SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

SparkMore n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

Edwin The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

bowmanblue There are some films which seem to come and go and no one ever really seems to notice. With all the big-budget movies out there which are predicable, laden with annoying CGI effects and follow a formula where you know exactly what will happen at all times, 'Pleasantville' is a real breath of fresh air. Yet, for some reason, no one really talks about it even though it's held in high regard seemingly with everyone who's seen it.It's rare that a film's tagline sums it up so well, but you may see on any marketing 'The Truman Show meets Back to the Future.' And it's hard to put it any better (although I saw a hint of 'The Last Action Hero' in the plot, but it's barely noticeable!). Two of today's American teens are - for reasons you'll soon find out - 'beamed' into an old black and white TV show from yesteryear. It's safe to say that things worked differently in the days before cell phones and Instagram. Back then firemen constantly rescued stranded cats from trees, teens holding hands was still a taboo and the most exciting thing the youth of the time could do was hand out the local milkshake bar. Therefore, our two young protagonists (played by Tobey Maguire and Reece Witherspoon) find it a challenge to blend in with the locals.However, things really start to go wrong when their influence - literally - bring new life to the fictional telly town. Their modern influence slowly starts seeping into the people and environment and the black and white world they've found themselves in starts to become colour. Now, that wouldn't be so bad, but the locals start engaging in - what they consider - to be 'immoral' behaviour (which you'd probably find on kids' TV in today's times). What follows is a tale about whether our two teens can actually escape their TV-prison and, what will happen to the residents they leave behind.It's truly one of the most clever - vaguely mainstream - films to come out of Hollywood in recent times and, if you're in the mood for something that doesn't involve superheroes flying around a destroyed U.S. city, then you should definitely watch this one.

Rafael Jaramillo It is deeply touching, undeniably funny and has a resonant message that will touch your heart. There is no denying that Pleasantville (PV) is quality in entertaining, and definitely a 90's classic. PV works perfectly in many ways, so let's go stage by stage:Smart satire: "The Perfect Family", one of the social commentaries that this movie makes is that one. The concept of how a family should work, based on strong stereotypes from the 50's, but also on all-time ones. The Parkers are presented as an always happy family with a working father, a house-made mother, and energetic teenage children. It mocks about how television can easily sell this kind of ideas to the public. On the other hand, the sitcom's universe is an absolute winning formula.Precisely funny movie: Most of the movie's humor relies on sexual gags, but that doesn't stop it from being family friendly. The rest of the jokes help to get along with the magical tone of the story. Also, works fine as a coming of age flick. I loved the transition of Jennifer and David throughout the movie. From confused and both relaxed and stressed teenagers to full-aware, independent and emotionally intelligent adults (especially David).A feast for the eyes: Excellent cinematography and visual effects give points for a dazzling experience. The "color transitions" is a beautiful characteristic from PV. The eternal reflection that PV offers (alongside its visuals) make it one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. I'll love to explain it all, but I try to spoil the less I can. What I can say is this: courage, letting flow, opening your eyes, allow your life get colored by life itself, trying new things. This and more, are some of the themes that the movie throws to the audience in a way that all can receive it smoothly. Drama enters here, both in the TV and real world, and it really reaches the soul.Last but not least, the cast and acting. Both fresh and young Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire in charming roles that steal the show. Older, mature and talented William H. Macy, Joan Allen and Jeff Daniels give the movie a sense of "it's never too late" that is refreshing. Joan Allen was the winner here, she must have been nominated for a Golden Globe at least.FINAL CONSENSUS: Family friendly humor, profound social commentary and message, marvelous performances and visuals, Pleasantville is the perfect mix for a magical and heart touching ride.

namashi_1 'Pleasantville' is A Beautiful Film, that ranks amongst the best films from 1998. This wonderful, heartwarming film is a tale of love & liberation. And the performances, are uniformly excellent!'Pleasantville' Synopsis: Two 1990s teenagers find themselves in a 1950s sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that complacent world. 'Pleasantville' deals with social issues such as racism and freedom of speech. Over-here, our two teenager protagonist's, enter a world where they are conditioned & comfortable with a monotonous, regressive lifestyle. Its only when our protagonist's enter their world & offer them the pleasure to feel, react, love & disapprove. 'Pleasantville' is treated with a lighthearted tone, although its message, is heavy & also powerful.Gary Ross's Screenplay is wonderful. The Writing is ingenious, offering a tale on such themes, without every surrendering to melodrama. Ross's Direction, on the other-hand, is perfect. He's handled the film very well. Cinematography is superb. Editing is crisp. Art & Costume Design are flawless. Randy Newman's Score is in perfect sync with the film's mood. Background Score deserves a special mention.Performance-Wise: 'Pleasantville' is embellished with strong performances. Tobey Maguire is fantastic, yet again! His transformation from a fan-boy to a man who must let people live for who they are, deserves distinction marks. Reese Witherspoon shines as Tobey's rebellious sister. Jeff Daniels is remarkable, as always. But its Joan Allen & William H. Macy, who steal the show. As a couple used to feeling only to a limit, both of the supremely talented actors pitch in knockout performances! The Late/Great J. T. Walsh & The Late/Great Paul Walker lend great support. On the whole, 'Pleasantville' is a wonder of a film.

NateWatchesCoolMovies Gary Ross's Pleasantville is one of the most heartfelt, creative, thought provoking dramedies I've seen in a while. I was floored by its benign, lighthearted first third, which gives way to some unexpectedly deep social commentary, brought to life bu truly remarkable performances, and stunning, storybook cinematography that looks like Sin City had a baby with Rumble Fish. Tobey Maguire, an actor I usually can't stand, is nicely low key, while his sister Reese Witherspoon gets the peppy, in your face persona. Following a terse bit of sibling rivalry, a strange TV repairman shows up, bestowing on them an ancient looking replacement remote. Before they can ask where he even came from, they are magically whisked from their 1990's living room right into TV land, specifically a cheery black and white 1950's sitcom called Pleasentville. They find themselves in a gosh golly, apple pie, white picket fence realm of perky, smiling housewives, rampant celibacy (the characters in this town are essentially shells of humans, and have no idea what sex is...yet;). The naive, mentally stunted townsfolk function at the truncated level that the show's writing is allowed, resulting in strangely robotic, stepford wives like versions of people. That all changes however, when Witherspoon introduces a highschool hunk (Paul Walker, hilarious) to the ol' hanky panky. From there on in the townspeople gradually discover books, music, art, and as such start to see the world in vibrant colors, and become colored themselves. It's a genius idea for a film that's executed perfectly, with some scenarios that really pay off, making you feel and think. J.T. Walsh, always fantastic, plays the town's fearful skeptic of a mayor. William H. Macy nails the father role perfectly (Where's my dinner?!), Joan Allen gives the best work I've ever seen her do, giving force and gentle feeling to the wife who starts exploring herself, and the world around her. The crown jewel acting wise though is Jeff Daniels, as an aloof diner owner who discovers an affinity for the arts. He brings such a warmth and budding humanity to the role. There's subtext relating to Mccarthy-ism, and not letting the powers that be tell how you what to like, how to feel or what to do. There's a lot to enjoy in this package, and indeed all aspects are done so well its a wonder this one hasn't retained acclaim over the years.