serious roles.