THIS REVIEW DOESN’T CONTAIN SPOILERS, BUT IT DOES CONTAIN INFORMATION RELATED TO THE MOVIE THAT MAY GIVE THE SITUATION OF THE FILM AWAY. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.
Though confusing, The Tree of Life is certainly the (if not tied for) movie of the year. With good acting when happening, AMAZING effects, and a very interesting tale, the movie gives an audience of only those very into film what they’re looking for. If you are just the standard watcher (ex. if you thought Drillbit Taylor was artful) then do not see this movie. You will hate it.
The film’s only flaw is the ending sequence. It is as if Malick wanted to confuse the audience just to do it. He didn’t do what I wanted him to do, but the fact remains that the rest of the film (and the fabulous score by Alexandre Desplat) is very good.
Bottom Line: A. As good as Super 8 on some levels (my top pick (yes, over Source Code) for the year), better on some, worse on others, but this film will certainly win Best Cinematography. That’s a given.