Rating: 
Summary: Undeserving
Review: This movie left such a bad taste in my mouth that I'm compelled to write an online review. Jeezz....talk about manipulation! This "film" is full of "plot points" that are supposed to move the story to its ultimate "happy-ending" conclusion. Instead, I felt maniplated and cheated. Halle Berry basically receives all of her acclaim from being physically beautiful. To me, she is always "acting"--nothing in this perfromance is real. It's all about screaming and crying---the stuff that Academy Voters adore...
Rating: 
Summary: Societal, human emotions at their most raw
Review: Halle Berrie's accomplishment as the first African-American to win a Best Actress Oscar may have eclipsed the substance of this film, and that may be unfortunate to some extent. Here, Berrie's character of Leticia Musgrove is about to become widowed by way of her husband's execution by the Georgia Department of Corrections. In its wake, Leticia is drawn to Billy Bob Thornton's character of Hank Grotowski, a correctional officer who assists in the execution. Their attraction is strengthened but strained on both personal and social levels by the deaths of their respective children. What follows for both is an uncertain journey that evokes questions about racism, the inequities of the criminal justice system and the South's unspoken social disdain for interacial coupling. Director Marc Forster could easily have doomed his film to being another unremarkable social commentary but manages a stellar but unsettling film of substance with incredible character development. Neither Berrie nor Thornton's characters elicit much sympathy at film's start, but we actually come to feel some empathy for their lost souls and get some hope for their redemption in the film's last line, from Thornton: "I think we're gonna be alright." Not only is "Monster's Ball" difficult to watch, it's wrenching, and some scenes may actually shock, especially the one in which Berrie physically abuses her son for being overweight. In the end, though, Berrie does emerge from some kind of moral ambiguity to try to begin anew, and her performance is truly astonishing. But Thornton is no less so, and he is simply riveting! Here, he gives us yet another dimension of his obviously multi-faceted talent, and we come to feel nothing but empathy and respect for his character. More than a anti-comment on social and racial inequities, "Monster's Ball" makes that comment all the more powerful by giving us characters of incredible realism.
Rating:
Summary: Thin Plot But Stunning Performances
Review: Neither Billy Bob Thornton nor Halle Berry are among actors whose movies I flock to see, but their performances in this film are no less than extraordinary. Berry in particular sheds her usual one-note theatrics to inhabit a character so blisteringly real it's almost impossible to believe this is the same actress that made "Swordfish"; she deservedly won an Academy Award for her portrayal here. Peter Boyle and Heath Ledger give effective performances in smaller roles, and even P. Diddy himself manages to do more than stare blankly with mouth agape. The Raymond Carver-esque story intertwines a series of tragedies stemming from an execution, all of which could become camp if it weren't for the capable approach of director Marc Forster. Though the plot is pretty thin--the only real weakness to the film--characters and performances are strong enough to keep the momentum going. Even the infamous steamy sex scene packs a wallop, both for its gutsiness and for the savvy of the actors (the lovely Berry again deserves kudos for finding the emotional center of her character in what might otherwise have seemed an exploitative scene). It's rare that I would characterize a film as raw and honest, but these are two words that definitely apply to "Monster's Ball," and I'm eagerly awaiting the next projects from Thornton and Berry.
Rating: 
Summary: To watch or not to watch
Review: Well, the fuss finally brought me to watch the inevitable -- the performance which won Halle Berry her Oscar. I don't know if this was Oscar-calibre performance, but I did like her portrayal of this seemingly doomed character from the start. As for Billy Bob, he was typically on par with his Southern drawl and scratchy, violently potential look on his face. It seems he can't escape from these kinds of roles, but he does do them quite nicely.As to the movie en masse, its messages seemed to be a little over-the-top in their effort to tell us all the three lessons we should eventually take away from this movie: 1) Being a member of an execution squad is difficult, 2) Black and white people should get along, and 3) Love your children and wives, no matter who you would like them to be. Any other existential or naturalistic moral which one is supposed to extract from this blatantly violent and dreary picture is lost on me upon my initial viewing. It was not Oscar-worthy, but it was a movie that had a reason for existence, I suppose.
