Rating: 
Summary: Spectacular, Spectacular
Review: Okay, I admit it. When the Absinthe fairy appeared, I was hooked. I mean, here I thought I was the only guy in the world who saw little green fairies while on a bender . . . The movie is a total hoot! Luhrmann keeps piling up bad 70s pop songs, relentless kitsch, bad 80s pop songs, dizzying camerawork, bad 90s pop songs, huge dance numbers, bad Rogers and Hammerstein songs and narcoleptic Argentinians, one upon the other, until he creates this massive, frenetic, rococo tower of crazed pop images that lists wildly back and forth in the wind, but somehow manages never to collapse upon itself. It's a gorgeous, sprawling, insane mess that completely impressed me with its audacity, energy and originality. And, of course, now I'm gonna think of Jim Broadbent every time I hear a Madonna song . . .
Rating: 
Summary: Wish I saw it in the theater.
Review: At a time when movie-goers reward high budget, formulaic, Hollywood concoctions, I am grateful for this creative, unconventional, genre-defying movie. By genre, I don't mean musical or drama. I mean film, theater, opera, circus. Somehow the director had so much vision he managed to take so many unsavory elements (unoriginal love story, singing, dancing, so much lace and ruffles, a bit of campiness)and turned them into breath-taking entertainment. The first time I saw it, it did strange things to my pulse, but it was the second time that I let myself enjoy it. I feel sorry for all the critics and movie-goers who expected it to be what movies are 'supposed' to be and so didnt have anything to compare it to or knew how to relate to it. There really has never been anything like it. For those who have not seen it, I suggest approaching it as you would a roller-coaster ride (dont expect to be in control).
Rating: 
Summary: Not a movie. Just a big budget blown on confusing bunk
Review: Don't listen to the people who praise this movie. They obviously want you to think they are understanding something about it that you don't. There's nothing to understand except a big budget was wasted on a confusing, incoherent, and very maddening collection of scenes. It's like taking five or six pails of different colored paint, throwing them against a wall and trying to pass it off as "art". There will always be a bunch of sheep who claim the result is a "masterpiece", "genius". Please! I'm surprised my DVD player didn't just automatically eject it after an hour in a gagging, convulsive fit of disgust. If I had watched this in a theatre, I would have demanded my money back.
Rating:
Summary: It's Wonderful!
Review: I didn't really think I'd like this movie but I was wrong. I absolutely loved it. I rented it and then as soon as I finished watching it I went out and bought it. I loved the music, the costumes, and the story. The acting was really great also. I've lost count of how many times I've watched it.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular, spectacular escapism
Review: If you enjoy grand opera mixed with the Bohemian ideals of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and, above all, Love, this is the movie for you. Take the plots from most of the Italian operas of the 19th century, add montagues of pop music, a talented cast, stir, and you have a wonderful escape for two hours. Baz Luhrmann, of Strictly Ballroom fame, has again assembled an amazing cast for a fast and furious ride. Nicole Kidman is exquisite, Ewan McGregor is to-die-for. Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh are obviously having a grand time with their characters. The entire production radiates in the glow of the Moulin Rouge's electric lights. If you are looking for reality or complete historical accuracy, look elsewhere. From the opening moments, we are notified that we're entering a non-real world. Sit back and enjoy. The look of the production is amazing, from the sets to the costumes. I don't know how the women were able to do those dances with real whale-bone corsets on. The DVD offers a second disk of extra material, from interviews to unseen footage. Well worth the money for anyone who enjoys the movie.
Rating:
Summary: I just love this movie!!
Review: I love the world Baz has created- and I think Ewan McGregor is simply brilliant in this film. Other than the movie itself- which I do agree is not for everyone- this DVD set is everything I could have hoped for. The extended dance sequences are wonderful- and the rehearsals are really interesting. Seeing the dancers doing the same choreography in modern dress, on a soundstage shows you just how magnificient the set design,, lighting and costumes really were. The commentary is really interesting, and the musical extras are also cool. I can't believe they included the MTV performance of :ady Marmalade- which to me was the least interesting of all the songs in the movie. I never thought of myself as a Nicole Kidman fan, but I think her look really works- and there are a few goofy scenes where she comes across as very human and real. I will also say that my my brothers and guy friends are movie watchers- but not musical fans- really like this movie as well. I am more impressed each time I watch it, and I think this DVD set really adds something unique and special to the typical viewing experience.
Rating:
Summary: Minus 3
Review: The only thing that remotely saved this piece of tripe was some decent gravy. Costumes and cinematography were lush and creative. The story was almost worthy of the visuals, but the overall camp level was beyond Rocky Horror. And at least Rocky Horror can boast original music. Skip DVD rental, forget pay-per-view and even HBO. Make due with the sound track and make up your own movie from the jewel case art.
Rating: 
Summary: Much ado about Le'Rouge
Review: The stars in this review are solely for the stunning visuals. While I have spent time watching worst movies, I simply cannot believe the amount that went into this supremely unoriginal conceit of a film. La Kidman oozes glamore from a bygone era, but even she could not keep me tuned into this messy reeking fop. From the kitchy score and dated soundtrack, to the unbearable acting and staggeringly unfunny lines, this film moves me not. The script begs the question of just why this film was made. It could have been a soso film if the director wasn't intent on gagging the audience with the hellatious singing of all involved. This will be a sad footnote on musicals in the 21st century. I cannot say more than to advise watching with the volume down...way down.
Rating:
Summary: It took awhile to figure it out, but then...
Review: Though I was somewhat confused as to where it was going during the first 30 minutes of this film, I hung in there. Boy, am I glad I did! Wonderful performances, dramatic flair in costumes and props, soaring operatic musical scores telling the story of two lovers who should belong with each other, except for that nasty villan.... The newest and best of "rock" operas since "Tommy."
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Love Story and Beautiful Movie
Review: First off, I'm a fan of Baz Luhrmann's work, so I expected to like this movie and it didn't disappoint! It's a modern movie musical, but with Baz's spin on it, it because visally fascinating as well as a classic love story. The DVD is loaded with extras as well (The Green Fairy is my favorite). I was actually quite surprised at Nicole Kidman--she was fantastic! I expect that from Ewan McGregor and even John Leguizamo, but Kidman really comes into her own in this film. I'm not saying you have to get this movie (Luhrmann's an aquired taste) but if you missed it in the theater than you definitly have to rent it! You may even go out and buy it after that--I did!
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