Genres

Visitors Review

235SCOPE 2012-05-25 03:47:26

Better than expected, but not as good as it could be.

"Random Hearts" is a simple story told around a series of enormous events. If this film had been European, it would have been about simple people insimple surroundings. Because this is a Hollywood movie, the eventssurrounding the characters are HUGE: a plane crash, a congresswoman,American politics, the media, crime in the city. The movie could have floundered around so many premises, but instead itworks. It takes its time to tell the story and sometimes that time seemsslow, but the events the story tells would take a long time to unveil and soit is understandable that the story would not be over in 90minutes.Kristin Scott Thomas and Harrison Ford look wonderful in this picture. Itisn't true, as many critics have said, that Ford is plodding in it. Heseems like a man obsessed with unraveling the truth about his dead wife,what made her cheat on him and what the truth about his own life is, and heis very believable in it. Thomas looks stunning. When she's on screen, youcan hardly look at anything else. The music by Dave Grusin is wonderfullydreamy and sad, like the story.If there is one problem with this picture is that it has no edge. I knowthis sounds like a cliche but it is true, and when you see it you'llunderstand. Nothing in it feels new or innovative, and it's like it wasmade for an older audience by an older filmmaker. Nothing wrong with that,but in the age of so many edgy and inventive films rediscovering thepossibilities of movies, "Random Hearts" is to today's audiences what "AnAffair to Remember" must have been to audiences in the days when SidneyPollack was a younger filmmaker making edgy things like "Three Days of theCondor."

Logicaliman 2012-05-24 18:36:36

Drama, Romance, a little Sex, a little Action Good Acting; Saw Twice.

True, there are some goofs, for the one who wants to find them. They'renot important, though.The primary feature of this film is watching veteran expert actors dotheir craft. Kristin Scott Thomas is beautiful and plays well the partof a strong woman, but one who has been hurt. Same for Harrison Ford,who, for the ladies, is just as beau as Kristin is belle for us guys.Their hurt at the hands of their adulterous spouses brings themtogether in an awkward manner, but one in which they find support ineach other. How they evoke their hurt feelings and their humanitywithin on th screen is why these are such sought performers. The viewercannot help but feel what they feel, nor can one help wanting to cheerthem when they're together.Yes, there are several action scenes involving angry corrupt cops, butthey only spice it up a little, and are not a significant part of themovie.For the lover of music, Dave Grusin provides a superb Jazz basedbackground, featuring trumpeter Terrence Blanchard. Like the actors,Grusin shows why he is one of the most sought musical consultants inthe movie business. Blanchard shows why he's one the premieretrumpeters on the scene.Not a movie for the lovers of guts, blood, and gore. But for those whowant to see a lot of what makes us feel inside, watch a beautifulEnglish actress with big expressive blue eyes who can act, likeHarrison Ford, to the endless soothing accompaniment courtesy of DaveGrusin and Terrence Blanchard, this is a move to watch with someone youlove. Preferably in bed.I thought it deserved at least an 8.

2012-05-17 07:57:28

Maybe You Had to Be There

This film delves into the intensely personal and painful effects of betrayal in marriage. This is a tricky subject, and not naturally pleasant material in which to spend 2 hours of ones life and call it 'entertainment.' On the other hand, adultery and lack of commitment is so common, so pervasive in our culture that almost no one is untouched. So I give the director and all the actors credit for trying something different. As many of the reviews reflect, this film is not for everybody. For me it reflected the mystery and unpredictable nature of love and relationship. In particular the gradual unfolding of the complex and deceptive reality both unfaithful spouses lived (the secret apartment, for example) brought home the depths of deception to which we can descend in a marriage. I'm sure at some level they both believed they had a right to do what they were doing. Perhaps you 'had to be there' to enjoy this movie. I did.

