Rating: 
Summary: The perfect movie for the holidays!
Review: This film is wonderful!, it makes you think, about how technology is dominating our world today, the book of life computer it's an example, i love it, i just buy it, it's the best film by Hartley!.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent New Years Eve Movie
Review: This is a superb film by Hal Hartley. Part of a European project on views of the millenium, Hartley submits a film that only an American could make. It is very slick, due in part to his use of digital film. The music complements the scenes perfectly (and the soundtrack makes a great CD too!). The movie traces an introspective Jesus on New Years Eve trying to end the world (think of it as the old black and white The Horn Blows and Midnight redone for the 21st century). In presenting the story the movie is a travelogue for NYC- and has an excellent NY feel- from the hotel bar, to the times square music store, to the Russian restaurant (note that the lights say TRUTH and FAITH in Russian) and in the street. It is uniquely American (in the millenium film group) in that it plays off the city, the law, and the business deal to make its point. This movie humanises Jesus, but at the same time avoids the intentional controversy around, say, a Last Temptation of Christ. In addition, the character of the devil is really a joy to watch. This movie will make you think. The only weakness is a rather sappy ending. I suppose it is a tricky film to end, but I found all but the last 5 minutes on the staten island ferry to be wonderful, but those last five were really not worthy of the rest of the film.
Rating:
Summary: A deep expression of pre-milennial tension
Review: This was a very moving and thoughtful film. Films such as this have a way of altering my emotions. While some parts were quite depressing, the music and the moments of wit (Edie was the character who especially made me smile) lifted my spirits, and as it approached a close it gained more clarity of message and ended on a positive note. To speak of specific scenes, there is a scene in which Magdalena is on headphones singing along with the music that I found quite striking and breathtaking. Other parts include long, deep religious dialogue that one has to be in the right mood for, however. And of course, the symbolism of the film showed very intelligent writing and was quite enjoyable. I got a lot out of it, and I can't wait to watch it for a second time to catch everything I missed the first time. The turn of events in the end was especially symbolic of the state we're in as we start out a new milennium, and to summarize it, that's what this film was all about: the tension and mixed emotions about the future of humanity, as we move into a more and more technology-based future. P.S. I'd strongly recommend you buy the soundtrack as well. The absolutely amazing music was the reason I chose to buy this film in the first place.
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful, provocative, funny
Review: Unable to find a rental, I broke down and bought this film, and am delighted that I did. I've seen Martin Donovan only once before, in Onegin. I thought he was British! Surprise! There are so many great scenes and lines in The Book of Life, it would be impossible and unfair to list them all and I couldn't do it justice anyway. Jesus is portrayed as happy to be back among human beings helpless as they (we) are; he's compassionate, but weary of the job he's been charged to do. Who wouldn't be? And, God's kicked him out of heaven, for some reason which was not clear, or perhaps I missed. Another reason to be weary! Jesus and the devil have it out in a most amazing scene. Listen carefully, there are some great lines that are almost thrown away. I have one complaint that has to do with a common and incorrect reading of Scripture. Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute. She was possessed by demons which Jesus cast out, but she was NOT a prostitute. That was another woman. . . This was also my first Hal Hartly film, and while I loved the antics, and interesting movements of the actors, the soundtrack, (P.J. Harvey singing "To Sir With Love" in the record store), I was a little put off by the "ethereal" cameras. It definitely worked for certain moments, but I felt that it was somewhat distracting, and I wish this technique had been used a little less. I'm one of those whose optical nervous system can't handle broad sweeps or quick, jerky movements of camera work. Otherwise I give this film top rating, and am a new Hal Hartley fan.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and totally unique
Review: Watching this film is in many ways like watching a dream that somehow makes sense. The camera work and casting are inspired, the script is wonderful, and the soundtrack fits the images perfectly. A real gem.
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