A bit awkward but worth a watch
597899
Interesting interpretation, but the contemporary setting with original dialog was a bit awkward at times, as was the acting/timing.  It did pick up through the course of the production. As a big fan of Much Ado, this was worth a one time watch, but I'll return to Kenneth Branagh the next time I need a fix!
53830
I liked the movie and the acting was decent. The subject was a bit difficult. I doubt I would buy this but enjoyed watching.
3376733
I was surprised by the subject matter but watched it anyway - only to be suddenly assaulted by a few pretty explicit sex scenes. It's a relationship/tension/people filled plot, well acted by the cast with good film and sound quality. My objection was most definitely gratuitous nudity and sexually intimate scenes.
4008406
I bought this dvd because I really like the two main protagonists. I have admired Woody Allen since 'Annie Hall' and 'Manhattan' and loved 'Lost in Translation' and 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', but I came away from this with mixed feelings. Scarlett showed in 'Lost In Translation' what a fine actress she is, but I feel that most of the rles she has been given since have been pretty undemanding, perhaps concentrating on her physical attributes more than her acting skills. Although the camera absolutely adores her in 'Scoop', I thought her acting was also pretty good and it was not her performance which diappointed me, but that of Woody Allen, who abandons his usual laconic, self-deprecating persona in favour of some almost slapstick schtick. As he wrote the script as well, there is no excuse, hence the reason for the title of the review.

Having said all that, I still enjoyed the film. Hugh Jackman was his usual square-jawed, handsome leading man  and the plot was not bad, although a little contrived.

My advice to the reader - a film worth seeing, but don't expect too much.
1705210
I agree with many other people whose reviews I've read that while this is a fairly solid movie, it seems disjointed and the skipping around robs it of more depth than it adds (to prove a philosophical point that it doesn't actually even prove very well). I would have liked to spend more time with the characters in each of the different threads than go back and forth through time, as interesting an idea as that might be. It might have worked better in the original book than on screen. Still an enjoyable and beautiful film, though, and worth watching.
4234255
Plot took a little getting used to, but enjoyable and good cast
4875819
No point in talking about the plot, others will.  The characters were great and the interactions between the two main characters was a great portrayal of old friends.  An interesting but really kind of murky premise.  Some of the plot points were inexplicable but if you just go with it you'll find the movie enjoyable and memorable.
4256300
I thought it was very good I learned the characters [there were quite a few] and it was a bit weird but I do like weird .Some of what was considered misfits formed a family or group by association in hard times,religion played into this movie kept my interest all the way to seasons end.
1755810
I watched it with my husband and we thought it was a good story and it did show me how some people have to step out of their comfort zone sometimes to let their point be made. Even though it might hurt them in the long run.
136308
This movie was neither terrible nor fantastic to me. I enjoyed the dark scenes, the suspenseful moments, and a movie that isn't plagued with comedic slasher scenes. The strangers uses classic suspense techniques to get a scare/rise out of you. What I didn't like is it took a bit for the story to develop, at times I was really wondering where the movie was going, and the movie didn't close out well with me. It kind of leaves you hanging. All in all the movie is ok and isn't a total waste of time.
4976484
Sure, the boyfriend is a little irritating at times, but if he didn't start obsessively filming everything there'd be nothing to see. Lots of nice, subtle little touches -- things we the viewers see but the characters miss. It builds up and is worth the build-up. Becomes extraordinarily creepy after a while.
3171107
At some points, this movie is hard to watch. At other points, it's lovely just to watch the cinematography. The plot doesn't quite add up, and sometimes that's good. Other times, the plot seems too random to really mean more than just total chaos. When the chaos is inventive, that's when this film is at its best. Sometimes the plot choices are a bit comical in a "come on, you've got to be kidding me this is ridiculous" sort of way.

All in all, if this movie focused a bit more time on building up character before descending into madness, it would have been a bit more powerful. Unfortunately, it seems these characters are fighting a war above and beyond what's sensible. Also, Vincent Cassel has a very weird-shaped head, which you get to see in all its hairless glory. So that's a plus.
361716
Based on the unique relationships between characters and the seemingly odd flashbacks, it was difficult attempting to make sense of the flow.
However, once you view the final scene, it comes together deceptively well.
I was scratching my head as I watched this trying to figure out what was going on in the characters heads or if their situations were in fact real.
After viewing the ending, everything made sense.
This is worth the watch.
2955467
A little out there, but a good flick all in all.
4425938
i just happened across this movie on HBO, noticing the main character as the step-dad in "Shaun of the Dead". although an entirely different character, i'd say one more memorable and easier to relate to as well, i was intrigued enough to watch it. it really struck me as a strange movie to base a story on, the whole G8 conference and political decision making... but it worked. if you're a fan of movies where awkward and bizarre love blossoms into something so great and legitimate, i'd suggest this movie. i'm a sucker for strange romantics and quriky movies. thanks HBO for still having good enough taste to produce this film and air it on your network.
378399
This is a very strange, well- acted movie.  I still haven't decided whether I liked it or not.  The two main characters, (the secretary and her boss, the lawyer) are both emotionally disturbed, and their relationship is controlled by this.  It is hard to understand the problems that each of them have, but it becomes clearer in the end.  It keeps your interest up and has a satisfying ending.
4765980
The "scenery" is very entertaining.  The fight sequences are fun to watch, but a little contrived.  It's worth the watching, especially if you're into wire stunts and bouncing boobies.