francescof86

(2013-05-20 13:24:38)

All Good Things is a brilliant,absorbing and provocative movie

"All good things" is a brilliant absorbing and ultimately provocativedrama thriller with a good direction and amazing performances by thethree leading actors.It reminded in a way "Revolutionary Road" becausewe have the portrait of the desire of a perfect existence and thesubsequent broken dreams of a couple. But in "All good things" notevery reasons are explained because the director is telling a realstory(the names of the characters in the movie were changed)that isstill a mystery and the leading actor of this drama is an enigma. DavidMarks(Ryan Gosling)son of a powerful real estate man(FrankLangella)tries to establish a perfect and peaceful life with his wifeKathie(Kirsten Dunst)by avoiding his duties in the familybusiness(legal and illegal).But it won't be easy for him to resist atthe pressure by his strong father and he will be forced to take part ofthe ominous projects of his persuasive father.Besides,his increasingpsychological problems will destroy his relationship with his wife.Thesecond part of the movie is a shocking and bizarre look at the lastyears of the disturbed man and the homicides of his two friends.And themovie becomes a sort of "Psycho". What we see is the results of murderinvestigations with dramatized events that are well adapted withoutbeing over the top like in some other similar movies. I liked themixture of themes such love,corruption,madness,mystery and murder andAndrew Jarecki did very well in showing the growth and reasons of thecharacters,although David remains an enigma in many of his actions.Ireally liked the details he offered and I was drawn from the beginningto the end.The movie is predictable in some parts but in the last oneis a real unexpected turn.Ryan Gosling was great in playing a troubledman and I was moved by the portrayal of this poor soul that had nochance to live in peace with himself.Also he shows some sinister signof madness that are really overwhelming. Kirsten Dunst was simplyterrific in portraying a victim of the husband and his powerful familybut also an ambitious woman who tried to get advantages by the thewhole situation in terms of the prospect of a wealthy life.For heramazing acting she should have been nominated for an Oscar.FrankLangella was really good in the role of the cold and manipulativefather.The three characters are really complex and not easilycategorized."All good things"is probably one of the most appealing andinteresting movie of the year.It has real great and original momentsand although it doesn't provide an easy solution to the case it is nota distracting element in my opinion(since it's still an open case). Myvote is 10/10.

(2013-05-19 14:13:58)

Fooled by the Trailer....again

This review is from: All Good Things (Amazon Instant Video) Not at all the movie I expected based on the trailer. Gosling is excellent, as a smarmy psycho. Durst is sexy white trash; The first half of the movie held my interest, but as their relationship peters out and becomes more dysfunctional my interest waned and I actually fell asleepThe wrap up ending was completely unfulfilling. The story it told as if it is based on some truth, but if it is, it has never reached my perception.Not worth the trip to theatre.

napierslogs

(2013-05-19 03:46:15)

Extreme manipulation in telling what could have been a great story

The opening statement that this is "based on events that occurred"suggests how far it is from the true story. And that is its unfortunatedownfall because "All Good Things" is a good movie. It's a good storywith interesting characters portrayed by phenomenal actors withappealing atmosphere and engaging transitions to advance it along.Ryan Gosling is going to have to start being careful. If he keepsplaying husbands who treat their wives horribly, nobody will marry him.Here, he plays David Marks, quietly-disturbed, rich, trust-fund kid andhe just wants to be with a beautiful girl (Kirsten Dunst) and return tothe basics of the country life style. Allowing other people to convincehim that Katie's not happy, he returns to the questionable familybusiness in New York City where it is made certain that nobody is, orwill be, happy.What I liked most about "All Good Things" (apart from the actors) wasthat it started as a romantic drama and slowly progressed into anall-out thriller and flipping the villain and victim around so it lookslike innocence and guilt could never be placed. But then the filmmakersfinally gave us some facts of the real story, and I realized how faroff this was. The filmmakers were extremely heavy-handed in who theythought were the guilty parties, and that just seemed so wrong to me.Being a thriller about an unsolved disappearance/murder case, you canexpect it to be violent. And it was kind of violent, but they couldhave told the exact same story and made it more interesting without anyviolence. But the little bit of violence really isn't the problem. Theproblem is their unprofessional way of implying what really happened.And that really is a problem because otherwise, "All Good Things" wouldhave been a great movie. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it because Idon't believe in such a distortion of the truth.Follow my blog Napierslogs' Movie Expositions athttp://napierslogs.blogspot.com

(2013-05-18 14:06:30)

Watch only if there is nothing else to do

It seems like they spent about 20 min coming up with the plot of the movie. Ryan Goslings character was very interesting but they needed to elaborate more.

