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5

LynFeb 2, 2014

"Frances Ha" is like an episode of "Girls" in which the girls suddenly, thankfully, are not annoying nymphomaniacs. Greta Gerwig is endearing, with her difficulty facing life's realities (and her bad hair). But she can't make up for the fact"Frances Ha" is like an episode of "Girls" in which the girls suddenly, thankfully, are not annoying nymphomaniacs. Greta Gerwig is endearing, with her difficulty facing life's realities (and her bad hair). But she can't make up for the fact that F's aimless missteps are not that entertaining. Also, the intense passion between the two girlfriends -- continual mini traumas, constant I love yous -- just seemed odd & ridiculous. Really, really liked Noah B's other films, but found this one blah.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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3

csw12Jan 15, 2014

The movie is only 86 minutes long and yet after the combination of being bored to death and listening to one of the most irritating characters in movies this year, it felt like 186 minutes. The movie seemed to rely on the quirkiness of theThe movie is only 86 minutes long and yet after the combination of being bored to death and listening to one of the most irritating characters in movies this year, it felt like 186 minutes. The movie seemed to rely on the quirkiness of the main character, which faded very quickly.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

LamontRaymondMay 21, 2013

This is my second consecutive Noah B. movie starring Greta Gerwig which just fell flat for me. Sure, it's somewhat real, it's clever, and urbane, but it's also very catty, nasty, and trendy. I chuckled twice in the movie, but didn't fullyThis is my second consecutive Noah B. movie starring Greta Gerwig which just fell flat for me. Sure, it's somewhat real, it's clever, and urbane, but it's also very catty, nasty, and trendy. I chuckled twice in the movie, but didn't fully laugh once. I wanted to like it and laugh more, but the movie didn't pull it out of me.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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6

TVJerryJun 2, 2013

Greta Gerwig co-wrote this with her hubby/director Noah Baumbach, which is pretty obvious. The character (and apparently the actor) are self-involved to the exclusion of good filmmaking. I'd call it a character study, but the character's notGreta Gerwig co-wrote this with her hubby/director Noah Baumbach, which is pretty obvious. The character (and apparently the actor) are self-involved to the exclusion of good filmmaking. I'd call it a character study, but the character's not that deep. She 's a woman who is not successful at career, finances or friendships (with the exception of her best girlfriend). She ambles thru her aimless life, which starts out charmingly but gets tiresome and talkative before it's over. Maybe Baumbach thought shooting it in black and white would elevate it above basic twentysomething mumblecore, but it didn't work for me.… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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3

emkadvJun 20, 2013

A big disappointment. I wanted to like it, but I couldn't. Frances is terribly self-absorbed and oblivious to the feelings of those around her. Up until the last five minutes, every chance she has to make a decision, she make a bad one. ThatA big disappointment. I wanted to like it, but I couldn't. Frances is terribly self-absorbed and oblivious to the feelings of those around her. Up until the last five minutes, every chance she has to make a decision, she make a bad one. That isn't realism to me; in real life we make a mixture of good decisions and bad ones. Only the ending, where she finally wakes up, saved the movie from being a complete disaster.

I saw this with our weekly movie group, and none of us gave it thumbs up.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

greygooseMay 26, 2013

In a month of sequels (Star Trek 2, Hangover 3, Iron Man 3 you get the picture), it was nice to see something original on the screen without a number in its title.
While it does not open or end strong, this movie's middle is filled withIn a month of sequels (Star Trek 2, Hangover 3, Iron Man 3 you get the picture), it was nice to see something original on the screen without a number in its title.
While it does not open or end strong, this movie's middle is filled with many great moments. It's beautifully photographed, often funny, and a good combo of Noah B. and Greta G.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

keyeleproJun 16, 2013

This movie attempted to live completely by the quirky nature of its main character. Unfortunately for me, she was quite unsuccessful as a person, in a career, and somewhat boring after the first two or three quirks. I rank it as a movieThis movie attempted to live completely by the quirky nature of its main character. Unfortunately for me, she was quite unsuccessful as a person, in a career, and somewhat boring after the first two or three quirks. I rank it as a movie that the critics give high points for an attempt to be different and uncommercial. This movie did not ring my bell in any way.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

ddbleMay 28, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you want to relive your 20's something screaming scenes that involve either yourself or watching your roomies, friends, lovers, ex-lovers, or maybe lovers about paying the rent...go ahead & enjoy...I did not. One of the very, very few movies that I have walk out on.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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3

StephBonnDec 29, 2013

Worst "critically acclaimed" film of the year.
I walked out, which I haven't done in a very long time. The last one was "Greenberg"...
ok, so maybe there's a pattern...

