Pleasantville Reviews and Ratings


  • scattergood07
    November 21, 2009
    scattergood07
    A really enjoyable and 'pleasant' film to watch.
  • magnolia12883
    November 16, 2009
    magnolia12883
    Gary Ross' delightful, funny, thought-encouraging (if not provoking) parable is a modern-day take on an old message. David (Tobey Maguire) is a fairly typical suburban high school geek who is in love with a 50s TV Land-style sitcom called "Pleasantville." His sister Jennifer (Ree...( read more)se Witherspoon) is a pretty typical teenage girl, obsessed with boys, chewing gum and going to the mall, smoking and having sex, and mortified to be related to such a dweeb. However, David uses the sitcom not merely as entertainment, but as a form of escapism from his very modern American existence - absentee father, neglectful mother (Jane Kaczmarek), bickering self-absorbed sister. His sister appears to be all surface and precious little depth, but may in fact have something inside her that she isn't even aware of. David is planning his night around a "Pleasantville" marathon contest on TV, while his sister invites the class hunk over to "watch the concert on MTV" (or so she says). Fighting over the remote, it breaks, and the two are saved by a crusty old TV repairman (Don Knotts, himself no stranger to 50s sitcoms) who has one or two quirks. He gives them a new, funky-looking remote and before long the two are transported into Pleasantville; not the show, but the town within the show. David is Bud and Jennifer's Betty Sue. Their new parents are George and Betty Parker (William H. Macy and Joan Allen), a typical 50s workaday "businessman" and his housewife. David takes Bud's job at the soda-shop, overseen by the absent-minded, routine-obsessed manager Bill Johnson (Jeff Daniels). Soon, Jennifer (who isn't above change herself) is coaxing her new friends into using words like "cool" and having sex up at Lover's Lane with the captain of the basketball team (Paul Walker), while David (also adaptable, we find) tries to encourage her not to change the world around them. But it's too late, and soon the black-and-white utopia turns into a partially Technicolor wonderland of new images...and new ideas. This is much to the chagrin of the seemingly nice but intolerant town Mayor "Big Bob" (J.T. Walsh, in his last performance), who doesn't like the newly-discovered "liberties" and "looks" of his town. This intolerance spreads, and before too long we've got "grays" vs. "coloreds," segregation and the burning of books. Gary Ross, who wrote, produced and directed, was the screenwriter of "Dave" (1993), a delightful political fable which pitted an ordinary man against a somewhat corrupt and cynical political system, imbuing it with idealism and new takes on old ideas. Here, he tells an old story in a new way, not with metaphors and symbolism, but rather spelling it out with Metaphors and Symbolism. Upon reflection, it's all fairly obvious, but is remarkably effective; it just plain works. Maguire and Witherspoon are solid in the two young leads, and Allen and Macy are spot-on as the 50s sitcom-style archetypes they're portraying. Walsh is a reliable heavy, and Daniels provokes somewhat of a sense of surprise at his newfound depths. Ross' screenplay is funny and clever, not above the obviousness of its message, but with remarkable heart. The film is also a glorious physical production, with a mixture of black and white and Technicolor cinematography by John Lindley - understand, I'm not talking about black and white intercut with color (like much of the work of Oliver Stone), but rather some shots employing both hand-in-hand in the same frame; the effect is breathtaking to behold. The score by Randy Newman is sometimes playful, sometimes serious, always great to listen to. With a clear message, a great physical design, and a nice story, this is a complete and utter gem.