danielkjeilen

(2013-05-17 02:44:17)

Im gonna keep this simple and short

I had never heard this story before, and found it very interesting in away that kept me wanting more to see of this film.This movie kept meentertained almost the whole time. has some boring moments like everymovie, but still a fantastic movie to enjoy on a weekday. I recommendit to film lovers who wants something more then the usual crapHollywood has been giving us lately. It's not an Oscar movie, but it inmy opinion it deserve high points at IMDb.Really enjoyed watching Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst workingtogether. they did a good job I think.Summary: Good directing, Good acting, Good screenplay, Good film.7/10

Michelle Orange

(2013-05-16 13:56:20)

Jarecki's telling of the Robert Durst story flails too far off course, too often, to retain the viewer's good faith.

Tony Heck

(2013-05-14 11:36:27)

True story about an unsolved mystery. Was expecting better, different role for Kirsten Dunst. Really just OK. I say B-

Is it always good for a son to be like the father? This is a moviebased on real events surrounding the disappearance of Kathie McCormack(Dunst). Under mysterious circumstances she disappeared and though herhusband Robert (Gosling) was suspected no one was ever brought totrial. The movie opens and we find out that was Robert was seven yearsold he saw his mom violently die in front of him, and through out themovie we see the effect this had on him. This is a good, but very slowmoving movie. This is a different role for Kirsten Dunst, who hasn'ttaken on a part like this since "Virgin Suicides", and she did a goodjob with it. The movie's strength is the performance of Ryan Goslingwho is excellent at playing a seemingly normal guy with majorpsychological issues. It was such a convincing performance that everytime he is on screen you will tense up. Overall it was a good movie,but I was expecting more. Acting was really good though. I give it aB-.Would I watch again? - I don't think I would

(2013-05-13 19:19:40)

Good Movie

This review is from: All Good Things (Amazon Instant Video) The film was very interesting in that it felt like a psychological thriller and sometimes a fictionalized documentary which I think may be the case since it's based on an true story. It was a good movie, not exceptional but it keeps you enthralled for the majority of the movie.

(2013-05-13 19:24:11)

A character study of a train wreck about to happen...

The cars, the clothes. Flashback to the 70s. Kirsten Dunst's 'Katie' is a walking heart. Her character got in over her head with Ryan Gosling's 'David'. She tried to make a life for them & to fix him. He had a dark heart. She was a bright shining star. Too bad he was psychotic. This movie is a character study rather than a thriller. There is no question about who done it. Her family knew he did it. The questions this movie asks are 'Who were these people?' and 'Why did it end so badly?' This movie sticks with you for weeks after you watch it.

Fr. Chris Carpenter

(2013-05-13 10:08:11)

Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst are excellent...(The film) is thoroughly engrossing but somewhat frustrating in the end.

Betty Jo Tucker

(2013-05-11 03:03:43)

Don't believe this film's title.

MrGoodMovie

(2013-05-10 13:07:19)

Wealthy Murderer Walks Free

There are few films that illustrate the fortunes that power and wealthconfer on an individual better than "All Good Things".The lead characters are David Marks (aka Robert Durst) and his wifeKatie (aka Kathleen Durst) ably played, respectively, by Ryan Goslingand Kirsten Dunst.It is a fascinating and ugly story that leaves many unansweredquestions in its wake, and the rather bitter taste of a dangerous,psychotic killer walking free on our streets.There can be no doubt that this is due to the immense wealth of theindividual, and one has to question the extent to which his family,whilst claiming to have disowned him, colluded in protecting him (ifonly to protect the reputation and wealth of the old family firm).This film has everything - the trappings of wealth, the abuse of power,land ownership, drugs, manipulation, violence, mysteriousdisappearances and deaths, and the mafia. And it is all based on trueevents.There is certainly enough circumstantial evidence to suggest that,rather than his wife "disappearing" in 1982, Robert Durst murdered her(possibly aided and abetted by his father, Seymour Durst - SanfordMarks in the film, and his close friend Sarah Berman - Deborah Lehrmanin the film). There is also some circumstantial evidence to suggestthat it was he rather than Morris Black (Malvern Bump in the film), thekiller depicted in the film, who murdered Sarah Berman in her own homein December 2000.He certainly did murder Morris Black in September 2001, but managed toevade justice with a last minute "self-defence" plea, and some veryexpensive lawyers.This is a disturbing film, and even more disturbing is the seeming lackof publicity it received when released, and its lack of showings in UScinemas. Whilst I am not normally given to conspiracy theories one hasto wonder why this interesting and provocative film, with stars of thecalibre of Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, appears to have been starvedof the oxygen of publicity it so richly deserves. Could one family'swealth, power and influence be the answer? Unfortunately the darker side of human nature is on display in thisfilm, and the tragic events it depicts. Watch it and weep.

