Romance And Cigarettes Reviews

time to go lingerie shopping methinks

If you saw the word 'musical' and shyed away from this film, I urge you to reconsider. This is no loathsome children's sing-along vomit fest. No, a far cry from the likes of Annie and the Sound of Music, this unexpected and determinedly bizzare showstopper is a truly, witty, adult, in-joke type of film. Winslet in particular produces such a stomping performance that it did take me half the film to convince myself utterly that it was actually her, even though I of course did know that it was her I just had to make completely sure. Also, the Lingerie of Agent Provocateur in this is simply divine, so if you're into costume, this film is an absolute must. The acting, the settings, the strangeness of it all, I can't describe it in words. (maybe if I sang it...) a well earned four-star rating from me.

Raunch and vinagrette

Meet the Murders - a family who put the diss into disfunctional. By turns crude and tender, vitriolic and comforting, an outstanding cast deliver a raw and real insight into the frustrated poets of blue-collar America.

Not for the faint-hearted (I have NEVER seen so many cinema walk-outs in my life) but for me the base language was part of the film's not inconsiderable charm.

The whole is not the sum of the parts, but what parts, the highlight of which, is Chritopher Walken's rendition of 'Delilah' - if you don't cry with laughter check your pulse.

Give it a chance

I hate musicals, I really hate them. But I loved this film. Its beautifully shot, with some brilliant performances by actors who are clearly enjoying themselves. Especially Kate Winslet in a loveable, slutty, foul mouthed role which evokes her character in Extras and Eternal Sunshine.

The songs are well chosen and performed very much with tongues in cheeks all round. If you enjoy sweet, quirky, indie movies then this is for you.

A musical with a story

If you like musicals, you might like this movie! James Gandolfini is married to Susan Sarandon and they also have kids. At the same time, the guy is also having an affair with Kate Winslet. In a way, this movie tries to highlight the cost of all these escapades.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Romance and Cigarettes

Awful. I admit I only watched twenty minutes but that was a complete waste of my time.

Weirdly beautiful

I really enjoiyed this. Great perfomances from the leads, wonderful cameos. Really funny, weird, kinky, sad and heart-warming. Everybody feels like hitting The Fruitman with a tree from time to time.

Go on - you won't regret it.

Romance & Cigarettes - 2 things that can kill you....

...in very different ways. I loved this film for the fact that it dared to be different. I didn't know is was part 'musical', although not in the traditional sense - just the actors singing along to the film soundtrack mostly, but when it first happened it was a pleasant surprise and done in a very entertaining way. The quality of acting is superb, the leads were believable and I loved the wierd brother played by Christopher Walken. And it has to be said that Kate looks ravishing with her more buxom figure;) Don't let the numerous low scores put you off if you like something different - an entertaining love story with some great songs, fine acting and funny moments.

Hmmmmmm!

It was OK once I got into it.... the 3 stars are really for the acting which was excellent. Susan Sarandon and Kate Winslet were great. James Gandolfini was equally good in general and I loved Christopher Walken's subtle performance making you feel he was a 'man on the edge'. That said, there wasn't enough story or interest to grab me. The way in which every character was wacky kind of drew you away from being able to appreciate anyone enough to make you care. I nearly turned it off a couple of times, however, there was just enough to keep me going but nowhere near enough to offer anything enjoyable. Worth watching for the performances and (except in the cases of Susan and Kate), slightly uncomfortable singing. Kate Winslet's underwater scene was the highlight for me.

WEIRD, WICKED, WELL WORTH SEEING

With a dream cast giving their all and the Coen brothers influence in the background (as exec producers) this was bound to be worth a look. In fact it's much, much more. The screenplay is brilliantly witty and there are scores of laugh-out-loud moments. The performances are wonderfully camp and the musical set pieces outrageous - some might say self-indulgent. My feeling was that the cast really enjoyed themselves making this movie. Apparently, John Turturro initially approached the Coen brothers to direct. If they had agreed, I think it would have been a 5-star as it's their kind of weird. I felt Turturro kind of lost his way towards the end, which took it down to 3 for me, but I would say don't on any account miss it.

(And am I mistaken - or was that Richard Gere in a walk-on role?)

Well done John Turturro

A very nice movie with the right amount of weirdness and a big heart. Great soundtrack as well. Baz Luhrmann would have turned it into a minor masterpiece but well done John Turturro.