The Majestic (2001)

The Majestic is an old-fashioned throwback replete with a 1950s B-script and halcyon values like patriotism, true love, and clean fun. Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) is a Hollywood scriptwriter with a sexy gal, a screenplay under his belt, and his big break on the horizon. But when his name is mistakenly given to the House Un-American Activities Committee, Appleton's dreams of success in the biz quickly unravel. An ensuing car accident leaves him without a memory but a great opportunity--as a small town's Luke Trimble, war hero and all-around swell guy, with whom he happens to bear an uncanny physical resemblance. Of course, there's a beautiful woman (Sandra Sinclair) who waited for his return from the war, an endearing old dad (Martin Landau), and the magical Majestic movie house to renovate and reopen. As Appleton's memory eventually catches up to him, however, The Majestic veers off toward Mr. Smith Goes to Washington territory, complete with a monologue on the First Amendment. Unfortunately, despite the film's earnest striving to be Capra-esque and Carrey's undeniable star quality, the charm is more reminiscent of Ronald Reagan than Jimmy Stewart. --Fionn Meade Amazon.com

Unwatchable

A good movie is one that captures my attention from the beginning scene, irrespective of my mood, ambience/lighting/noise level of the room, or whether I am multitasking or trying to stay focused. Nothing, nothing in this movie from the start captured my interest--and I was completely focused on the screen and had an open mind. The beginning was trite, to say the least. The movie dragged on and on, and the music was unbearable. Even the scene of the accident on the bridge was too contrived. The director was trying hard to draw the viewer's sympathy toward each character long before that was ever any chance for developing this character. Sappy music prevailed over every scene. Jim Carrey's character did not have the same level of intrigue as Truman in "The Truman Show" or the other mellow/somber character in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". I don't blame it on Carrey's acting. It was all because the director lacked creativity or vision in making the character interesting from the beginning.

When I decided to give up on the movie (after the father brings Luke home), I fast-forwarded to subsequent chapters. I found the scenes extremely contrived. Somehow the director was trying very hard to make this another "Pleasantville" (which, by the way, was an outstanding movie). I thought I was watching the worst of Barry Levinson or Rob Reiner or Penny Marshall! Clint Eastwood could have pulled this movie off much better!

If you are looking for portrayals of a highly sanitized, glossed over, extremely idealistic, and completely UNrealistic 50s life, and if you want a movie that tries hard to touch every sentimental neuron and synapse in your brain, then look no further. But, if you don't like exceedingly sappy movies, then, by all means, stay away from this one! November 2, 2008

Fantastic story

I absolutely love this movie; I've watched it at least five times since I have owned it which is only a few weeks. It is warm, caring, wonderful message, and an insight into what folks went through during the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950's. September 11, 2008

Great Jim Carrey Flick!

If you haven't seen this movie you are missing a great story! The Majestic is definitely different from the normal Jim Carrey flick, but it's one you shouldn't miss. For those who love nostalgic movies, this is a must see! June 16, 2008

Jim Carey at his best

We've always loved the Majestic, but it's especially poignant watching it now, as America is at war. The small town that rescues Jim Carey's character is what we all want; the sincere sharing of joys and sorrows with others that have been where we've been.

I don't know why The Majestic ended up being a relative sleeper. (For that matter, I don't know why Saving Grace, Pure Luck, and other brilliant movies with brilliant acting ended up that way, either.) Except for in the Majestic, the lead was played by a man who everyone expects to see playing someone wacky or stupid, no exceptions. It's a shame. Carey was brilliant in this thought-provoking, heart-warming film. March 7, 2008

A Wonderful Gem for the Ages!

This story is absolutely beautiful... no "if's", "and's", or "but's" about it! The cast was perfect and the story brought tears and laughter throughout the whole of it, truly touching my heart. Ironically enough, "It's A Wonderful Life" had a very similar reception by the people of that day. It took a good 30 years before it caught on to the masses, and all through a fluke of nature. With this movie being so similar in the Frank Capra feel and experience, I wonder if 30 years from now, this gem might have a similar windfall. Only thing I know for sure is that no movie, cast or crew deserves it more! February 22, 2008

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