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Summary: PLEASANTVILLE proves to be both COOL and SWELL!
Review: Question: What happens when two typically jaded 90's kids meet up with the hot-breakfast-loving cast of "Leave It To Beaver"? Answer: You get, PLEASANTVILLE! In order to truly enjoy this unique, one of a kind film, you must first suspend all reality and just allow yourself to "go with the flow." Once you accomplish this, however,you are in for a treat! In the movie, two contemporary teenagers are "sucked" into a 1950's black and white sitcom that takes place in (where else?)totally bland suburbia! While there, the kids, with their sophisticated ideas and refusal to adhere to their assigned "scripts" manage to turn this two-road town upside down, (in addition to turning black and white into living color)! As the teens help the repressed citizens of Pleasantville "discover" their real potential,they also end up coming away with some valuable insight into themselves! An extrememly engaging film, bursting with satirical humor and funny peeks into the world of TV sitcoms! Definitely worth seeing!
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Summary: Feel good? Feel great!
Review: A superb - no, a superlative movie. True touches of classic movie-making from Ross, as he explores the human psyche and change in an accessible and entertaining way. Tobey Maguire isn't the strongest lead, but the supporting cast is simply stunning. Special effects do all they are asked and more - and check out a great score from Randy Newman. A thinking man's feelgood movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Very good, but could've been better
Review: The effects were great, Witherspoon's and Joan Allen's performances were brilliant. However, is there anything more annoying than a saintly person who has ALL the answers to ALL of life's mysteries? That is what is presented in this film in the main character. The only time it has ever worked was Yoda. Excise his all-knowing, preachy goodness and you have a great, incisive film. His character lobs off a star and a half.
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Summary: Pleasantville Reflects '50's&'60's
Review: In reading some of the other personal reviews, I felt it necessary to respond. This film was not just a fairy tale. Yes, it does say Once Upon a Time at the beginning, but that is not the point. The point of the film is that it is okay to be different, to teach, to learn, to escape the everyday, to wander, to search, to discover, to hope, to dream and to change. This film wasn't just some funny comedy with some tenderness thrown in for effect. Pleasantville gives us retrospect on the civil unrest that was happening, racially, in the United States during the 50's and the 60's when desegregation was taking place. Life imitates art and art imitates life. Reese was wonderful as always. Toby was interesting. William H. Macy was outstanding. This film is certainly a 5 star.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: This movie was very good and funny. I liked it a lot. The cast was put together well. Anyone will like this movie. Go buy it!
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Summary: It's only a movie!
Review: I thought this was a great movie when I saw it in a movie theater a year ago. I just bought the widescreen VHS and have watched it several times at home. Yeah, it's a little preachy and it slows a bit at the end, but it's faults are minor compared to all its wonderful attributes. Imagination, music, visual, and intriging story line. Even heard Mister Blue by the Fleetwoods from the fifties. Too bad it didn't make it to the soundtrack. Gary Ross has produced a terrific movie. A great fairy tale for adults. Didn't anyone notice its 'ONCE UPON A TIME' beginning statement. Wonderful story with great, great performances from all; especially Reese Witherspoon, William Macy and Don Knotts. For all those up tight individuals who take offense at the so called left wing liberal message, get over it; after all its just a movie! Any movie that can generate the large number of viewer responses this one has must have something going for it.
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Summary: A perfectly constructed movie, an instant classic
Review: My heavens, what's all the controversy about the message? I don't see how any American could not understand and be in sympathy.But forget all that nonsense, this is a movie to be enjoyed. Perfectly paced, perfectly cast. Sometimes, maybe by accident, a movie is made where everything is just right. There's no need to say more about the cast or the dialogue. See it, own it, make sure your kids have it too, along with all the classics. Not for the harmless and obvious message, but because it's a gentle work of fine art that will nurture the character of anyone who sees it.
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Summary: pleasantly good
Review: I 13 years of age loved it and everything in it! go get it today
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Summary: Very interesting.....
Review: Okay, I have read through all 140 reviews by people who see this movie as Communist, biblical, whimisical, Satanistic, etc... But to be frank a movie is a movie is a movie, of course, of course. While this movie is rather heavy on the symbolism, it's still a movie and is not indicative of the degradation of American morals, nor those of the world in general. I for one enjoyed this movie, and would see it again willingly. I suggest to all the "deep-thinkers" out there to watch the movie again without searching for symbolism, without preparing to give your opinion. Just watch the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent...One of My All-Time Favorites!
Review: Pardon my enthusiasm, but "Pleasantville" has to be one of the movies I'd take with me to a desert island if I could only take a VCR and a handful of movies with me. The only problem I have is a minor one with the message of this movie. What is it trying to say? Some think that it is promoting a liberal or communist agenda (Murray, KY, you're an idiot!), and one might discern a rebuke of racism (remember the "No Service to Coloreds" sign?). It also seems to be saying that if you use your imagination and allow for the possibility of change, you and your world will change along with it. The cast is excellent and turns in very good performances. Keep your eye on Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire - I predict more good performances from them both. Jeff Bridges and Joan Allen are as usual excellent in this movie, and William H. Macy showcases his considerable talents as the best character actor of this decade. This movie also marks the final performance of another great character actor, the great J.T. Walsh, who died while the movie was in post-production. The cinematography and special effects of this movies are simply breathtaking, especially when the town changes from black and white to color, and the music is beautifully scored by Randy Newman. This movie had an average box-office run which might have been better with more promotion, but I strongly recommend you check it out!
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