Rating: 
Summary: Best film of the year so far (in July)
Review: I've just been checking out the other reviews. Of the 79 people who reviewed this movie before me, 60 have given it 5 stars. 13 have given it four stars, 4 have given it two stars, and 2 have given it one star. So in other words, the overwhelming majority of people who see it think it's one of the best films they've seen. (That's what a five star rating is, right?) Very few people disliked it, and nobody gave the "blah" rating of three stars. Take a look at some of the other reviews for what it's about. Personally, I found it intriguing - a great example of the Intelligent Thriller. My girlfriend and I, and the people sitting next to us in the cinema (who we've never met) ended up in this big discussion about it that went on for about half an hour after the movie! It's that sort of film. PS: To analyse films in the same way I did easily, click on the hyperlink at the bottom of a page that says "See all 82 reviews" (or whatever), and then change the drop-down box from Show: Newest First to Show: 5 star reviews. Cheers!
Rating:
Summary: "I have this condition..."
Review: "I have this condition..." I have gone to see Memento two times so far and I have yet to hear a noise in the theatre! What other movie could keep audiences so in thrall? Or is it that I am so into the action of the most amazing movie of the year that I cannot hear them? The plot: By now, everyone has heard of the one about the guy who can't remember anything but who has to find his wife's killer. Although the plot seems deceptively simple at first glance, don't take anything for granted. The many threads of Leonard Shelby's (Guy Pearce) revenge scheme lead into many interesting places, all of which interconnect. This is a tangled web of a movie and repeat viewing can only enhance the pleasure of the discovery. I cannot stress this enough...PAY ATTENTION! There are many hidden clues and facets to Memento that, though they may confuse at first, end up only digging one's mind deeper into the story. There are also subliminal hints in at least 3 scenes (but I can't tell you where they are, that would be cheating ;) ). The form: For all you first-timers, read the paragraph above, and follow it to a tee, especially where the nonlinear story is concerned. Keep notes if you have to, but don't root around in your popcorn or worry about that stain on your jacket - in those precious seconds, some vital piece of Leonard's search was uncovered, and just as quickly, forgotten. The story does indeed go backwards, beginning at the end of Leonard's search, and ending at the beginning of this manhunt. It jumps backwards in approximately 10 minute intervals, each segment ending with the beginning of the preceding sequence. Pay attention to these transitions as well, for in them there are some of the most telling clues. The acting: Oscars all around. Guy Pearce, although reminding one of a young Clint Eastwood, dazzles in one of his first 'leading-man' roles as Leonard Shelby, the "memory-man". His portrayal of a debilitated man drives the story and allows the audience to see both the hard-nosed revenge-seeker and the scared, lost boy that his character has become. He is the perfect killer because he is "not the killer type". Joe Pantoliano almost eclipses the show, though, as Shelby's fast-talking buddy Teddy. Played almost as a continuation of his Matrix character, Cypher, Teddy is a smooth operator. Is he friend or enemy, confidant or killer? Pantoliano has created a character so charismatically two-faced that he could be any of the above, equally. Finally, the third character in this triangular drama is Natalie, played by Carrie-Anne Moss. Decidedly devious about her intentions, Natalie seems to be both caring and malicious to her unique friend. Hint: Watch her face during some important exchanges, you may realize a few minute details that are more than a bit useful. The script: Wow! An American-made movie (albeit with a British director) that actually considers the fact that it has an intelligent audience. The screenplay takes note of the fact that viewers do have brains, and uses this realization to help drive the plot. This would have been a much different movie if the characters had stopped to explain their actions as they are made to do in so many American movies. But this assumption of intelligence also includes the realm of logic. At closer viewing, Memento stands up to the the scrutiny upon it. It pulls no fake punches in the hope of getting a quick gasp out of audiences (see Harry Potter for some of the worst dirty plot twists ever recorded :) ), rather the gasps come from the uncovered reality of Leonard's past. The revealing is done honestly, though, adding more of an effect than any fake hit could. Memento, while working supremely well as a psychological thriller, also works on a metaphorical level. Thinking in this way lends a whole new light on the proceedings, prompting another viewing just to catch the philosophy of the action. As well, the image of a naked, tattooed Guy Pearce standing in front of a mirror, reading his own body is an image I will not soon forget. While not disturbing in a classic sense, the metaphorical meanings and the original art direction and cinematography combine to form many penetrating pictures, many of which will haunt your mind for hours, days after the first viewing. If you are going to see one movie this year, please let it be Memento. It is not an easy movie, probably the tensest 1.75 hours I have ever spent, actually, but absolutely worth it. Also allow yourself extra time, and find a willing ear, so that you can talk the story out afterwards. Pay attention and all will be well. P.S. Don't wait for the VHS or DVD - you will never be able to concentrate as well as in a SILENT theatre with DTS sound - absolutely essential for viewing the most intriguing, exquisite movie this year. And "remember Sammy Jankis".
