Looking at the screenshot above you might not know what to think of this movie. I probably would not have giving this movie a chance if I hadn’t seen it in the IMDB top 250. It made me curious about it, but didn’t get around to ordering it (usually buy my movies online). As I strolled through town I saw it in the window of a small record store and immediately went in to buy it. So is it any good?
The story is about a little girl, Mary Dinkle (Toni Collette) in Melbourne who writes to a random person in New York, Max Horovitz (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an 44-year-old obese man with some serious psychological issues. The two become pen pals and through their letters discuss various topics and get to know each other better. You get to know Max’s favorite sounding words, about his invisible friend and the very young Mary has very innocent questions about life and how much she loves chocolate and cartoons.
The look of this movie is very unique and adds a lot of charm to this film. It also helps to make it charming to watch as the movie does sometimes deal with some very dark subjects. Don’t think it is all serious though as the movie has lots of humour. Something which is also unique is that most of the movie is narrated. Now this might have been annoying, but Barry Humphries does a great job and the writing is strong enough to make you care for these characters despite their issues.
So to answer my question, yes, this is a good movie. Its unique look, story and charming and sometimes dark story had me glued to the screen and I can understand why it’s in the IMDB top 250.
Score: 8
Who directed this, Nostra? From what you’ve written, I quite like the sound of this. I shall look it up…
Rodney has already answered your question Claire. Try to check it out!
I love Mary & Max. It’s not like common animation, using just black and white, and red colors. I love the characters and the message. I felt like I should call my best friends to see how are they doing after watching the movie haha
And a little brown! 😉 I never heard of it or so other reviews of it, so it was a very nice surprise finding it.
Sounds adorable and something I’d probably quite like – have not even heard of this, but adding it to my list 🙂
I hadn’t either Jaina, but it’s got so much charm that I’m sure you’ll like it!
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This indeed such an awesome film – made by Aussie Oscar winner Adam Elliot. Anybody who isn’t moved by this sweet little film has no soul!
Great write up Nostra!
Hahaha, that’s true…you should feel something when watching it. Thanks Rodney!
Wonderful film. I rarely watch films twice, but I’ve seen this three times.
Wow, I’ll probably will revisit it in the future….it’s a great addition to my collection.
A friend lent this to me when I first started writing film reviews saying I simply had to watch it. It is so much better than I expected it to be and left me sobbing uncontrollably at the end. The animation, although a little rough around the edges, was very refreshing. It’s nice to see something that breaks the mould every now and again. Thanks Nostra!
Yeah, it really isn’t comparable to anything else and one that is highly recommended.
Terrific review, Nostra. It looks great, and I fully intend on viewing this one day.
Thanks a lot! Hope you like it!
I recently reviewed the film too… I simply loved it. Very emotional, based on real events, and just overall such a charming and amazing film.
Nice! I do wonder though if it is really based on real events….