The Imaginarium of Doctor ParnassusMovie Reviews

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• Must Go!
  Written December 30, 2009

  Terry Gilliam's Dark Masterpiece

  by QuanYin50

  Great movie, in the tradition of the European surrealist film makers, like Fellini. Beautiful visuals and color, great fantasy scenes, phenomenal cast. Highly creative and unconventional. More serious than Gilliam's previous films, but still plenty of action, dwarfs, humor, fight scenes, slum scenes, etc. If you want a conventional plot and dislike psychedelic mind bending stuff that's outside of the box, you might not go for this. If you want a thinking person's film that's beautiful to see--go. Great performances from the entire cast--Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, Lily Cole, et. al. Terry Gilliam is a complete original.

  • 14 out of 17 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written January 4, 2010

  great fantasy trip

  by alexgmny

  I enjoyed the movie. Original story. Amazing imagination. Great performances. Heath was becoming a greater actor...too bad he is no longer with us. His talent will be missed.

  • 11 out of 15 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written January 9, 2010

  an inexplicable masterpiece.

  by prestonmo

  There is nothing quite like the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. The story makes more imaginative sense than logical sense, and few are likely to grasp every element upon one viewing. All in all though, It's incredible, inspired, and a masterpiece. It was like a long dream or a hundred Aesopic fables woven together into a kind of super-fable that is bound to impress a profound message upon some viewers, whilst leaving others completely in the dark.

  • 7 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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  Written January 16, 2010

  Whimsical but Ellusive

  by franks1978

  If you enjoyed Avatar, you're probably not smart enough to enjoy this movie. Unlike Avatar, this movie is legitimately visually imaginative, and features an array of enjoyable performances, notably Christopher Plummer's Parnassus and Tom Waits as Mr. Nick. If you require a cohsive plot, this movie probably is not for you as this film intentionally meanders, and although it seems to beg for an allegorical analysis, I'm not sure that works. Still, this was a lot of fun, and the sort of movie that might reward repeat viewings.

  • 13 out of 22 found this review helpful.
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• So-so
  Written January 15, 2010

  Had a lot of potential, but not "complete"

  by Usha L Paradise

  While I particularly adore Ledger & Depp (& sometimes Law) as magnificently gifted actors, the storyline & plot jumped. There were holes - pockets of information not provided that would've proved useful in understanding the film better. Tons of symbolism goes over the head because the general audience is not attuned to the meaning of these things (so a little explanation would have helped). In particluar, Tony's pipe, the markings on his head, the relevance of The Hanged Man (is it a good/bad omen? does it influence the Doctor's decision on whether to take Tony in?), & why Mr. Nick could not "get rid" on Tony on his own.
  That being said, I know from personal experience how difficult it is to complete a project like this when a major actor dies during production - and this may account for the holes. After all, they were only able to use Depp/Law/Farrell inside the Imaginarium. What I liked: the film inspired me to learn more about those symbols (& much googling ensued).

  • 7 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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• Go
  Written January 11, 2010

  If you like different, choose to see it!

  by lacey1

  I took my 11 yr. old daughter because she is a big Heath and Johnny fan. I thought at the end of the movie she would have been totally confused by it. She was not, but she is not your ordinary 11 yr. old. She likes fantasy and anything different. She understood the deal with the devil and what happened when you chose with your pure self. I think that the other actors who finished Heath's part made it extra special. I think it flowed seamless from one Tony to the next Tony. The acting was great all the way around. Visually very cool. I don't think this movie is for everyone - not a mainstream movie. We loved it and my daughter wants to see it again.

  • 7 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written December 27, 2009

  The Imaginarium genius of messers Gilliam, Plummer and Waits

  by joncrossi

  Ok, so the slightly negative things out of the way first, some of the scenes in so-called 'reality' (or modern day London) feel a little choppy and further plot exposition could have come a might quicker to please a more mainstream audience. This is what happens when one of your actors dies during production and also what happens when you get Gilliam at the reigns and he doesn't care about a mainstream audience!
  Well thank Mr. Nick that he doesn't care because it's actually a more charming, weird, wonderful, imaginative and amazing film for it.
  One word of warning though, despite being Heath Ledger's last film, this is not Heath's movie.
  This beautiful, enchanting, funny, bold, creative an deliriously inventive movie belongs to 3 men: Terry Gilliam making his most personal film possibly ever, Christopher Plummer giving the performance of a lifetime and Mr.Tom Waits who shines, enthralls, amuses and steals the film from under everyone elses pythonesque noses.
  Also good CGI!

  • 7 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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  Written December 28, 2009

  We love Terry Gilliam

  by entropicangel42

  This is a wonderful movie, even if it doesn't quite hold together.

  • 6 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written January 14, 2010

  I should have brought my 13 year old!

  by richardmacgurn

  I should have brought my kid, but I don't mind having an excuse to see this one again. Like my buddy Randy said when the credits were done rolling, "Psychedelic man!" I haven't tried drugs yet, but what I just witnessed reminds me of an acid trip as described to me from any of my druggie friends in the past, the ones that are still among the living that is. The Imaginarium is aptly named, and Christopher Plumber was perfect as Dr. Parnassus. And a tip of my hoody to the rest of the cast as well, especially Mr. Ledger may he rest in peace. I really couldn't find any problems with anything, the plot, the acting, cinematography, etc. All top notch. This is Gilliam's best movie by far. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. I wonder if he took psychedelic drugs while writing the script? Whether he did or didn't, it is definitely the product of a very wild imagination that I hope to experience again soon. Go see it, very colorful to say the least!

  • 5 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written December 28, 2009

  • 

    Absolutely outstanding masterful creative genius

  by highlifescenery

  • 7 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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• Oh No!
  Written January 10, 2010

  Imaginarium Smaginarium: I hated it

  by CathFlix

  This movie was awful. I wanted to walk out after half an hour but did not in deference to the friends I was with. I kept hoping something would come out of it, that an interesting turn of events might make it all worthwhile, but alas, it never materialized. I found Heath Ledger disappointing and annoying. Christopher Plummer did a good turn, but he was left with a horrible screenplay. The fantasy element of this never caught my imagination and it only seemed interminable. The short appearances of Johnny Depp and Jude Law were amusing, but it really did seem like something of a diversion to shore up the movie after Ledger died. The whole thing just ddidn't work for me.

  • 6 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written December 26, 2009

  • 

    Cheerful Unique Playful Magical Rich

  by angienyc

  • 7 out of 13 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written January 25, 2010

  Terrific

  by Pooties

  I was concerned about whether or not I would enjoy this movie after reading the reviews of others who said the move made no sense etc.
  This was one of the best movies I have seen in so long. The story is so full of layers and meaning and completely makes sense if you have an IQ over 100. It is the classic tale of good vs. evil but in a more realistic sense. The acting is superb by all, and the movie kept me very interested throughout. I really want to see this one again. Also should mention, the film maker did a brilliant job of finishing this movie without Heath as unfortunate as it is. The changes they made are seamless and terrific. Loved it!

  • 5 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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• Go
  Written February 20, 2010

  M o v i e s 2 7 . n e t is the place to watch this movie FREE

  by JanPlumbo

  M o v i e s 2 7 . n e t is the place to watch this movie FREE

  • 0 out of 1 found this review helpful.
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• I'll Pass
  Written December 21, 2009

  by movie_slank

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