caa821 2012-05-17 04:22:49

Anything with Kristen

Of all the actresses in film today, Kristin Scott Thomas would be mychoice if I had to select one for stranding on a desert island.I could watch her simply, say, sitting in a chair for a couple ofhours. So it's difficult for me to be objective completely with respectto one of her films.However, I did enjoy this movie and its story, per se, more than thatindicated by the average ranking among the many persons previouslycommenting on this site.Harrison Ford is not one of the actors, though, whose performances Ienjoy most. But he's one of a handful who have reached the level ofmoving from 7 figures to 8 per film, so who am I to argue?Ford though is often droll in his acting style, and sometimes seems tobe in serious need of an antacid and a shot of caffeine - and "RandomHearts" is in this grouping.His obsession in probing the losses, which both he and Thomas haveendured with regard to their linked spouses, is understandable, givenhis profession as a detective - but not to the level presented here.Although not far, it crossed the line into the "annoying" category. However, most of the scenes after he and Thomas became involved wereinteresting and well-played.This film could have been a 9*, but I'd lower it a couple of levels,based upon Ford's overall performance, and and another, because itcontained a bit more of the extraneous sub-plot elements than seemedrequired.

2012-05-15 13:30:59

I'm falling asleep just thinking about it

This was possibly one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I don't mind if this review is not helpful to you, I just needed to get that off my chest. Don't see this if you have a pulse.

Ed Wu 2012-05-14 19:04:08

Left a bad taste in my mouth..

The movie was quite immoral.. and although some immoral movies areprovocative and interesting, I didn't think this one was convincing. It wasvery distasteful and disturbing. And I don't think it was meant to bedisturbing either, which makes the movie that much more disappointing..

2012-05-12 06:12:45

Hail! The King (Ford) and Queen (Scott Thomas) of "Hearts"!

"Random Hearts" is a mesmerizing movie. I have always been a great fan of both Ford and Scott Thomas, and this film did not leave me disappointed. I was very impressed at how Scott Thomas managed to downplay her English sophistication and become the "tough-as-nails" American Congresswoman Kay Chandler. This role proves that she is indeed a very versatile actress. Ford has become sexier with time! His role as Dutch Van Den Broeck in "Random Hearts" showcases a more sensitive side of the seasoned actor. It is truly refreshing to watch! Sydney Pollack has wonderful directorial vision, and that fact is evident in a great deal of the scenes in this movie."Random Hearts" allows the moviegoer to face the darkness of desperation and to come away with the sense that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

2012-05-11 17:36:52

Good Job, Harrison et al!

Harrison Ford was doing his job, as always. He is a perfectionist. His job in this movie was to portray a character who had loved his wife, was betrayed, and lost her. He played his part to perfection as he always does. If he seemed cold, yet emotional at times with tears in his eyes, he showed the real depth of those emotions. This was his job to appear that way!I recall reading a review of his performance in "Sabrina" - was said to have been 'cold, tired, unemotional, sick', etc. Again, this was HIS JOB. The script was written thusly - he was SUPPOSED to play a role showing himself all these things, and he did a superb job at it!As for the plot in Random Hearts, some reviewer complained about the various sub-plots. Doesn't every movie and TV show these days have several plots running at the same time? Confusing, to say the least, but it does make you pay attention! As another reviewer mentioned, "watch his eyes and listen to his voice." This is one great actor! He can say more in one scene with his eyes, hands, and that great grin than many other actors today can portray during a whole movie.We rented this movie last week-end and watched it three times. I own 25 of HF's videos, of which my husband and I watch one at least 5 times a week (sometimes 7). (We do not go to the theater). As soon as the price comes down, we will add it to our collection. In the meantime, will rent it again.I agree with Mr. Burgraff of North Myrtle Beach, SC, who wrote that "this was worthy of an Oscar consideration." As someone else wrote in a review, "this is definitely not suited for everyone's taste." Then, again, what is? Please, see this movie, pay attention, and enjoy it as much as we did! Thanks to a great cast for a great movie!

Kenneth Turan 2012-05-09 18:27:20

The film's underlying concept is so irredeemably screwy and far-fetched that no amount of fine work can hope to make it convincing.

2012-05-09 15:33:53

Almost his worst film

It wasn't the worst, but it was close. The story line is creative, but drags constantly. If you are bored and want a movie that will SLIGHTLY entertain you.....this is it. It seems as if Hollywood doesn't have many good films to produce this year. Harrison Ford is a great actor, but this film doesn't help his career at all!

decclest 2012-05-04 19:34:47

Locale of "New Hampshire" church memorial service?