David Denby

(2013-05-04 17:42:38)

The movie never jells.

(2013-05-04 13:31:04)

ANDREW JARECKI, OPUS 2

Here's a perfect unbalanced film. Kirsten Dunst's character and, above all, performance totally eclipses what's left of All Good Things. As soon as she disappeared from the story, I wanted to go outside for a walk (and, believe me, that was a courageous thought considering the pouring rain we have here but I wander from the point). Already forgotten. Unfortunately.

John Beifuss

(2013-05-01 04:45:22)

One can't help but think that veteran documentarian Jarecki chose to rework this material as drama to benefit his career, not the story. The result is a disjointed art film that opts for ambiguity over clarity...

Siamois

(2013-04-30 15:34:18)

Amazing Acting and a Good Story

The dysfunctional family of David Marks appears to have scarred him.His mother's death at a young age seems to haunt him. He is the eldestson of a shady, demanding real estate mogul and seems uncomfortablefollowing in his father's footstep and getting involved in thisfinancial empire. He seems bored, disconnected. One day he meets KatieMcCarthy, a sunny and enthusiastic young woman. The story, taking placeover several decades, explores their growing relationship and how theweight of David's dark legacy makes it all spiral down. Andrew Jarecki is better known for the well-received Capturing theFriedmans. This is his first full-feature film and he tackles adifficult project but in many respect, this seems a logicalcontinuation. His past as a documentary maker serves him well, sinceAll Good Things is based on a real story. And much like "Friedmans",once again this is about very scary, dark characters. Jarecki'sdirection is mostly slick and simple, relying on a script and also anamazing castIt is David who narrates the story, yet things are kept enigmatic andviewers have to reach certain conclusions. There is an economy indialogue but everything is put in place for you to have a good idea ofwhat is going on in Marks' life. There's something really powerful yetunderstated about how David inherited of traits both from his motherand his father, pulling him down. Many people have described the filmas a sort of mix of romance and mystery, which is accurate. There arealmost noir elements to the film.What is most remarkable about the film by far is the cast. Ryan Goslingcontinues his ascension as one of the best actors working today.Kirsten Dunst shows why she has become kind of underrated in a verydifficult role. They both play every single emotion perfectly and mustuse a lot of range and in very few words, we get their characters.Frank Langella as the father steals almost every scene he is in. Thisis an actor who always took his craft seriously but seems to be gettingeven better as of late. People talk about the chemistry between Dunstand Gosling but I was amazed by Langella and how he made these twoactors better in every scene he was with them. Philip Baker Hall isanother veteran who shines here in a smaller role later in the film.It's not easy establishing your character with little screen time buthe pulls it. The rest of the supporting cast is excellent. Reallystrong point (and good for Jarecki, a guy used to film real people andnot actors).Where the film is a little less successful is in drawing the audiencein. We feel sometimes as emotionally disconnected from these charactersas David and Sanford Marks themselves. Jarecki is almost clinical inhis approach. The romance never lifts up and so, the mystery grabs theaudience a little less. Visually, the film also ends up a mix bag ofmore naturalistic shots and weird artsy attempts. There are abruptflashbacks and forwards that make for an uneven pace and a lessengaging experience.Overall, this is still an interesting take based on a fascinatingreal-life mystery and a rewarding film if you are patient.

thehemptress

(2013-04-25 00:05:01)

Loved it!

I had never heard of this movie before I saw it in the Redbox and I'mglad I rented it. I have seen far worse I assure you. I thought thismovie was just great. I love crime/mysteries, and romances and this onewas a perfect mixture of the two. It is definitely worth a watch,especially considering how closely it is based on the true story ofKathie and Robert Durst. The writers had been researching the casesince 2005 according to the NY Times. It is a shame it received suchlittle publicity and only opened on TWO screens opening weekend?! Andwith such big stars with the leading roles, which they performedexcellently in my opinion. Just when you think the movie is over...thenit really starts to get good.

(2013-04-24 18:51:48)

"Just For Entertainment's Sake" ,'All Good Things'-is a great crime drama!!!