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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9

ShiiraJul 13, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not only love, but sex, or rather, as Helen puts it, the "whole package", is what the art gallery curator wants from her coupling with Jessica, who insists on downplaying sex as being just one component" in a "loving and tender" relationship. "What we have is a friendship," she protests, "best friends", even, which for her incrementally straight partner, a journalist, is enough. How did Francois Truffaut tackle the same terrain of sexual politics, as portrayed in Kissing Jessica Stein? The narrator, in Jules and Jim, recalls how "people called them Don Quixote and Sancho Panza," and that "rumors circulated behind their backs about their unusual friendship." Although Jules puts the kibosh on Jim's pursuance of Catherine, whom we presume to be his lover par excellence, we later learn, after both men return from war, that their marriage is marked by celibacy. Sabine looks nothing like her father, Jim notes. Catherine's satiation, Jules admits, comes from other lovers. When he hands over Catherine without any hesitation or qualms, it's because the cuckolded husband apprizes his best friend's platonic love as being on par with his wife's feminine powers. Bi-curious Jessica, ultimately, doesn't covet women, and yet, bawls her eyes out over Helen's departure as if she did. Whereas Jessica, and Jessica alone would subscribe to the notion that "Jules' and Jim's friendship had no equivalent in love," Frances and Sophie take delight "in the smallest things" and accept "their differences with tenderness," a shared sensibility that transcends love of all persuasions. Manhattan settings both, essentially, Frances Ha picks up where Kissing Jessica Stein leaves off, but here, there is no analogue for Helen, since both Frances and Sophie are randy heterosexuals. "The coffee people are right. We are like a lesbian couple that doesn't have sex anymore," Frances says, sharing both cigarette, and inside joke, in regard to the careening apogee of their avowed sexual orientation. Modern love, indeed. Only David Bowie can explain them. When Frances' laptop light goes out, like a lover, Sophie stops the aspiring dancer from adjourning to her own room, and like a lover who nags about a partner's annoying little habits, she softly chastises Frances over her bad decorum, regarding socks in bed. Socks are the only piece of clothing she removes, which may surprise the viewer, since all of New York can see the uninhibited pair carrying on like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Alas, so who is Jules? And who is Jim? The film, it would seem, casts the titular character as Jules. Akin to the scene where Jim gives Catherine to his closest confidant, Frances, in a bequeathing of sorts, suggests that Sophie hook up with Lev, a roommate(one of her "two husbands", a Jules and Jim reference), which would reunite the Vassar graduates, turning the Manhattan apartment into something resembling her counterpart's crowded Austrian chalet. But Sophie, like Jim, already has a partner, and this is where Frances Ha diverges from the Jules and Jim template, since Frances' bespectacled friend remains loyal to Patch, whereas the German can't choose between Catherine and his fiancee. Frances, ever the martyr, rebuffs Lev's advances, because, perhaps, thinking ahead, she sees him as the key to luring Sophie back into her life, even though the Sacramento native thinks he's "magic". Back home for Christmas with family and friends, this transplanted New Yorker, now signified by tract housing instead of skyscrapers, and churchgoers instead of artists, seems less like a persona than a person, and more like a woman than a man. In NYC, she adopts the masculine role by paying for Lev's dinner, and also, Benji draws attention to her "weird man walk", suggesting that Frances is in drag, albeit less visibly than Catherine, who with chapeau and painted mustache, passes herself of as a man, one sunny day in France among the boys. Arguably, the scene where Frances teeters along the river Seine, the same river where Catherine jumps into, is not the first direct steal from Jules and Jim. While Frances' mother pounds on the bathroom door, the daughter lies down in the tub, more or less, underwater, which abstractedly recalls Catherine's drowning, when she drives, with Jim riding shotgun, off the dock. Like the similarly-themed Superbad, porn-lovin' Seth declares, "I don't know what I'm going to be into ten years from now," the same ambiguity imbues itself in this familial exchange: "Frances, how much longer?" asks mom. "I'll be out in a second," responds her adult child, or, maybe give it ten years. From an objective distance, Jules and Jim lock eyes, and for emphasis, the mis-en-scene freezes. What do the eyes say? In Frances Ha, the filmmaker instead employs close-ups and a shot/countershot during the climactic staring, following Frances' first show as a choreographer. We can see. What are we seeing?… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

adhamhanyMar 7, 2014

A sweet film about friendship and getting your life on track. Greta Gerwig gives a good performance. The directing is good, though the script could have used a little work.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

netflicJun 3, 2013

This movie could have been a good story about an almost 30-year old trying to find herself. Or about how infantile this generation is. Could have. The potential is there. But it is not. With a notable exception of a few funny lines, it leftThis movie could have been a good story about an almost 30-year old trying to find herself. Or about how infantile this generation is. Could have. The potential is there. But it is not. With a notable exception of a few funny lines, it left me bored, looking at my watch and mentally scratching my head why on earth it got critic reviews so high...… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

zedzdedFeb 27, 2017

Really overrated movie. I guess people who like Richard Linklaters' later movies will love this rambling, unfocused movie and its unfocused ditzy quirky eponymous protagonist. I just wanted to slap her myself. Please can I have my 86 minutes back.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