Rating:
Summary: a film of few words and few conclusions
Review: I find it difficult to come to any conclusions about this film. I found myself wanting so much more information throughout the film--so much more dialogue, so much more backstory--and it left me wanting. but I wonder if this was the intention? Yet, I do admire that it is one of the few movies that I've seen that shows that change is gradual. sometimes it is the smallest, most seemingly inconsequential things that help one to overcome the ruts we've buried ourselves in. So, the very things that made me uncomfortable as a viewer, I also admired. I admired that they wouldn't spoon feed me with pat answers and long soliloquies of why this happened or what everyone was feeling. I admired that it took the risk of being so dang uncomfortable. The much mentioned sex scene--that was long. and a little gratutious. almost as if they decided that after the starkness and brutality we had seen up until this point, we needed to be won over by some t and a. yet, I also felt that it was one of the most obvious displays of the characters' desperation. I don't know. if nothing else, it comes to back to mind, several times after the viewing. and it might give you a warm, fuzzy feeling simply because your life is very likely much nicer than theirs.
Rating: 
Summary: I agree with Zac'hary W -
Review: His review hit the nail on the head. I rented it thinking it must be good, after all Halle Berry won the oscar for it right?????? First, after 5 minutes, I had to chase my son and daughter out of the room. Knew what was coming - better get them out of there! Had no clue that was just a sampling of what was to come later with Berry and THornton. The main problem I had with this movie was it seemed like they left about 1/4 of the movie for us to see and apparently 3/4 must be on some cutting room floor. That is the only explanation for all the missing pieces of this puzzle that is suppose to be a great movie. What the heck was going on with Sonny and his father? Why did the father hate the son so much. Before you even get a chance to actually get this whole question through your mind, BANG! the son is dead. No explanation, just bury him quick! (I actually had to turn off the movie at the point where the "funeral" happened. I was so shocked by that scene.) Then we are expected to believe that Thornton's character has a complete turnaround about his "racial" prejudice. I for one really didn't feel he had a prejudice anyway. Except for the scene where he chases the 2 boys off his property - wasn't that really for the granddad's sake anyway. Then the make out scene. I agree, that scene could have been in a porn movie and it just went on and on. And if anybody believes the ending was good, please tell me why. I kept waiting for another scene. All in all, I really hated this movie. Heath Ledger's appearance in this movie isn't even enough to make me watch this movie again. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone to watch.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but over rated.
Review: In some reviews it says that the movie deals with the death penalty, racism both overt and subtle, interracial couples with moral ambiguity. While those are all things in the movie, I don't think that's the point of the film. Rather it is at those points that the lives of two very different people intersect. Whether the film does it convincingly and powerfully is a different story. Perhaps the problem is the weakness of Leticia as a character. This is seen in how she relies on Hank to make her "feel good" and take care of her. While her situation was absolutely tragic and weakness to a degree is understandable, the lack of any redeeming character trait makes it so that she has no depth at all. This lack of depth in character is what takes away from the film in terms of convincing me and being powerful. Hank, on the other hand, was visiblity more complex in dealing with the events in the film. Complex in that you're never really sure of his motives. Personally I found myself questioning if he loved Leticia, or if he felt he owed her something, or if he was caught up in his own emotions. Regardless I think it's a good film and worth taking a look at. It is, however, over rated in my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Young Film Makers With the Right Stuff....