Rating:
Summary: BEST EVER ... but did you figure it out yet?
Review: I left the theater in the same condition as Leonard ... sifting through disjointed clues, trying to reconstruct the story to understand it. I've been thinking about it for 24 hours, and won't stop until I figure it out. The film is advertised as running "in reverse," from end to beginning. But this isn't entirely true. The color segments run in reverse, but the b&w segments run forward. We're told a complete story from A to Z, but we learn Z first, then A, then Y, then B, then X, then C ... and the two threads come together with a bang at the end of the film, in the middle of the story, just like a single, strong clap of your hands. As Leonard realizes his quest, the b&w segment changes to color ... and we get the last piece of the puzzle.
Rating:
Summary: absolutely a thrill
Review: The "elliptical" story-telling technique in "Memento" made for a riveting and affecting movie-going experience. The focus on how important memories are in sustaining a normal existence was thought provoking. The cast was wonderful to watch and very believable. I plan to see it again. I highly recommend this film!
Rating:
Summary: Like a Computer Game!!!!!!!
Review: Ever played a computer adventure or role playing game that was full of plot twists and turns? A game so compelling that you played for months because of the shear exilleration or exercising your gray matter? Such is the experience of watching this movie! What's remarkable is the top quality of all production values in this "Indi" film. A must see for the thinking minority!
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing change...
Review: In the spirit of "less is more", let me say: As both an avid viewer and also a film-maker, I've watched hundreds of dog turds churned out by Hollywood over the past year. I have to say that this movie gets me jazzed about film-making. Bravo.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensing time, but ...
Review: Coming out of the theater exhausted but exhilarated... I didn't expect that, who was that really, whose side was he on? So that's how he started... Sensing time but it is running the wrong way... How would you know whether or not you had succeeded in a task if you couldn't... What is her role and how did she meet Leonard Shelby... How can you expunge guilt if you cannot remember forgiveness... Who is Sammy Jankis and why do we learn so much about his case? How accurate are Leonard's long term memories... Strange way to start a movie -- dark ambience, graininess... Entering the theater, expecting to be excited by something unusual...
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie I have Ever Seen
Review: Memento is the best movie I have ever seen!
Rating:
Summary: Dark, deep, and grand
Review: Nothing needs to be added to what others have said about the remarkable structure of this film, its intelligent script, and its fine performances. It's a bit depressing that only a few of the film's major characters (and there aren't many important characters in this film) are not utterly despicable-and there are surprises even about some of these. Carrie-Anne Moss is so beautiful that one wishes her character weren't loathsome. Thematically, this film reminds one of the Fifties-the days when "existentialism" was (to use Jimmy Durante's phrase) "duh toast of duh intellectuals." Specifically, the movie's about what Sartre called "mauvaise foi," literally (and misleadingly) translated as "bad faith," but more accurately rendered as "self-deception." In this, as in the use of an unusual and provocative narrative structure, MEMENTO reminds one of another excellent (but ultimately far less dark) film about crime: Kurosawa's RASHOMON.
Rating:
Summary: greatest movie.........ever
Review: This movie has it all, great plot, great characters, great direction, and an excellent cast. From the beginning of the film to the end, you care about what will happen to Leonard. Overall this is an absolutly flawless movie that should take its place next to Pulp Fiction and Pi as one of the greatest independant films of all time.
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