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This is Jeff Bayer, and I don't update this site very often. If you'd like to listen to my current movie podcast you can find it at MovieBS.com.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Quickcard Review The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by: David Fincher Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE for Pardee's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Benjamin Button (Pitt) is born a tiny old, wrinkled dying man. But Queenie (Henson) takes him in and cares for him. Then the most amazing thing happens ... he ages backwards. And along the way he falls in love with Daisy (Blanchett).

Who’s It For? You need to know it's slow. The pace of the film only has a few quick moments. So the kids will get restless, and you might too.

OVERALL

I had a hunch The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons was going to be one of my favorites this year. I mean it’s got Pitt, Blanchett and Fincher running the show. What’s not to love there? And Fincher is currently at the top of my list on "must see" directors.

It's a dramatic fairy tale and in the beginning we get some nice humor from the old people in the house, that Queenie cares for. But you’re desperate for Benjamin to take off on an adventure, and we get close … but a truly great adventure never happens. And when he falls for Daisy it's draining, because beyond her beauty, she’s just kind of mean.

But, At center stage here isn’t the acting.  It’s the special effects, they are absolutely stunning. Some of the best I’ve seen, it immediately made me think of Lord of the Rings type quality. Here's the thing, it’s a slow film, you feel the two and a half hours, it’s almost like a boring Forest Gump.

So I had a hunch with The Curious Case Of Benjamin Buttons … and while it’s a well-crafted, good-looking film, it’s just not exciting enough.

Final Score: 7/10

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Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button