Amazon.co.uk Review
Fantastical writer Gary Ross (Big, Dave) makes an auspicious directorial debut with this inspired and oddly touching comedy about two 90s kids (Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon) thrust into the black-and-white TV world of Pleasantville, a Leave It to Beaver-style sitcom complete with picket fences, corner malt shop and warm chocolate chip cookies. When a somewhat unusual remote control (provided by repairman Don Knotts) transports them from the jaded real world to G-rated TV land, Maguire and Witherspoon are forced to play along as Bud and Mary Sue, the obedient children of George and Betty Parker (William H Macy and Joan Allen). Maguire, an obsessive Pleasantville devotee, understands the need for not toppling the natural balance of things; Witherspoon, on the other hand, starts shaking the town up, most notably when she takes football stud Skip (Paul Walker) up to Lover's Lane for some modern-day fun and games. Soon enough, Pleasantville's teens are discovering sex along with--gasp!--rock & roll, free thinking and soul-changing Technicolour. Filled with delightful and shrewd details about sitcom life (no toilets, no double beds, only two streets in the town), Pleasantville is a joy to watch, not only for its comedy but for the groundbreaking visual effects and astonishing production design as the town gradually transforms from crisp black and white to glorious colour. Ross does tip his hand a bit about halfway through the film, obscuring the movie's basic message of the unpredictability of life with overloaded and obvious symbolism, as the black-and-white denizens of the town gang up on the "coloureds" and impose rules of conduct to keep their strait-laced town laced up. Still, the characterizations from the phenomenal cast--especially repressed housewife Allen and soda-shop owner Jeff Daniels, doing some of their best work ever--will keep you emotionally invested in the film's outcome and waiting to see Pleasantville in all its final Technicolor glory. --Mark Englehart
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful film - with morals!!.......2007-11-23
A brilliant film. Its a shame that a previous review thought that the characters changing from black and white to colour meant that this was advocating sexual promiscuity. In my opinion, when characters changed to colour it meant they had opened their eyes, experienced something new, widened their vision - if it was about sexual promiscuity, why wasnt Reese Witherspoons character MaryJane in colour right from the start?!! She only changes to colour when she's read - and enjoyed - a book. Thought it was absolutely beautiful, really enjoyed it, not a bad word to say. Fab fab fab.
Unpredictable, cleverly nostalgic with a lot to say.......2007-07-19
In case you haven't already read or heard about this film, I won't give away my favourite cameo surprise appearance in this film. I'll just say that if you grew up on TV like I did, you'll smile and realize how fitting it is to see this actor in this film.
Enough of the cryptic stuff. This film starts out with what so many of us have talked about regarding the "ideal family" in the 50's sitcoms like Ozzy & Harriet or Leave it To Beaver. This movie was not predictable at all to me. What do you think would happen if two modern teenagers found themselves in "Pleasantville"? They bring their knowledge and colour, good & bad. Wouldn't they have an affect on Pleasantville? How would the townspeople react?
It's great to see Toby McGuire before Spiderman. His character is still good and noble and brave. He's a natural leader and all 'round good guy. Reese Witherspoon's character was a nice surprise too. There's a great cast all 'round this film. Lots of familiar faces, very well cast. This film would make a great subject for a college English course, or a great springboard for an interesting conversation between two good friends.
Get your favourite beverage and a good friend, and... enjoy!
"Honey, I'm home!".......2007-06-26
Twin teens George and Jennifer (Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon) are very different: Jennifer is quite the wild child while George's passion is watching re-runs of the 50s TV sitcom "Pleasantville." One night, the kids are magically whisked right into Pleasantville - a swell little town where the fire department only rescues cats in trees, books are as blank as the foks' minds, and everything is in black and white. George loves it there, but Jennifer starts changing things when she takes her boyfriend up to Lover's Lane for a lot more than hand-holding. Gradually people start seeing things in color, then it rains real rain, and *gasp* dinner is not on the table at six o'clock.
I'd seen bits and pieces of "Pleasantville" on TV and liked it, but after watching the entire movie, I have to say it left me confused, angry, and disappointed. The point of the movie - that sexual promiscuity is the key to enlightenment - is a sad comment on our times. Maguire and Witherspoon are perfectly cast and give excellent performances, but the script laughs at wholesomeness and condemns morality. I think it's sad that old-fashioned values are labled not only corny, but wrong. I did enjoy the photography changing slowly from black and white to color, but I cannot recommend the movie.
Fantastic!!!.......2006-11-23
I love this film. I saw it in the telly mag and thought 'I might as well watch it', but I was so pleasantly surprised cos it turned out to be fantastic.
When they went into the '50s I thought 'oh no' cos I'm not too keen on black and white films, but as it went on parts were changing into colour and coming to life.
Its a mix between surreality(?) and reality in a way.
All I know is I loved it!
Absolutely outstanding- a true classic!.......2006-07-23
This film is one of my favourite films. It is one of those few films that I can watch over and over and over again
It is funny, beautiful, moving, insightful and thought provoking without being tacky, cheesy and preaching to the viewer. Also, Pleasantville is full of classic moments with an outstanding cast.
I would strongly recommend this film to anyone.
DVD Review:
- Romancing the Stone [1984] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Schizopolis [1999] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island [1998] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Screamers [1996]
- Scrooge [1935] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Shallow Hal/Me, Myself & Irene [2002] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Soul Searcher [2006]
- Space Cowboys [2000] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Space Cowboys [HD DVD] [2000] [US Import]
- Space Precinct - Vol. 6 [1995]
DVD Review List
DVD Review
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