Review: This review refers to the DVD edition(2002 Lion's Gate) of "Monster's Ball"..... Director Marc Forster,Director of Photography Roberto Schaefer,Writers Milo Addica & Will Rokos and Composers Asche and Spencer are all names we should be watching for to bring us some great films in the future. These were the film makers who brought us the wonderfully done "Monster's Ball". I recieved this DVD as a Christmas present and it sat on my coffee table for two months, before I decided to finally give it a go. The reason being, everything I'd heard about it. Most I talked to said it was nothing but soft porn, not deserving of any of the accolades it had recieved. But...Halle and Billy Bob kept staring at me from the package, and I said Alright already Let's see what ya got. In just the last few days, I have watched it twice and it won't be long before I watch it again! It's and edgy Drama, that yes, has a couple of sex scenes in it(basically to depict emotion or the lack of), but also tells a beautiful story. It deals with the death penalty, racism, child abuse, interacial relationships, but most of all forgiveness and finding love. Billy Bob Thornton plays Hank Grotowski, a prison guard in Georgia who is part of the Death Row Execution team. His father before him(Peter Boyle) was part of the team, and now his son(Heath Ledger) is also becoming a part of the family business. The Grotowski's are three generations of men who are part of the never ending cycle of abuse and racism. Halle Berry is Leticia Musgrove. African American, destitute , and a woman trying to raise her son on her own. Her husband (Sean Combs) will be the next to die in the electric chair. Leticia is also an abuser to her child both verbally and physically, and we see her waiver back and forth between doling out the love and the harsh words to her overweight son. Hank and Leticia's paths cross several times in some very emotional moments, and eventually they find they have more in common then anyone could realize. They become friends, then lovers and seem to give each other what the other needs. Hank who had always seemed so bitter, now seems to be developing a heart and a smile as well. Leticia finds the love and comfort she so needs from another person. But, is it possible for a black woman, the wife of the condemened man and the white executioner find happiness together? It is a story that unfolds beautifully and will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride throughout. Marc Forster does a meticulous job of directing this story and the actors, and seems to pay attention to every detail. Cinematographer Roberto Schaefer, has an expert eye and brings us some wonderful shots. The haunting score(Asche and Spencer) is perfect for this exquiste story written by Addica and Rokos.
The actors are emotionally charged and totaly engaging. Halle Berry not only won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance but the Screen Actors Guild and The Berlin Film Festival also honored her as well. Billy Bob Thornton, Peter Boyle, Heath Ledger, Sean Combs, and Coronji Calhoun(who plays Halle's son) will all draw you into their characters. The transfer to the DVD is excellent. It is presented in Widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Digital. The picture and colors(which the director makes real good use of)are outstanding and the sound including the background music and dialouge is very good.
There are several special features including delated scenes and outtakes, and behind the scenes footage(see tech info for complete list), but don't miss the great commentary by the director, which is probably best the second time around. He fills you in on various scenes in which he was actually paying homage to some of the great directors he admires(i.e. Scorcesse, Ford). This film may not be for everyone. If you appreciate fine filmaking, and a mature story with a terrific cast you may want to check it out. I would not reccommend it to the sensitive viewer as there are some disturbing scenes including an electricution that looks very real. If you have seen it and are thinking of buying the DVD, I Highly reccommend it. One last technical note...the name of the studio that released this DVD on the tech info here is Vidmark. Although that name is nowhere to be found on the case, it appears to be the same DVD that is produced by Lions Gate. Thank you....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: SHE GOT AN OSCAR FOR THIS?
Review: This may have been the most overrated, predictable, and unbelievable story I have ever seen on the screen before! And to think that Halle Berry actually received an Academy Award for this junk? Perhaps the Academy's members cast their lots for the greatest body of the year instead of the best performance (THERE I would have to agree with them - she is a stunningly beautiful woman). Save your money (and about 2 hours of your time) - this movie doesn't even merit a star.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Get It... So What's the Point?
Review: Well, seen it and dunno what all the fuss was about, and why all the critical acclaim. Maybe the critics know something we don't? For the good points... this movie has a lot of long looks, visual views, just watching the actors faces speak without a word said. Overall, I thought the acting was excellent, esp the two leads. The other characters had such limited roles that they weren't significant. Boyle as the bitter and racist father was good also, although he played a hated character. Now for the bad points ... for all it's subtle messages, say about racism, about bigotry, about abusive fathers (the father that can never be pleased), to abusive mothers (who abuses her fat son), there's lots of subtle themes that's presented. Unfortunately, the film simple skimps through all of them, trying to juggle all of them in the context of Berry/Thornton's relationships. Perhaps, the film was overly ambitious trying to deal with multple themes in such a narrow plot, but under the right direction, I'm sure the movie would have been better. And if there was a compelling statement somewhere, I must have missed it. For me... two good actors/actress to watch, otherwise, don't give this one much thought.
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