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4

LamontRaymondMay 29, 2015

It's not a terrible movie, but the storytelling and how each and every scene unfolds are so damned awkward, it's tough for me to believe it was written and directed by the same guy who made the incredible Almost Famous. It feels like it's inIt's not a terrible movie, but the storytelling and how each and every scene unfolds are so damned awkward, it's tough for me to believe it was written and directed by the same guy who made the incredible Almost Famous. It feels like it's in desperate need for a re-write. Perhaps nobody wanted to question Cameron's judgement? Who knows. I don't feel it was wasted time because Cooper and the two female leads are so much fun to watch. They just deserved better material. For a vastly superior Hawaii movie, just rent The Descendants from Alexander Payne, another virtuoso director at the top of his game.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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6

TVJerryJun 1, 2015

Bradley Cooper plays a military contractor who returns to Hawaii, where he reconnects with his ex (Rachel McAdams) and immediately falls for his assistant/officer (Emma Stone). There's no denying that writer/director Cameron Crowe has aBradley Cooper plays a military contractor who returns to Hawaii, where he reconnects with his ex (Rachel McAdams) and immediately falls for his assistant/officer (Emma Stone). There's no denying that writer/director Cameron Crowe has a wonderful way with words, but his focus is scattered. The story is sometimes confusing and the action sometimes seems unmotivated. What's undeniable is that every performance is terrific: the characters are engaging and there's dynamic energy between all of the actors. The film starts out with a snappy attitude and plenty of promise, but the screenplay gets lost and ultimately turns mushy (that last scene especially).… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

NightReviewsJun 1, 2015

Aloha is a film that doesn’t quite know if it’s coming or going. This is fitting as the title itself is the literal translation in Hawaiian for greeting or parting with someone, in this instance, someone you never care to meet ever again.Aloha is a film that doesn’t quite know if it’s coming or going. This is fitting as the title itself is the literal translation in Hawaiian for greeting or parting with someone, in this instance, someone you never care to meet ever again.

The newest film from Cameron Crowe, a filmmaker that has been riding the wave of the mid-ninties and early two-thousands with films like Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous with occasional emotional glimpses of talent (mostly in Vanilla Sky and We Bought A Zoo), never really clicks. Lacking any sort of obvious purpose or overall foundation and filled with characters who know less than what we know about them, the film confuses beyond belief right from its first frames. Characters, along with the film itself, are covered and soaked in convoluted, not artistic, ambiguity.

The opening, characterized by an uninspiring and unnecessary voice-over with protagonist Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper) telling a backstory that could be just about any human on the planet and a mission of blessing a pedestrian gate, automatically sends the film to the direction of complete absurdity. Thankfully, the one thing Mr. Crowe does well is making this film, along with each of its characters, magnetized to its lead – Brian Gilcrest – a role Cooper will surely NOT get his fourth Oscar nomination in a row for.

These characters include Bradley Cooper’s Brian Gilcrest, a contractor who was a military man and began working for corporate billionaires; Bill Murray’s Carson Welch, one of Gilcrest’s previous employers and a huge billionaire in search of owning the sky with satellites; Rachel McAdams’ Tracy Woodside, an ex to Gilcrest and a civilian in charge of dealing with recently departed soldiers; John Krasinski’s Woody Woodside (I swear that’s his name), a husband to Tracy and a pilot who doesn’t speak to his wife for reasons unknown, and of course, Emma Stone’s Allison Ng, an F-22 fighter-pilot who is tasked with being Gilcrest’s watchdog/chaperone again for reasons unknown.

Sadly, Crowe, who directed, wrote, and produced Aloha, is very close to kissing a credible career as a filmmaker goodbye. Introducing the audience to too many characters at once, using a mix bag of filming technique such as long takes that never really connect with audiences, and adding a ridiculous amount of not-so-subtle analogies and Hawaiian mythology, Crowe will be ranting, raving, and begging audience members to come see his newest film and show him the money, especially with such a large $37 million dollar budget.

One of the biggest mysteries of the film, aside from its obsession to the Hawaiian supernatural, is how it was able to conjure up such an impressive ensemble cast. I mean, did anyone even read the script or were they just enamoured to work with Crowe despite his ability to score with audiences quite a long time ago?

