Bill C’s Review – 2.5 out of 5
Side Effects is a crime thriller with a lot of plot twists, a good director, and a very good cast. I expected to like it a lot. Despite all of that, the plot just seemed unrealistic to me, and despite the fun of trying to follow the twists and turns, I was disappointed. If there’s a lawyer is reading this entry who saw this movie, I’d love your view on whether some of the plot is realistic or if there are legal checks and balances that make this unrealistic.
The cast included Rooney Mara (from the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Channing Tatum. Tatum’s role is very small, so don’t go see this film just because you are a big fan. Rooney Mara was excellent. Most reviews seem to like Jude Law’s performance, but I thought he was a little over the top.
I seem to be in the minority on this review, so while I didn’t really like this movie, you shouldn’t let my cynicism about the plot stop you from seeing it.
I really enjoyed this film, give it a 3.5. Soderbergh is master director and keeps you guessing. Don’t read any reviews before seeing this, you will enjoy the plot twists. It starts out like an exposure of the pharma industry combined with docs who are on their payroll, with guinea pig patients paying with the aforementioned side effects. Then it gets more interesting. I wasn’t bothered at all by what Bill C mentioned, can’t pick this one apart, just go along for the ride. And Rooney is now my favorite Mara, she’s transfixing, a pleasure to watch.
I watched Side Effects yday. And it didn’t live up to my expectations. I’d read the reviews on RottenTomates and friends recommended I watch it for the twists. I didn’t know the plot of the movie and went with an open mind. Rooney Mara had me hypnotized with her acting, subtle at times but very believing. It was good to see CJZ back on the screen. But give me a break! It didn’t make me go “OMG! so thats what it is! and thats why they did it” If this movie was released 20 years back , when stuff like this wasn’t a common occurrence, guess, it would hit the nail on the head. In our current social environment this doesn’t make anyone gasp! We acknowledge it and move one. I just wish the plot had more depth or another angle. If there would have been any paranormal associated with the movie, guess I’d buy that 🙂 Nevertheless, I’d still recommend a watch, esp for Mara.