The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009

Plot 411: The life story of a man who ages backward and how this affects his interactions with people.

Review: The main reason for my watching this movie was because the main concept of this plot was intriguing. It is about a man who is born with all the physical characteristics of someone in his 80s. Throughout his life, Benjamin (Brad Pitt) physically regresses toward infancy but his mind matures toward adulthood. This simple idea could be explored in so many different ways that I was curious to see how it would be developed. The why of Benjamin's condition is not explained at all in the movie, which is a little disappointing. It just is. Overall, I thought they could've done a better job with the storyline. I felt as though some of the obstacles weren't resolved in a satisfactory manner. Perhaps it's just me but I'd prefer to have a reasonable explanation for the events that occur. This movie failed to provide them despite being over two hours long. On a positive note, the cinematography of this movie is just breathtaking. The contrasts in Benjamin's life are stark and revealingly reflected in the film's color palette. The gorgeous golden hues used when he's in love with Daisy (Cate Blanchett) are even more beautiful when compared to the steely blue of a hospital or the dark browns of a cellar room. This was just one of those movies that are truly beautiful to look at. I loved the scenes with snow fall. Gorgeous. Besides Pitt and Blanchett's performances, a notable actor is Taraji P. Henson, who plays Benjamin's mother. She exudes such a belieavablely caring, maternal nature that it's really a departure from her character in Hustle & Flow.

Watch It: For it's great visual beauty, including its choice of lead actors.

Skip It: If you're looking for answers. There are none. It's just the story of his life, and often lives aren't wrapped up nicely.