Crowe, who began his artistic career as the youngest ever contributor to Rolling Stone magazine, always manages to connect with audience, if not visually, then sonically, through a trained ear accompanied by fantastic soundtracks and scores. After all, his most beloved pet project Almost Famous features one of the most commercially successful soundtracks in cinematic history. This time around, Aloha features an onslaught of Hawaiian sounds, composed by his recent frequent collaborator Jonsi, who not only add no dimension to the film’s aura, but seem just as boring as elevator music you’d expect in the tropical locale.

Many people won’t even bother seeing Aloha this weekend on the big screen, as I also don’t expect the film to get much bigger of a following on VOD or on-demand. Many of the few souls that do watch the film may find that Emma Stone’s character Allison holds most of the film’s heart and soul. I strongly disagree as Stone provides the film with the majority of its forceful island wisdom and supernatural irrelevance. Though, I do strongly believe that the actress, especially after her exceptionally convincing performance in Birman has a bright and promising future as a defining movie star. Sadly, it just really isn’t seen here.

Cooper may very well be the best part of Aloha as well as the tall, dark, and silent Krasinski, who doesn’t do much but strut his stuff and act all mysteriously enigmatic. Cooper seems to be having the most fun with his tormented, soul-selling character, even if we don’t know why he is selling it, or to who. If there is one thing that Aloha does well, it is that it makes everything and anything about the life of Brian Gilcrest. Sadly, the love triangle between Gilcrest, Woodside, and Ng isn’t anything more than a bumbling disaster of regrets, would haves, should haves, and surprising narrative twists. Relationships, attractions, and love stories created completely from thin air without any merit or reason is also one of the main reasons why Aloha never gets a warm welcome.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

Movi3R3vi3werJun 2, 2015

I think it's a vastly underrated film, Aloha is a very entertaining, sweet and breezy fun rom com. Does this movie have issues? Absolutelty is does! The editing is off and there's an event that takes place within the third act that feltI think it's a vastly underrated film, Aloha is a very entertaining, sweet and breezy fun rom com. Does this movie have issues? Absolutelty is does! The editing is off and there's an event that takes place within the third act that felt forced but in a summer filled with big popcorn movies it's good to get a small treat brought to us by the great Cameron Crowe.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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2

RwattMay 29, 2015

Disappointing on so many levels. I am a huge fan of Crowe's, which makes it worse. Not 1 scene worked. Cooper gives 1 of his worst performances, not for lack of trying. It is simply an uncomfortable movie worsened by an awkward centralDisappointing on so many levels. I am a huge fan of Crowe's, which makes it worse. Not 1 scene worked. Cooper gives 1 of his worst performances, not for lack of trying. It is simply an uncomfortable movie worsened by an awkward central performance, worsened further by the fact this guy was somehow just nominated for 3 oscars (?!) which fails to be evident in the movie in any capacity. Stone was a near saving grace, mostly bc whimsy seems to come very naturally to her. I anticipate many parts of this film as being Razzie bound, even just due to the hours of awkwardness I will never get back, by especially because it is done by the genius behind Almost Famous & leading talent that rately sink so low.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

Elite_FlibbleMay 29, 2015

Aloha feels like a breath of fresh air onto the big screen. Unlike many reviews say, this movie is not at all terrible but at the same time not the best movie of the year. The overall storytelling is good and the plot is a little clichéd butAloha feels like a breath of fresh air onto the big screen. Unlike many reviews say, this movie is not at all terrible but at the same time not the best movie of the year. The overall storytelling is good and the plot is a little clichéd but it is still entertaining throughout.
Aloha is not exactly Almost Famous but the five year production and cast make this a fantastic movie by Crowe. The top-billed cast is overflowing with talent. Cooper again embarks on a fascinating role but isn't executed as well as American Sniper and certainly isn't Oscar worthy. His chemistry with Stone is unusual but works very well. Stone brings an adorable charm to this movie which makes the movie flow with colour and enthusiam. In conclusion, worth a watch but don't enter this movie with very low expectations.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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0

