Rating: 
Summary: no talent here
Review: Bad movie. Not even worth the five bucks to rent. I had to force myself to sit through the whole thing -- hoping for some redeeming quality to come forth. Very disappointing. Story line is shaky, at best.
Rating:
Summary: WHat movie did you guys watch?
Review: So many positive reviews for this film. it was one of the worstmovies I have ever had the displeasure of seeing, Matt Damon ... did an ok acting job. thats as far as the positives goes.. The plot is just ridulas everyone else looked more like fools trying to act. by the way did I mention how Horribal that Plot was.. Normally I'd say rent this movie before buying it, But dont even bother, its not worth the 4 bucks for one viewing let alone multiple ones.
Rating: 
Summary: i love this movie
Review: I've been reading people's reviews for The Talented Mr. Ripley and can't understand why a lot of people found this movie so boring. I was never once bored while watching this movie and have watched it multiple times now. I guess if you were looking for a pure action type thriller then this is the wrong movie cause it is so much more than that. I found myself on the edge of my seat after Tom killed Dickey and assumed his identity. I actually was hoping nobody would find out that he did it cause i hated how Dickey was his best friend at one time then all of a sudden didn't want to have anything to do with him. Some people said in their review that Tom killed Dickey because he wanted to use his identity for himself which isn't the case. He wanted to be like him,yes, but what he wanted more was his friendship. Dickie lost interest in him and actually was the one that started the violence and caused his own death. Tom didn't want to kill him. Tom hitting him in the face was caused by Dickie's harsh words and actions. It was more of a reflex by Tom and he felt sympathy right after. Dickie sat there in shock for a moment while bleeding on the side of his face and then attacked Tom giving him no choice but to kill Dickie. Also someone said that Tom should have left Rome once Meredeth showed up but i guess they didn't understand Tom's obsession with Dickie's life and how he thought it was better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody. Cause that's all he was anywhere else.
Rating: 
Summary: Still trying to get it.
Review: Don't get me wrong I got the story, but the one ? I have is why. Why is this man making it his life to be someone else. The story just went on and on. From one lover to the next. I was surprised that he never got caught. Got close, but no luck, because I really wanted him to get caught, because he thought he was good. Matt Damon did a good job of acting and so did Gwenth Palthrow (excuse the spelling). The set was boring and the town was dull. But if you like crazy movies that make you say Huh! Then you will enjoy this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Well done, but depressing dark movie
Review: There are a lot of things to like about this movie, but unfortunately they are all superficial. First, the scenery is beautiful. 1950's Italy looks like an incredible place to live and provides a compelling backdrop for the actions of the characters. Second, all of the actors give great performances. Gwyneth Paltrow steals the show with her sympathetic performance. Blanchette and Hoffman are good and so is Damon as the evil Ripley. Law turns in a great performance as the victim of Damon's schemes. Then what is wrong about this movie? First, homosexuality is a big theme in this movie, which might turn some people off. Second, this is not a typical thriller so don't expect the typical good guy vs. bad guy ending. While the ending makes sense, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. My advice is to know what to expect before you watch this movie. If you enjoy these kind of artsy movies then this is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Yawn....At least Paltrow looks fabulous...
