Cloud Atlas

It’s an unusual movie because I enjoyed it, but I couldn’t tell you the story or the plot if I had a gun to my head. It’s a bit like Malick in that way, it’s a movie driven by theme. And even the theme is a little vague. Overcome your prejudices? Stand up to the status quo? Improve yourself, one lifetime at a time? Despite this ambiguity, it’s a fun movie to watch. Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and the rest of the cast disappear into their multiple characters, with the help of amazing makeup. It’s beautifully made. Every shot is carefully nurtured. The music is great. It doesn’t feel three hours long. But again, I’m not sure what it’s about, though I’m grateful to The Wachowskis for trying something original. As Greg Hobson says, sometimes you just have to swing for the fences.