In the scenes concerning the memorial service for the congress-woman'shusband who was killed in the airplane crash, there are a few exteriorand interior shots of a church with rock walls supposedly located inNew Hampshire. Having rented the DVD several times and watched it on TVtoo, I believe it is actually Trinity Episcopal Church on Piney BranchRoad near Takoma Park Maryland. Trinity is the church that I knew as achild, where I was confirmed, where I was an acolyte for many years,where my mom was a Sunday School teacher and where my mothers funeralwas held shortly after this film was made. The color and texture walls,the number and position of the stained glass windows, the altarposition and color, the shades on the lights hanging from the ceiling,the color and position of the lectern and other items all seem to befrom my child-hood church. Can anyone confirm which church was used in this film?

Tina House 2012-05-04 03:19:33

Awful, awful, AWFUL!

My husband and I rented this movie. We settled down to watch what wethoughtwould be another excellent performance from Harrison Ford.We kept waiting and waiting for some action, and waiting and waiting for aconnection of some sort to the characters.It never happened, much to our dismay.The plot was uninteresting, the characters were not likeable, and even thefilm editing was horrid. During a kissing scene at the cabin Harrison Fordwas talking to Kristin Scott Thomas one instant, slightly turning his head,and in the next frame they were in the middle of a heavykiss.All I can say is that we were terribly disappointed, and very, VERY gladforthe movie to end!

JoBlo 2012-05-03 17:43:30

The premise is interesting, the development is well done.

Jim-505 2012-05-02 20:40:07

Two characters die at the start - so does the movie.

I am still amazed that Harrison Ford, a man of excitement and action, couldmake a movie where five of the six of us that went to see it slept for up tohalf the running time. They were lucky, I stayed awake in the belief thatthere had to be something that was going to happen. I was wrong. The mostexciting part of the movie is the plane crash at the very beginning - andit's not even shown. From that point, it's all downhill. Woodencharacters, wooden acting, and BORING. Don't waste yourtime.

rbrb 2012-04-26 20:03:30

Is adultery worse than death??

I have very mixed feelings about this movie. On the plus side there is goodacting and lovely music(I hope to go and buy the CD)......but on the otherhand the two main characters spend most of the time looking and feelingsorry for themselves.In brief....a plane crashes and two of the victims were flying off to Miamito continue their "bonking"......unfortunately leaving separate spouses athome who subsequently start bonking themselves....well....Quite frankly the aldulterers are happier in demise than their survivingspouses ever will be in life and the lead actor in this film makes out thatadultery is worse than death.....The lead actress(who steals the show) is the spitting image of HilaryClinton.....with a teenage daughter and philandering husband tomatch.......So my recommendation is....enjoy the music!!

flimbuff 2012-04-26 05:37:51

Implausible but satisfying love story

I was surprised by this dramatic love story about a couple who shouldn'thave been. Ford's wife is killed in a plane wreck and by accident hediscovers that she had been having an affair with the man she was seatedwith on the plane. (Coyote)He meets the man's wife, a congresswoman, who was also unaware of theaffair. As preposterous as it might seem they develop a genuine respectaffection for each other and a brief affair ensues.This implausible plot is carried off by the acting of Ford and Thomas. Themovies left me with a strange but satisfying feeling.

mitchy-boy 2012-04-25 02:17:48

A real snoozer

Like a 78rpm record played at 33 1/3 speed. This movie drones on and on.The plot is week enough but then thrown in the mix is the completelyirrelevant subplot of his police work. The background music adds to thetedium. The two main characters are incredibly bland. A realsnoozer.

jpsmiles 2012-04-24 07:34:35

Kristin Scott Thomas ruins this film

In every scene that Kristin Thomas appears in she drains energy fromthe film. Harrison Ford's performance was not up to his abilitieseither. I think the primary plot of this film was intriguing if notparticularly believable, but it was padded with needless secondaryplots that became more tedious as the movie extended beyond 90 minutes.The tension that would may have been present is lost because of thesubpar performances, and the plot deficiencies. Could this be Pollack'sfault?While I cannot blame the movie's failings entirely on Thomas, I wouldlike to know who else was considered for the role of Kay Chandler. Theonly movie where I truly enjoyed a Kristin Thomas performance was TheEnglish Patient. This movie was unable to sustain its energy. As the relationshipbetween Kay and Dutch ran its course and the other mysteries arerevealed the movie tends to slow and the absence of a strong ending tothe movie was disappointing. Some have said that they enjoyed theKristin Thomas performance in this movie, so perhaps I was just unableto appreciate its value. But, I agree wholeheartedly with one of theother folks who commented on this movie who stated that Thomas issometimes irritating as Kay. She can be a good actress, but hercharacter is bland. A pity. After an Oscar nod for the 9 Academy Awardwinner THE English PATIENT, Ms. Thomas took the same way that starsonce Oscar nominated or even Oscar winner (Marisa Tomei, Mira Sorvino,Nicolas Cage, just to name a few recent ones) did. The annoyingmelodrama THE HORSE WHISPERER (with a story similar to RANDOM HEARTS)proved that she took the very wrong way.