Review: The movie centers around Tom Ripley, who is squeaking a living and then is hired by shipping Magnate Mr. Greenleaf to go to Italy and bring back his decadent son Dickie (who is played well by Jude Law). With $1000 in his pocket and con-artist mentality, Tom goes to 1950's Italy and finds Dickie and his girlfriend Marge (played fetchingly by Paltrow). He worms his way into their life by emulating their blue-blood mannerisms and history, but he is easily found out, and when Dickie finds out this fraud, becomes bored with his needy tendancies and wants nothing more to do with him, Ripley kills him in a rage, based mostly on his insecurities and Dickie's rejection of him sexually. Now the game begins where Ripley begins to assume Greenleaf's identity, using his name to gain influence with and use other blue bloods like Meredith (played with real human dignity by Cate Blanchett, who Ripley uses then dumps). However, the police are closing in and the others in Dickie's circle of friends (like Freddie and Marge herself) are beginning to suspect that Ripley has done something sinister and is leading them around as well. The acting is all first rate here, from Jude Law playing Dickie who is shallow, yet likeable and has magnetic charisma, to Matt Damon who starts off as this fresh, All American kid but his dark side slowly takes over his personality and demeanor. The secondary characters played by Paltrow, Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman do an excellent job playing the people in the upper echelons of society. However, this movie is also boring and ponderous. It seems to take forever to get things started. This movie could have been 10 minutes shorter and would have tightened up everything. Overall this movie is a good movie rental but for my personal tastes, it is not worth buying. However, if you are a Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow or Jude Law fan, this movie may just be for you. This is movie that is slow, but has solid acting and beautiful scenery....Rating: C+
Rating:
Summary: The Burgeoning Ruse Of A Brilliant Con
Review: I have not thoroughly read Patricia Highsmith's highly acclaimed novel, but I can guarantee that even though this movie was an engrossing dive into the machinations of an unintended criminal mind, it does not compare to the impact of detail a book can create. This fact aside, I thought everyone in this movie (with the exception of minor roles) was excellent, especially Jude Law, even though he was only present for the first hour of the film. The performances are well-crafted and aimed to discern themselves from genuine and amiable personalities. Of course everyone in the tale is despicable! If they were all decent human beings, it wouldn't be interesting. First off, we have Matt Damon in the title role, a young gay man looking for his slot in life with a penchant for deception. You find out soon enough that the name Tom Ripley is simply one of his many aliases he uses to snake his way into beneficial situations. He assumes many identities, becoming a doppleganger of sorts in a simplistic environment where every move he makes, every word he says and every appearance he manifests is utterly and undeniably credible and influential. Men like this are frightening, and Ripley is a force to be reckoned with, an impulsive and unrepentant being deriding our subsequently modern society. Despite his unabashed approach to establishing valuable connections, he is surprisingly withdrawn and extremely discontent with his own image. His dynamic leaps into other people's existences are his escape from that which he despises the most: himself. The site of this story is stationed mainly in fictional Mongibello, Italy, circa 1958. Minghella recreates the most remote parts of Italy and transforms them into a rustic and breathtaking environment, reminiscent of a time when it was more of a paradise than a tourist attraction. Verdant blossoms and ivy-swabbed houses and buildings create a dated and sophisticated look for the lavish set of "Ripley", making it enjoyable to watch not only for its character depth but also for the lush and picturesque scenery. It all begins at an outdoor party with our faithful fraud playing a piano, his back to the camera, wearing a chic college sweater. Perusing and schmoozing among the crowd is Herbert Greenleaf, a stoic and shady presence made of money and power. He strikes up a conversation with the young man and notices his sweater has a Princeton logo emblazoned on the front. This is the key that unlocks the first of many doors for Ripley, a key that will send him to Italy in search of Dickie Greenleaf, Herbert's obstinate and impetuous son. In return for Tom's subjugation of Dickie are a $1000 prize and most certainly a seat in Herbert's prestigious social circle. Tom readily agrees and packs his bags, carefully studying Dickie's musical interests among other things in the weeks before his departure. Upon arrival in Mongibello, Tom puts on civil and amicable airs, introducing himself to Dickie and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood, an aspiring novelist. The two of them are enchanted by Tom's subtlety and good graces, inviting him to stay in their luxurious domicile overlooking the deep blue ripple of the Mediterranean. Tom watches them closely, acquiring Dickie's mannerisms and love for adventure, accompanying him on many spontaneous outings. It becomes quite clear in the time that they spend together that Tom is more than genial towards Dickie, and the moment he tries to advance upon him romantically, Dickie reciprocates with harsh rejection and stinging insults. Here comes the