This review is from: All Good Things (Amazon Instant Video) Just entertain me here for a few minutes. Why not take "All Good Things" solely on it's own movie merit. Without knowing that it is based on a true story but a "complete work of fiction". I know that this one could fly on its own as an excellent movie with a superb cast to lift it up and carry the plot along in the suspenseful atmosphere. The very frightening atmospere at that, without any of the 'gore' or 'gratuitous violence'. It is a thriller, crime drama and a love story all rolled-up in one, "with three you get-egg roll"!!!Your main character, David (Gosling, to perfection in this) is one very ill and disturbed young man. After being left alone by his father, as a seven year old child he witnessed his mother's violent suicide. This, of course, has steered his life forever off course from what is expected--stregnth of character, which is always expected from his, 'ice water running through his veins', father. As a man, this is what is forced on David, no matter what: He is the eldest, and will be required to carry on the family's shadey business fortune from a certain point on, he's being 'groomed' in the business at the beginning. He does not argue with his father, as with him there is no 'gauntlet' to through down. He robotically follows orders without much to say, although is always being 'put down' as a weakling in front of others or not. His father, played by 'Frank Langella'(sp?),(I rented this, so my character names may be off, although there are only a few protagonists) is, without question manipulative, abusively cruel to his son David, and an over-all terrible person--he acts this part so well, that you despise this man-great acting here!We are introduced to David, on the way to some insipid society function, decked out in tuxedo returning a call to his father, he needs to fix a leak at an apartment their family owns (they are into shadey real estate practices) because his father is just 'cruel enough' to have David do it. This is when he is much younger, in the early seventies and rebelling a bit, although cannot totally. He walks into the apartment of his future bride, Katie (Kirsten Dunst).I can't go on without saying that Dunst has done the best acting of her career here, she is out of the 'girlie' roles that I always see her in. Dunst hits the role of David's wife right out of the park, I never saw her run the gamut of adult emotions before this movie. (She Is Fabulous, you won't want to miss this performance). Of course, David's father does not approve of the relationship or subsequent marriage, as she is not "one of their people". She dreams of medical school, having children with David after they get married and opening a health food store in vermont. To which they do and are blissfully happy then, without the pressure of David's father, who soon shatters their happiness and they are coerced to move into a "money" apartment. They are still in the first bloom of their love when Katie announces that she is pregnant, they did not discuss this issue before marriage-so Katie is shocked when David finally tells her he never wanted nor wants to have children in the future to Katie's complete devastation, although a full answer is never offered.The often disjointed way of thinking, that David suffers, really starts to become more apparent here when he tells his wife, whom he truly adores, that she can ask anything of him, although never this (having children). He is obviously so damaged by his mother's suicide and the reasons why that are never explained that your heart goes out to both of them. Consequently Katie must 'rid' herself of the baby and she never is the same after this horrendous event. In fact nothing is ever the same and the plot of the movie begins to get sketchy-that is if you don't already recall this incident in history. I don't know of this happening in my past and wonder, "where in the world was I at?".I don't want to throw in spoilers to the movie, so I'll try to end this rather vaguely. It is at this point where Katie disappears, living between the homes they own, one she occupies for her schooling, as she did start in medical school, while David remains in another to be close to his work and apparently suffers a type of mental break-down or calculated state of violence. The writers make both seem plausible through the narrative that continues throughout the movie from the start, as David is on the stand, on trial in 2003.This is a completely engrossing movie, extremely psychologically eerie and superbly acted, especially by Ryan Gosling, he is such a multi-layered actor to be able to make this part seem real, as IT IS! When the film ended, I felt like I was sort of in shock for what had happened here, and what kind of anguish is this sad, sad, man suffering because of the cruelty of his father and his entire life. Gosling and Dunst do an amazing job in telling this story as well as can be told for what is known of it all-they lend such passion and believability to this that you feel empty by the end. The movie makes you feel so intensely.This film could have made itself much more gory or bloody, althouth it took a much more cerebral approach--it shocked you or scared you with your mind-much better than the gratuitous visuals that would be unnecessary and leave the movie feeling cheap. I think there may be one shooting that you see partially, although only for a second because it was proven to have occurred, but by whose hand? There are a lot of unanswered questions still involving this real case, nothing has been conclusively proven, except for a few 'tie-ins'. If you enjoy crime drama's and (off the wall) relationship stories, this one will appeal to you. Very well directed and superbly acted by a great cast!

Glenn Kenny

(2013-04-23 13:40:18)

What we have here is a somewhat higher grade of a Lifetime true-crime picture.

(2013-04-23 11:50:25)

Keeps Your Interest

This review is from: All Good Things [HD] (Amazon Instant Video) I liked this movie because it was based on a true story and keep your interested until the end. The acting was exceptional. It's definitely a good movie for a rainy weekend night.