Matt Mintz 2012-04-21 12:05:59

I liked it! Is that OK?

MILD SPOILERS!Billed by several of my friends as one of the worst movies ever made,"Random Hearts" beguiled me! I can understand why many didn't "get it"anddon't think I'm any better for doing so, but I did get it!"Random Hearts" is film NOIR. And, if it isn't, then it's heavily steepedin it. It's got all the key noir themes: deceit, suspicion, obsession,heartache, disillusionment, infidelity...You know the routine. True theusual trappings were gone: fedoras, steaming manhole covers, darkness,etc.And I think that because it was such an original treatment of the genre(even more genre-stretching than Chinatown and L.A. Confidential) that thelink wasn't made for most and their response was, (at worst) "That sucked"and (at best) "Huh?" I guess what clued me in was the soundtrack. It wasabsolutely drenched (almost comically so) with classic noir motifs: sultrysaxophone, tinkling piano, and the jazzy moan of fretless bass. Not thatIactually like that stuff but I, at least, recognized it.In its response to "Random Hearts" the American public has made theirmessage clear to Harrison Ford (whether or not he cares). "DO NOTEXPERIMENT!" they clamor. "Don't even think about doing anything evenslightly outside our box for you. Or else..." What they miss, of course,is one damn good performance. Of course, this isn't the first time Fordhasplayed this type of role. Rick Deckard in "Blade Runner" was very similarand Rusty Sabich in "Presumed Innocent" was nearly identical. Sure, IloveIndy and Han but I gotta admit that it's a bit of a relief to see thatclassic Ford hubris significantly muted (okay, completely eradicated) forthese roles. As 'Dutch', Ford looks old, tired, and crushed. He plodsthrough each scene and mutters his lines and, in the process, he makespainlook very real. He embodies it not so much in its "sturm und drang" butinits inertia and banality. In the process, he helps heal those of us whoknow too well what it's like to feel this kind of pain.Those paying attention can see how well he had become this broken man inthefinal scene at the airport. Ford shows us (by way of contrast) a man who,having been given a bit of time, has begun to mend, to heal. Thoughsubdued, we can see his hope returning. Pay close attention to his faceashe watches Kristin Scott Thomas' character walk away. Amazingly, withoutreally DOING anything, he embodies perfectly this still fragile butsanguinestage of the healing process. Though he doesn't actually tear up, thereisa subtle shift in his face (and especially his eyes) and we know that hemaybe "on the mend" but that doesn't mean it doesn't still hurtsometimes.Finally, K.S. Thomas was very believable as the tough but human KayChandler. Her stormy love affair with 'Dutch' was appropriately surreal,fragile and yet still tender and special. I love the scene in the cabinwhere (lying in bed together) they banter over politics. It's one of fewlight moments in a very humorless movie and works well as do so many otherscenes.I thought "Random Hearts" was classy, electric, and bewitching. I guess Ican understand why others didn't like it but I definitelydid!

2012-04-21 01:52:53

Two Thumbs Down - Gene Siskel, The Daily Pearly Gate

A movie so bad that even Gene Siskel had to reach out from beyond the grave to give a two thumbs down. I first saw it on HBO and quickly wrote them a note saying it was the first time I'd wish they had commercials. My favorite part is a line that Kristen Scott Thomas says about an hour and a half into the movie. She says "I've found it" - I was praying it was the plot but no such luck. The best part of this movie is clearly the end - but that I mean the credits - you finally know this regrettable show is finally over. If you are unfortunate enough to see this movie, in the last two hours and fifteen minutes of your life whisper "Random Hearts" to those around you - you'll beg for this time back. I'd suggest if you interested in seeing something more exciting try watching paint dry. Amazon is too kind allowing a 1 star minimum - If this movie is anything celestial it would have to be "space junk".