plot twist, and from this point on, Tom is caught between his established identity as an unassuming and demure individual and the delicious taste of Dickie's enviable lifestyle. In rating the performances, Jude and Matt were my prime picks for most intriguing performances, not only for their natural talent but also for the unwavering commitment to the perfection of their characters. Jude is a formidable presence on screen, playing the idyllic high-nosed snob in an iconoclast society. Dickie is a man who lives for the moment, finding his ecstasy in fleeting moments of inspiration, whether it be with instruments or lovers. He's not a man of many redeeming qualities, but then again no one in this film is except for maybe Marge, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. This is a complete %180 from the female empowering roles she's had in the past, the most notable being her Oscar-winning turn as the poetically inspired, theatrically driven free spirit Viola de Lessups in "Shakespeare In Love". She's unbelievably gullible as Marge, a bit pitiful in her infinite kindness towards strangers and grudgingly accepting of Dickie's flighty nature. I almost don't think the role was worthy of her time or talent, but nonetheless, she did a good job. It's just a little hard for me to believe that it took Marge that long to figure out Tom Ripley's twisted game. Who I really thought was outstanding was Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing Dickie's pompous and uncouth acquaintance Freddie Miles. Philip has played the role of the snot-nosed prep before, the first one I can think of being George Willis Jr., the spoiled son of a wealthy businessman, a solid member of the wealthiest clique attending a prestigious prep school. Of course, Freddie is worse by far, caring nothing of what he says or does and how it affects those around him. He is a boil on the butt of humanity, purposely belittling others to define his own importance. You watch him, you listen to him, and you immediately begin to detest him. Philip couldn't have played it better! Cate Blanchett was mediocre as Meredith Logue, a fellow spoiled rich kid from old money. Her character was merely a plot device, someone who showed up just when things were working out for Tom. She was a rubber band that snapped him into action when he least expected it, forcing him to improvise. It was interesting to watch Tom fumble about and think fast, but there are so many other actresses who could've played the part equally or better. My only qualm with this film is the length that it takes to reach its climax. Clocking in at nearly 2.5 hours, you wonder if all the him-hawing about is actually necessary. This film is metaphorical in its essence, including the scene where Ripley is riding a motorbike through a busy alley and is unnerved by guilty conscience as Dickie's face appears in every reflection of glass and mirror he crosses. It all ends with a lingering camera angle of Ripley sitting upon a bed, his image reflected infinitely in the mirrored opening over before the doors finaly close on him for the last time. Darkly poetic and allegorical, Minghella lends that feathery touch to film that Highsmith's richly textured prose was meant to convey. All in all, this is an enthralling story with strong performances and exceptional cinematography. An "A" in my book and a five-star rating for Amazon members interested in an exquisite piece of filmmaking.
Rating:
Summary: Eye-pleasing!
Review: The plot, while interesting on its own, might be one of the last things to be enjoyed about this film. First and foremost, it is visually titillating. I cannot vouch for the authenticity of its portrayal of Italy several decades ago but the gorgeous scenery is simply mesmerizing. Practically every outdoor scene is breathtakingly beautiful. The very elegant and novel visual cinematic effects enhance the overall impact. Jude Law has a very powerful presence, with Damon following in his tracks (as an actor, and, literally - as Mr.Ripley, the character), and Paltrow slipping into pitiful over-the-top dramatic oblivion towards the end of the movie. The 'Tu Vuo' Fa L'Americano' scene in the bar is a definite highlight of the film. Like so few films do, _The Talented Mr.Ripley_ transports you into another world and makes you long for return to it.
Rating:
Summary: When Will It End?
Review: Have you ever watched a movie and got upset because you thought it was about to end, then were pleasantly surprised that it didn't end? Well..... you won't see that here. Unfortunately when you think the movie is ending, you are hoping that it does..... but it doesn't. It's like a bad energizer bunny and keeps going and going. Beautiful scenery doesn't even help this movie move along as there is minimal action and hardly any suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. It takes too long to get into the "meat" of the movie and too long to fininsh it.
Rating: 
Summary: the rustling of the leaves
Review: As I was watching the film, I was constantly reminded of the old Luther quote: "the sinner is frightened by the rustling of the leaves." This film is about the piling on of lies and the consequences thereof. It is interesting from that moralistic point of view. I would consider it a modern-day morality play. No matter what Ripley gets away with (lies, etc), he is constantly haunted by his conscience. Superb acting, a top-notch cast. Jude Law's big break. We shall be seeing a lot of him in the future. Gweneth Paltrow does well in a supporting role. Her elegance and charisma doesn't overwhelm the other players.
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