This is one of Costner's best efforts. I've seen this movie quite a few times and it gets better every time I see it. People who love this movie find it difficult to understand why some are so critical of it. I liked Waterworld, too, which makes me think that it's a lack of imagination that makes some people unable to appreciate movies like this. A lot of the criticism amounts to "it doesn't make any sense." As with any fiction, you need to approach it with a willing suspension of disbelief.
This movie does something that few manage to pull off: it has a message and it's entertaining. The story is about populism overcoming militant authoritarianism, of hope and the desire for peace triumphing over war and violence. The strongest aspect of this film is its story, which is entertaining and frequently thrilling. Like "Waterworld" it is essentially a quest for something that may be impossible to reach, something both elusive and of world-changing importance. Costner must overcome impossible odds, defeat a powerful enemy, and in the process evolves from self-centered loner to heroic leader.
The film isn't perfect, but its flaws are small and have mostly to do with uneven pacing and some minor plot inconsistencies. These are easily overlooked and far outweighed by the film's strengths. After the wonderful story, the acting in this film is its greatest strength. It is filled with likable and memorable characters, and the leads are perfectly cast.
People have also criticized it for being overly long, which is a complaint that seems to be heard about every movie ever made that was over 120 minutes long. This is a meaningless criticism. If you like the movie the fact that it's three hours long is a good thing.
Although it's set in the near future, it doesn't have the sort of extreme premise that a lot of sci-fi movies do. Even those who aren't fans of sci-fi/fantasy should find this film both accessible and enjoyable.
This movie does something that few manage to pull off: it has a message and it's entertaining. The story is about populism overcoming militant authoritarianism, of hope and the desire for peace triumphing over war and violence. The strongest aspect of this film is its story, which is entertaining and frequently thrilling. Like "Waterworld" it is essentially a quest for something that may be impossible to reach, something both elusive and of world-changing importance. Costner must overcome impossible odds, defeat a powerful enemy, and in the process evolves from self-centered loner to heroic leader.
The film isn't perfect, but its flaws are small and have mostly to do with uneven pacing and some minor plot inconsistencies. These are easily overlooked and far outweighed by the film's strengths. After the wonderful story, the acting in this film is its greatest strength. It is filled with likable and memorable characters, and the leads are perfectly cast.
People have also criticized it for being overly long, which is a complaint that seems to be heard about every movie ever made that was over 120 minutes long. This is a meaningless criticism. If you like the movie the fact that it's three hours long is a good thing.
Although it's set in the near future, it doesn't have the sort of extreme premise that a lot of sci-fi movies do. Even those who aren't fans of sci-fi/fantasy should find this film both accessible and enjoyable.