THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2008)

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""You never know what's coming.""

When I first heard of this film, I will admit, my "curiosity" was aroused. Not only do I enjoy a good film, but one with a story element that throws it's viewer for a loop, in a good way. An guy born old and grows younger? How could that work? CCoBB is nothing short of that, and it was astonishing. Though the story felt like it was borrowing elements from "Forrest Gump" ("you never know what you're gonna get" vs. "You never know what's coming"), such as an intangible love story, it was refreshingly original, compelling, haunting, and stirs ones emotions, to the point of reflecting on one's own life.

The Good: Everything. All of the historical elements were in its place, right down to the model make of the cars, architecture, and lifestyles (nice one when the nurse asked the daughter not to smoke in the hospital. I knew someone would say that as soon as she lit up). The Effects were incredible. There was enough subtle humor that the storyline did not drag. The collaborative score was swave, and perky at times, but never tired. Flawless acting execution, even from those who had minor roles. I can't think of a single thing that was wrong with this picture. Attention to detail was everything. And thank you, THANK YOU, for having a newborn baby that's actually tiny and LOOKS like a newborn!

The Bad: Nothing. However, there were a couple things that may have been loose. We are constantly reminded as an audience that Benjamin learned to play the piano, but he never played it in the film, or rather, it was a film element that I wanting to see get used, like, to play music for someone. Never happened. Also, the film left us on a note of irresolution. Tearjerker moment stolen from me. Oh well.

When all is said and done, this is a film that invites the audience to do a little soul searching, and one that may not be appreciated by the younger audience (and that's saying a lot for a 26yr guy). While CCoBB may look boring and uninteresting to some, it can be just that when taken at face value on a poster outside the megaplex, but it is so, "only on the outside". On the inside, sitting in front of the screen, is a treat to beat.