A Disappointing Experiment
The Concept Had Promise
When I walked into the theater to watch Here, I had low expectations due to the negative buzz surrounding the film. Unfortunately, even those modest hopes were dashed. The idea of a single camera setup in a living room, capturing the passage of time and the people within, was intriguing. However, the execution fell flat.
Unlikable Characters Dominate the Screen
The main problem lies with the characters. The family at the center of the story is unlikable and uninteresting. They’re the type of people you’d avoid at all costs. When they’re not wallowing in self-pity, they’re spouting clichés. The phrase “Time flies!” is repeated ad nauseam, becoming a grating refrain.
A Series of Unconnected Vignettes
The film attempts to cover a vast period, from the age of dinosaurs to post-WWII. We’re briefly introduced to a Native American couple, Benjamin Franklin’s illegitimate son, a pilot in the 1910s, and the inventor of the La-Z-Boy recliner and his wife. These characters show genuine love and affection, making them the only ones worth watching. Unfortunately, they’re pushed aside in favor of a terrible Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly, as well as Richard (Hanks) and his wife (Robin Wright).
Lack of Subtlety
The script is heavy-handed, with no room for nuance. A hole in the roof leads to water pouring into the living room, which conveniently coincides with a woman’s water breaking. It’s a contrived and clumsy plot device.
De-Aging Technology Falls Short
The film relies heavily on de-aging technology, which received mixed reviews. While I didn’t find it distracting, others may disagree. The same technology was used in The Irishman, with varying degrees of success. However, Tom Hanks’ attempt at playing an 18-year-old was laughable, sounding more like a 60-year-old man.
A Milestone-Driven Narrative
Instead of exploring quieter moments with the characters, director Robert Zemeckis chooses to focus on grand, dramatic scenes. A wedding, birth, and death all take place in the living room, making the film feel like a series of milestones rather than a cohesive story. The audience at my screening was openly laughing at the over-the-top drama.
A Director’s Misstep
It’s disappointing to see Zemeckis, the same director who brought us Back to the Future and Cast Away, resort to prioritizing technology over storytelling. His earlier films, like Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Death Becomes Her, showcased innovative tech while still delivering engaging narratives. With Here, it’s clear that Zemeckis has lost sight of what truly matters.
A Greeting Card of a Film
Here had the potential to be something special, but it ends up feeling like a shallow, sentimental greeting card. It’s a wasted opportunity, and a sad reflection of Zemeckis’ current state as a filmmaker.
Grade: D
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