    NOTE: The film was nominated for 3 Oscars for Art Direction-Set Decoration, Costume Design and Music.
  • spacecasefukface
    November 12, 2009
    spacecasefukface
    beautiful and thoughtful...starting out you think this is a generic comedy .. but in the end its dramatic roots shine proving to the viewer how wonderful this film is
  • arthurnhk
    November 12, 2009
    arthurnhk
    take the colors inside of you out
    amazing story,
    can go a little futher though
  • friskyflugette
    November 2, 2009
    friskyflugette
    A nice film which will keep most entertained with the simple plot. The beauty of the film is the effective use of black and white intermingling with colour.
  • valerietheblonde
    November 1, 2009
    valerietheblonde
    Fantastic movie, plot, acting!
  • HateYouIgnorant
    October 31, 2009
    HateYouIgnorant
    !Comercial or Stupid! :|
  • heybarbara
    October 24, 2009
    heybarbara
    Some critics here are saying the movie takes itself too seriously - but I believe some people are taking it too literally. ... Saying that the topics that are addressed have no impact on society anymore, clearly misses the point. ... The 50s -- or more specifically, 50s TV -- is ...( read more)used as a metaphor, because of the way 50s TV portrayed life in America. ... Thematically, this movie is about "Living Life" to the fullest, whatever that means. More specifically, to live life to the fullest -- to truly feel "alive" -- you need to take the good with the bad. Sweeping things under the rug and just acting "pleasant" all the time, is no way to live. That's what Tobey McGuire's speech at the end to his "real" mother is all about. Bad things happen, it's part of life. Having passion brings with it positives and negatives -- but suppressing true feelings for the sake of "pleasantness" is an empty life. THAT is the key ... and that "issue" is everlasting to the human condition.
    Another point: People fear change. This is universal from the start of time until the end of time. The film suggests that changing and growing as a society and as people -- even if scary -- is good. Just because the 50s were used as a metaphor for that, don't believe for a minute this isn't a universal issue that exists today and forever.
    This is not a perfect film. I liked its subtlety, but then the racism correlation, and the censorship stuff, got a bit more overt. The courtroom scene at the end is a bit cliche ... and I also agree with one poster who said that, to make the point about taking the good with the bad, we should've seen a bit more about the consequences of their actions.
  • deu3id
    October 18, 2009
    deu3id
    L'allégorie de la caverne hyper bien représentée. J'adore ce film. Chef d'oeuvres.
  • kmansell1
    October 11, 2009
    kmansell1
    this film looks so kidish from the outside but when you watch it you realise what brilliant movie it actually is. there is so much going on and trying to say about everyday life. the cast are great and really enjoy there roles. a must see.
  • mv1334
    October 9, 2009
    mv1334
    "Great, great movie. I never get tired of watching every time I feel like watching on my vhs (they didn't have dvd at time). One of the best 90's films."
  • ElCochran90
    September 18, 2009
    ElCochran90
    I totally loved the story and the leading performances. Very clever idea...

    60/100
  • Jordan770
    September 16, 2009
    Jordan770
    Saw this morning. Made me laugh.
  • ZRUV
    September 9, 2009
    ZRUV
    A very good movie to study for English.
  • Darcy9Saleen
    September 4, 2009
    Darcy9Saleen
    This is a really good movie.
  • hypathio7
    August 31, 2009
    hypathio7
    This and Purple Rose of Cairo are both about disrupted routine and comparing the fictional world of 50's TV or 30's movies to real life. I like the effects and all the performances (though Don Knotts is a little hokey). But the theme more than anything is what makes this story ...( read more)so enjoyable for me. The sex, music, color, art, library books, and general spirit of change that stirs up this innocent, gray, small town (I mean small town! Where there is nothing outside of Pleasantville!), bigoted, 50's TV sitcom world of the status quo, is creatively visualized.
  • jboyle10
    August 27, 2009
    jboyle10
    I love this movie. I went into the theatre expecting too see a light comedy and instead was blown away by the intensity of the film that begins to build about halfway through. It's a great allegory for racism and any kind of discrimination, and it also knows when to have fun.
  • HorrorMovieCinema
    August 23, 2009
    HorrorMovieCinema
    Pleasantville preaches freedom from societal brigandage. Conformity steals that source of life that creates, disallowing us from being who we really are. Souls wither in an atmosphere where they can't be different because we are all different. Try expounding on those themes in a ...( read more)two hour movie that has to sell tickets and you realize how successful Pleasantville is. My favorite scene takes place in the Malt Shop where the lead character explains "Huckleberry Finn". "They realized that they were already free." A perfect explanation of mankind, in reverse. This isn't saying Pleasantville is perfect. The courtroom scene grates more than a bit, and while morals can be overdone ethics can be underdone as well. However a freed prisoner is likely to stretch his legs unless-he's still afraid.

