Rating: 
Summary: A masterful celebration of the human spirit
Review: Pleasantville is about the bursting forth of the human spirit. It is not about morals or particular ethical systems that you may or may not approve of, and it has absolutely no political agenda. People who criticize this movie because the boys who attacked Joan Allen's character didn't turn color but Bud did when he defended his mother entirely missed the point. The boys didn't turn color because their actions reinforced their utterly static lives and stagnant spirit. Bud turned color because he suddenly let go and allowed his human spirit to burst forth. I've seen thousands of films, and few have moved me as deeply as this one has (Shawshank Redemption is one of them). I have watched it five times now, and it is so beautiful that it reduces me to a quivering pulp every time I see it. The ending, with the three of them on the park bench was perfect. They didn't know what was going to happen next, for the first time in their lives, and they were ecstatic because of it! That is what life is all about: the unlimited possibilities, and opening oneself up to them. The most profoundly moving spot in the movie for me occurs when the camera pans over to Mary Sue as she sleeps the next morning after rebuffing her boy friend, so she could continue reading her classic, and she is in color. It isn't anything in particular that causes the color change in this movie. It isn't sex in her case, as she discovers (she already has plenty of that), but simply the opening up of herself to the possibilities of her being. The central message of this movie makes all criticisms of it because it is "unrealistic," or "it could never happen," ridiculous, and demonstrates that the message in this movie sailed right over the reviewer's head. This is an allegory, and the "impossible" aspects of this movie are used only to serve its allegorical intentions.
Rating:
Summary: the most underrated film of 98
Review: Gary Ross' Pleasantville is a triumph of human spirit and a reminder of the beauty of our society, as well as its problems. The symbolism of a black-and-white world view versus color is applies magnificently to the fears of those in our world who are on top that they may eventually be displaced by newcomers, people of other colors and ideas. Pleasantville is thought-provoking, inspiring, and above all, a brilliantly made movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Insults the intelligence of any average human being.
Review: This movie is an embarrassment. The movie has a great premise, but the storyline jumps around seemingly trying to analyze every human problem. The slut(Reese Witherspoon) reads one book and becomes a nice girl. What message was 'Pleasantville' sending when the boy punches someone to gain color? Gary Ross tries to address all racial injustices with 25 minutes of the movie; the "No Coloreds" sign is a slap in the face, and almost as bad is the shameless rip-off of the 'To Kill a Mockingbird' court scene. With its many shallow attempts at depth, Pleasantville is an insult to all good movies.
Rating:
Summary: Thought provoker
Review: How can Marshall Fine claim "Pleasantville" was hyped by many critics just for it's spectacular effects? Yes, the technological wonders of this movie is marvelous. But, there is lot more to this movie than just great special effects. Whether you agree or disagree with symbolism and messages in "pleasantville" to real life, you have to agree that it makes you think. If you prefer your movies to be "no Brainer" with just great visuals and audios, then there are many movies to satisfy your needs. But, if you prefer to leave your "thinking cap" on, maybe even discuss your thoughts with others about the movie afterwards, then this is a movie for you. As an extra bonus, you get stunning visual and audio as well in "pleasantville".
Rating:
Summary: The Code of the '50's
Review: I just saw Pleasantville for the second time. I cannot remember one imperfect shot. This film works on many different levels. Everything in this film is great.
Rating:
Summary: A true suprise!
Review: When I rented this movie, I expected to see a spoof of the "Leave it to Beaver" type programming of the late 50's. Instead, I was given something much deeper. It was a movie that touched me with it's message and its characters! See this movie!
Rating: 
Summary: Two star - not a Buy.
Review: This movie deserved two star max. It is NOT entertaining and it is NOT thought-provoking. The movie also try to get some messages about freedom of speech and free thinking across but does not do it well. The movie Big (Starring Tom Hank)is one of my favorite so I bought Pleasantville before I watch it..... big disappointment. I realize that people have different test about movie so I'm gonna give mine for reference..... example : I LIKE : Dead Poet Society, Defending Your Life, Baby Boom, Four Wedding and a Funeral, Ransom, Matrix, Pretty Woman I HATE : Armageddon, Face Off, Con Air I Dislike : You've got mail, My best friend edding, and Pleasantville. I read the comment from viewers below that gave the movie one or two stars before I buy and I thought they were over reacted .... to my regret... I read them again after I watched the movie and find myself agree with much of what they've said. If you have not seen it I'd say you don't miss anything much.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST of 1998
Review: Now whether or not anyone else thinks similarly, it remains to be seen. This is an absolute masterpiece that will be forgotten by all others that thought it too unrealistic or whatever. All right, it would never happen, well, never is a long time. It might, but that's beside the point. The point is that Gary Ross made the movie insanely perfect, and it is as perfect as Saving Ryan's Privates or Will Shakespeare For Love. It's just too bad that the two best movies of 1998, Pleasantville and The Truman Show, will never get the recognition both deserve.And when they would, people wouldn't be so dumb afterall.
Rating:
Summary: Carl Jung would have loved it!
Review: I cried throughout this movie as I watched the characters embrace their latent "elan vital." To answer those who were puzzled by the mob members, and also the boys pursuing Joan Allen's character, failing to turn to color have missed an important point in the movie, and most likely, in life. The spirit in which they performed these actions was merely a vehement paroxysm AGAINST change. It was hate, not love. It was the will to CONTRACT reality, not to EXPAND it. Don Knotts was irritating, and the very end was inexplicable, but otherwise this movie conveyed meanings which elude our notice more often than not. I disagree strongly with the reviews which suggest that the movie has a specific political agenda. In fact, I can only imagine that a person who strongly identifies with the sullen inertia of the b&w characters, indeed a person who recoils from their whole spectrum of instincts (ranging from sexual to mystical) and emotions, could dislike this film. I consider it a direct communication from God (almost :) )
Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking metaphor of the creation story.
Review: The best line: "Where's my dinner!?" when, as life changes from black and white to colored, dad arrives home from a long day at work to find nobody home. See this movie. Trust me.
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