Rating: Summary: The plot kills me! I can see myself in the same situation! Review: I realize that finding lost money is a bit far fetched, but the intricacies of the movie pull you forward. When you watch the characters continue down the spiral, you can only see yourself in the same situation. No matter how you feel about stealing and murder, most people, I believe, would follow a similar path to protect their loved ones and to protect the loot. The movie is so down to earth, yet nobody ever considers what they would do in the same situation. One would be foolish not to take the money, but they would be even more foolish if they didn't do what was necessary to save themselves.
Rating: Summary: PAXTON AND THORNTON ARE BRILLIANT! A "SIMPLE" MASTERPIECE! Review: "A Simple Plan" is quite possibly my favorite movie of all time. The movie takes us through a dark and foreboding ride through the darkness of the human soul. The consequences of greed unfold perfectly, all of them attached with a questionable resolution, and when the problem is solved you are forced to think if you would have done that same thing had you been in Paxton's position. I read the book first and loved it, and then became tentative as to whether I should rent the film, afraid that it would seem lame in comparison. I was surprised but pleased with the outcome. The movie was as good (if not better) than the book. Sam Raimi did an excellent job directing and Scott Smith did a wonderful job converting his novel to the screen. "A Simple Plan" is a great film that should definitely be on everyone's Top 10 List.
Rating: Summary: an excellent and absorbing movie Review: I admit it, I saw the movie first, then read the book, which was good. The movie can stand alone as a provocative, wonderfully acted morality play, BUT, had I read the book FIRST, I would have been disappointed at the license taken regarding the motivation behind one of the killings. (I'm not giving anything away here. You'll know what I'm referring to if you've read the book and seen the movie.) Billy Bob Thornton was absolutely brilliant in this movie; his last scene stayed with me for days. Maybe the most horrific thing about this story is that it truly seems like it could happen.
Rating: Summary: So-So Review: The movie had too many holes, and not enough character development (ie it never really makes you like or hate anyone, maybe that was the intent?). Anyhow the way some of the situtations were handled were just plain stupid, they really insulted my intelligence a lot. The saving graces were some good plot twists, especially the ending as a whole (although completely unrealistic in every regard). Not a bad movie to watch, if you have some free time to kill.
Rating: Summary: Good.. but One Advice: Read the Book First! Review: This film is based on Scott Smith's best selling novel of the same title. The movie was well made and features some very fine actors, but it did not capture the true emotions and essence found in the book. What's more - the film-maker liberally changed some of the scenes, and these came out somewhat not right... as a result, those of us who have read the book first may not enjoy the movie fully. For instance, one crucial scene where one of the major characters got killed was changed dramatically, and the movie skipped the scene where the wife (played by Bridget Fonda) spent one of the $100 bill on champagne, and Hank had to kill the shop cashier and an old lady just to get back the $100 bill. If you liked the movie, you're sure to enjoy the book more. If you haven't seen this movie, then I urge you to read the book first, and compare it with the movie. I believe you'll understand the characters' emotions and thoughts better only after reading the book.Note: Billy Bob Thornton (who plays "Jacob") was nominated this year in the Oscars Best Supporting Actor category for his role in the movie. He didn't win, though.
Rating: Summary: Worth A Watch. Review: A Simple Plan was pretty good and worth the watch. This movie is quite dark and depressing. It shows just how people let themselves become corrupt by money. A Simple Plan is a good lesson in showing that money doesn't guarantee happiness. The acting was good also. This is worth a watch.
Rating: Summary: ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE 90s. Review: 'A SIMPLE PLAN' is a contemporary masterpiece. The story concerns two brothers and a friend who discover over $4,000 in unmarked bills in the wreckage of a small plane. Soon their own greed, suspicion, and paranoia set in which leads to murders and cover-ups. Driven by remarkable performances and symbolic, chilling cinematography, the suspense never lets up. What impressed me most about this stark neo-noir was the human characters, created to be so real that you feel like you know them. The writing is brilliant too, full of power which increases the brooding mood. Probing deep into moral ambiguity unlike any film of recent years, don't miss 'A SIMPLE PLAN'-its one of the greatest!
Rating: Summary: A Simple Truth about human nature Review: Well, what can I say? An incredibly impacting movie, it's a look into the root of human nature,... Greed,... and the way it both feeds and eats away at our souls. I've been a Sam Raimi fan for some time (after my friends first introduced me to a little film called "Army of Darkness"), so admittedly, I was a bit biased. But if I can be allowed a moment of objectivity (and I know I won't seem sincerely impartial once you read this hi-praising review), this has got to be one of the most chilling movies I've seen all year. Amazing cast performances. Billy Bob was brilliant. (tongue-twister alert.) Very believable script. The changes in characterization were subtle, gradual and realistic (...and often shocking, as with Bridget Fonda's character). Haunting music by Danny Elfman. And of course, there's good ol' Sam. Mr. Raimi is undoubtedly one of the most underrated directors of today, and its really a shame that he has to go "mainstream" to get any kind of attention. (He was a tad reserved in this film... No Sam-o-cam.) Only one complaint... Where's Bruce Campbell, Sam? Oh wait, that's a question, not a complaint. Anyway, I give the movie 5 stars (*****), and this review 1 star(*). And in closing, remember to ask yourself just one question upon finishing this movie. For what price would you be willing to sell your soul?
Rating: Summary: It shows you what greed can do.... Review: I enjoyed this movie very much. The acting was great. I sat still through the whole thing, it kept me interested. I like that in a movie. Along with some of the other comments, the only thing I can find wrong with the movie is how quickly the actors turn bad and do bad things. But hey...what would you do? It makes you think. I don't think anyone could watch this movie without putting theirselves in the actors places and wondering how they would react to the same scenerio.
Rating: Summary: I dunno... Review: I suppose the biggest problem is that, while it's evidently supposed to be a neat little morality play about how greed corrupts and whatnot, it never really humanized the characters before daemonizing them. There are numerous problems of believability beyond that, but it doesn't really matter--the film just lays it on too thick to really get anywhere. Yeah, Thornton is quite good (surely the author was influenced by Of Mice and Men), but all in all it's just sorta goofy. Ah well.
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