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  • RasTk0
    August 23, 2009
    RasTk0
    whoa, i liked ti very much!
  • wolffang78
    August 15, 2009
    wolffang78
    This was great and I wouldn't mind a sequel, though there wasn't much room for one!
  • saaaaaam
    August 6, 2009
    saaaaaam
    For some reason, people tend to think this is just a silly movie about some silly travel to the past. Well, yes, you are taken back to the 50's, but it's not like the things we see everyday. It does have a concept behind. The colors represent the feelings people are starting to f...( read more)eel, and the idea of representing feelings through colors suits me pretty well. One of my favorites, for sure. Simple, direct and fun-loving.
  • tequilamockingbird82
    July 27, 2009
    tequilamockingbird82
    Simplistic moral drags down otherwise clever movie.
  • FiLmCrAzY
    July 27, 2009
    FiLmCrAzY
    I quite enjoyed this film, mainly because its different and i like different!! I'ts realy funny in places especially Reese Witherspoon!!
    Its about 2 teenagers who are like normal siblings always disagreeing and arguing and one night they break the remote and it gets replaced but...( read more) they then get transported to 1950's 'Pleasantville' where its black and white and its a weird place, the movie is funny and has a great hidden meaning!
    Its a nice afternooon weekend movie!!
  • doglover000000
    July 27, 2009
    doglover000000
    This was an ok film, i like the idea of it and the storyline but its so slow with not enough humour to keep you interested. But worth a watch
  • curllylock
    July 25, 2009
    curllylock
    Great movie don't care for the end She stays there :((
  • naughtytrini
    July 21, 2009
    naughtytrini
    Reese Witherspoon rocks!
  • jonnathanserrano2000
    July 19, 2009
    jonnathanserrano2000
    really good movie.....kind of weird!!
  • beechbabemeg
    July 13, 2009
    beechbabemeg
    funniest movie ever!!!!!!
  • LYNNWOODS04
    July 5, 2009
    LYNNWOODS04
    I can't explain or know why I love this movie..
  • jonathancampos
    June 27, 2009
    jonathancampos
    interesante en cierto modo, otra mas sobre viajes en el tiempo.
  • DoctorXQuinzel
    June 27, 2009
    DoctorXQuinzel
    An interesting premise, I thought it was ok
  • FrankiesMakeupArtist
    June 24, 2009
    FrankiesMakeupArtist
    This is funny, but it gets deeper than you would think.
  • doctordoom
    June 24, 2009
    doctordoom
    This is a fun film. A teen brother and sister both get transported into a old 1950's television show. Everything is black and white in that world. But they influence that world into things they would normally would never do. The world goes from being black and white to a world fu...( read more)ll of colour. The film is very funny. Great performances from Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon, Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels and William H. Macy. The story is a very neat concept and fun to watch. Worth a watch.
  • fernandorafael
    June 22, 2009
    fernandorafael
    Satire, drama, symbolism and social critique converge beautifully in the dreamlike PLEASANTVILLE. Gary Ross takes a jab at the conservative American society, as well as segregation, and succeeds.

    Twins David and Jennifer get sucked into Pleasantville, a 50's TV show David's a...( read more) fan of. Ironically, as soon as they leave the 90's and enter this fictitious world, the film starts to feel real.

    PLEASANTVILLE achieves perfection in every technical aspect. Visual effects, cinematography, art direction and score are all excellent. An equally impressive cast graces us with extraordinary performances.
  • blackeyedsurfer
    June 21, 2009
    blackeyedsurfer
    Even though this movie is loaded with symbolism and social commentary, it never ceases to be thoroughly enjoyable to watch. The humour and sensibility is innocent, even whimsical in some scenes. You can take with you any number of messages, but perhaps that one that is most reson...( read more)ant is that change really is a good thing, even if it takes more time for some to adjust than others.
  • damariz1991
    June 20, 2009
    damariz1991
    pretty good.. i liik!
  • colly392
    June 14, 2009
    colly392
    A quite entertaining film.
  • TheExistential
    June 14, 2009
    TheExistential
    Pretty clever with the colors. Yup. Thats all i liked.
  • ardnajela04
    June 13, 2009
    ardnajela04
    Add a review (optional)...
  • peppage
    June 8, 2009
    peppage
    I enjoyed all the social symbolism and even without that it's a pleasant movie.
  • poryan1
    June 5, 2009
    poryan1
    This is a fun story. Well written and delivered. I'm not sure I enjoy the message of a morally sound and upright community being bettered being corrupted but still an entertaining movie.
  • helwigs
    June 3, 2009
    helwigs
    Political satire movies make for the best.
  • EbertsLittleApprentice
    May 30, 2009
    EbertsLittleApprentice
    I loved this film and the fact that it was so different and took a change in filmmaking.
  • fishandclips
    May 28, 2009
    fishandclips
    The '50s is my favorite decade, and this film did it justice. A classic in my eyes, lotsa symbolism and a fabulous soundtrack to boot. Very uplifting and a lot of fun.
  • psyclock7
    May 25, 2009
    psyclock7
    This movie actually was bad...worth one look
  • ahhh1989
    May 25, 2009
    ahhh1989
    Top notch piece of filmmaking. This is a perfect example of CGI done right. The film also made me cry almost nonstop!
  • eleiaj
    May 24, 2009
    eleiaj
    I liked the cast. Good movie.
  • shag2469
    May 20, 2009
    shag2469
    Great the Tart corrupts the innocents....LOL

Summary

Pleasantville Summary