ThegodfathersonMay 29, 2015

Another crapheap in the merry month of May?! First that stupid disaster movie and now this. Cameron Crow has aged and lost all his charm with Aloha. This was a movie that I was hyped for, Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Danny McBride and CameronAnother crapheap in the merry month of May?! First that stupid disaster movie and now this. Cameron Crow has aged and lost all his charm with Aloha. This was a movie that I was hyped for, Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Danny McBride and Cameron Crowe directing. This film is nothing short of garbage. Cooper plys a military officer who has come bck from war to take break in Hawaii. Well, couldnt Crowe have created story with charm, rather than create this boring, unmindful and badly made film. Boring sums up Aloha. The film never picks up, has absolutely no reqson that you should watch it. DONT WATCH IT FOR BRADLEY COOPER EITHER. He is soo damn lifeless. Well May brought me two 0/10s in a row!… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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2

OktpacaMay 31, 2015

Disappointing. The plot is unintelligible and the repartee amongst a great cast lacks any impact or charm because it's not rooted in any meaningful story or character development. Emma Stone is delightful but there us nothing for her to workDisappointing. The plot is unintelligible and the repartee amongst a great cast lacks any impact or charm because it's not rooted in any meaningful story or character development. Emma Stone is delightful but there us nothing for her to work with, leaving her performance comic bookish. Save your money.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

ledaumasMay 30, 2015

There is something wrong with the editing in this film. Many scenes don't flow. Their reactions don't always match who they are reacting to. Some of the scenes also seem to end, then it remains in the same scene hours later. Maybe there willThere is something wrong with the editing in this film. Many scenes don't flow. Their reactions don't always match who they are reacting to. Some of the scenes also seem to end, then it remains in the same scene hours later. Maybe there will be a director's cut where the missing scenes will be restored, if that's the problem. Meanwhile, it was good to see the moral compass at work for most of the characters and the resulting respect for Hawaiin culture. It was hard to tell where this movie was going until the end. While it was a romantic comedy, we weren't always sure who to route for and it needed tension added to convey the movie's message.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

Trev29Sep 6, 2015

The talented cast and the great setting of Hawaii are wasted on a story that is neither dramatic nor funny. Above all, it just isn't interesting. The script was a mess.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

3ebfan511Sep 17, 2016

It was very good. Not sure what everyone is complaining about. There were about 2 scenes that were a little cliche and 1 scene that was maybe poorly directed/not fully believable, but everything else was good and there multiple VERY GOODIt was very good. Not sure what everyone is complaining about. There were about 2 scenes that were a little cliche and 1 scene that was maybe poorly directed/not fully believable, but everything else was good and there multiple VERY GOOD scenes, funny, and interesting. As per the Hawaii stuff, Hollywood has been whitewashing Hawaii forever, so I am not going to punish this film for that, because its a good film. I just saw "From Here To Eternity" which also takes place on Hawaii with army guys on base and pretty much does the SAME EXACT THING with the subject matter of Hawii as its similar in some of the themes but yet that is considered a classic all time, but people are just complaining because this movie came out now. For white people on a base in Hawii, it might be like that, that may be their experience. The point of the movie is not to be a documentary about how great Hawaii is. It was a pretty funny, and well done romantic comedy, a little weird, but I like that, and thats Cameron Crowe. It was good.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

FilmVirtueJun 25, 2015

So misguided, So unintelligent, So disappointing, Aloha is another film by Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) that repeats the same mistakes he has made in his recent releases. Passionate of course, but misguided all together.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

FIFJun 15, 2015

Its a Cameron Crowe movie, whats not to like?! Always a breath of fresh air in the days of over the top cheeseball action, oscar wannabes and lifeless rom coms!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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0

ParithJun 9, 2015

A thin gruel for people that don't want to feel or think. The movie's goal is to be a distraction from life but not to engross, to escape other thoughts and feelings but not to introduce any new ones, something to kill time with as you watchA thin gruel for people that don't want to feel or think. The movie's goal is to be a distraction from life but not to engross, to escape other thoughts and feelings but not to introduce any new ones, something to kill time with as you watch the plastic characters go through the motions of the soulless soap opera like plot.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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0

kman5473Mar 16, 2017

White washing. Terrible dialogue. Extremely convoluted plot. The worst use of Bill Murray in a film EVER. Need I say more? Just...don't ever watch this flick. If any of your friends with terrible taste in everything tries to convince youWhite washing. Terrible dialogue. Extremely convoluted plot. The worst use of Bill Murray in a film EVER. Need I say more? Just...don't ever watch this flick. If any of your friends with terrible taste in everything tries to convince you otherwise, you should reconsider your friendship. I mean that.… Expand