Vanilla Sky (2001)

Very disappointing...

best movie i've ever seen.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Forget the reviews and the comments and the negative build up around it. The movie is one of its kind. Its dreamy. And dreams aren't to be controlled. The movie keeps you on the edge (not fast paced though). More of a Mulholland drive kind of. Sometimes you dont have to interpret the meaning of everything. And that dialog, "That smile's gonna be the end of me!" Sit back on the sofa, get cozy, escape from the reality and do treat yourself on this weekend with this moony blanket.

Potentially a great movie but lacks cohesion and real feelings. I was intrigued where the story would lead but characterisation was confusing. Didn't finish. (viewed 4/17)

I watched this movie when it first came out and for some reason felt the need to watch it again. I'm not a big Tom Cruise fan and I didn't consider myself to be a big Penelope Cruz fan. I say this for a reason. When I watched this movie, I literally fell in love with Penelope Cruz. Truth is Tom Cruise is an amazing actor and Penelope Cruz is an amazing actor as well, but this movie still manages to fall under the radar. With a title like Vanilla Sky, you forget it's actually a love story. More so, it's a movie that is built around decisions and the consequences of good and bad decisions. It's not a movie you watch while multitasking, but more so a movie you give your full attention and figure out as you go along.A great display of love, affection, decision and reality... well kinda reality...

The strange thing about dreams is that, while in one, the dreamer usually does not realize a dream is taking place. Only upon the conclusion of the dream experience is an individual able to distinguish between dream and reality. That concept is the driving force behind "Vanilla Sky". For a basic plot summary, this movie focuses on David Aames (Tom Cruise), the heir to a vast business fortune who is very much a playboy. At a party one night, David is smitten by exotic beauty Sofia Serrano (Penelope Cruz) and begins a relationship with her. When jealous fling Julie Gianni (Cameron Diaz) finds out, however, she involves David in an accident that will change his life forever. Because this is a "big reveal" type of film, I will not say anything more here to prevent spoilers. There are two primary reasons that "Vanilla Sky" is such an extraordinary film: First, it is very much high-concept. Much like "Inception", or "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", this movie deals with dreams and how they affect the dreamers. This plot line is almost guaranteed to make you think while viewing, and it will likely be still rattling around in your brain for awhile after viewing. Secondly, though, is that a film like "Vanilla Sky" can only work if it contains incredible character development, which it indeed achieves. In order to truly appreciate both the ending and the overall journey, both the writing and acting must be spot-on. It is, and as such will leave you feeling as if you truly care about the struggles of David Aames and his world. Overall, "Vanilla Sky" is an excellent concept film that ranks right up there with "Eternal Sunshine", "Memento", "The Matrix", and the like. It even has very much of a romantic aspect for those who enjoy high emotion. Simply put, the only people this movie won't appeal to are those purely wanting action/adventure. This one will make you think, but it is more than worth it in the end.(After a recent re-watch, I dropped this movie down from 10/10 to 7/10 stars. This film has lost a bit of its luster for me in the re-watch process and feels a bit dated. The themes are still interesting and the concept is high, but it has been knocked off the lofty pedestal I once perched it on).