Prodigy2013Nov 7, 2013

I’ve been dying to see this for a while; and Noah Baumbach’s infectious ‘Frances Ha’, bubbles with pizzazz. This is a witty character study about Frances Frances Halladay (Greta Gerwig), a 27-year-old dancer who lives with her best friendI’ve been dying to see this for a while; and Noah Baumbach’s infectious ‘Frances Ha’, bubbles with pizzazz. This is a witty character study about Frances Frances Halladay (Greta Gerwig), a 27-year-old dancer who lives with her best friend Sophie. When Sophie decides to move out, leaving Frances low and dry, Frances is forced to figure out how to live her life. Not to take things too personally, but as 20-something year-old I can’t help but relate with some of the difficulties faced by the titular character and that struggle to get started on life. While this is clearly a Noah Baumbach film, I think equal credit should be given to star and co-scribe Greta Gerwig. Her contribution to the indie-film realm these past few years have been felt and her presence here couldn’t be any stronger. The shear level of wit, sincerity and (most of all) charisma that she brings to her character was truly something special; and should not be taken lightly. Drawing from the French New Wave and Woody Allen (mainly during the 70’s) Baumbach crafts a deliciously stylized film that tells the story in an utterly unique fashion. The black and white cinematography does so well at setting the bleak tones that comes with a quarter-life crises, and I could listen to the soundtrack all day long. Sometimes funny and sometimes heartbreaking; I’m really hoping this gem doesn't go unnoticed by year end. The film has such an appeal and deserves all the attention in the world.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

AlexaSangerNov 7, 2013

Lovely movie, from the second half tough.
The Frances character gets more mature and deeper to the end of the movie. From time to time Greta Gerwig´s acting is a bit akward I do not get why she still has those ,,little child" moves or whyLovely movie, from the second half tough.
The Frances character gets more mature and deeper to the end of the movie. From time to time Greta Gerwig´s acting is a bit akward I do not get why she still has those ,,little child" moves or why is she acting like a child.
But overall, the movie was a good one.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

windcallDec 13, 2013

This movie is witty, has great writing and a great cast it successfully emulates Woody Allen though misses much of Allen's irony, humor and charm.

Don't get me wrong the movie has charm but it is difficult at times to empathize withThis movie is witty, has great writing and a great cast it successfully emulates Woody Allen though misses much of Allen's irony, humor and charm.

Don't get me wrong the movie has charm but it is difficult at times to empathize with the characters. Their flaws (especially the protagonist's), while intended to come over as cute and endearing, inevitably cause more frustration than amusement for the viewer.

This movie is a pleasant indulgence and though it may distract you for two hours, you feel you've spent that time exploring the self-indulgences of Baumbach and Gerwig rather than exploring interesting characters struggling to find their place in the world. In a nutshell, you never forget for a second you are watching a movie.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

dierregiAug 26, 2014

Frances is an "apprentice" dancer - which is hard to believe since she is very ungainly. Apart from "dancing" she never worked a real job in her life. Frances shares an apartment with BFF Sophie, in a sort of a "celibate" lesbian relationshipFrances is an "apprentice" dancer - which is hard to believe since she is very ungainly. Apart from "dancing" she never worked a real job in her life. Frances shares an apartment with BFF Sophie, in a sort of a "celibate" lesbian relationship (at least, from Frances' side).

Both girls have boyfriends, but Frances has no problem with dispassionately dumping hers, when he proposes she moves in with him. Unfortunately for Frances, Sophie actually moves in with her man, Patch. Frances, feeling hurt and betrayed (more strong lesbian vibes) cannot pay rent and moves in with another couple of slackers. Then she gets "temporarily" sacked from the dance company she works for and "sort of" runs out of money.

This does not stop her from flying to Paris for a weekend and from refusing a job as a "mere" accountant, which would not fulfil her artistic delusions. She meets with Sophie and Patch and comes to terms with them getting married. In the end, Frances accepts the "normal" job and moves into her own apartment, while maintaining her status as "undateable".

Shot in black & white, by director Baunbach, the movie tries and fails miserably to look like a mix of French nouvelle vague (specifically Jules & Jim) and early Woody Allen (specifically Manhattan).

Gerwig plays Frances as a lethargic young woman, lacking elegance and discipline, which presumably are needed for such a competitive and physical profession. Sophie is played by one of Sting's children and one of Streep's daughters plays another dancer, completing the cast of VIPs. Neither shines, but I guess being mediocre actresses will not hurt their careers.

Baumbach and Gerwig were (still are? Really don't care) a couple during the filming. Actress/director relationships usually produce mediocre movies, and this is just another one to add to the list.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

LeZeeDec 20, 2013

It was my personal favourite of the year. I just can't show how much I
loved this movie but will try my best in this review to explain. It was
just like the movie 'The Pursuit of Happiness' where it describes a person's struggle overIt was my personal favourite of the year. I just can't show how much I
loved this movie but will try my best in this review to explain. It was
just like the movie 'The Pursuit of Happiness' where it describes a
person's struggle over professional as well the relationship with a
best friend. I don't know why this movie was in black and white but
very seductive, like women from Charles Chaplin movies. The expressions
are 'the killer' if you are a man who fall easily for struggling women.
'Ruby Sparks' is my one of the year's favourite which was written by
the lead female of the movie and the same goes to 'Celeste and Jesse
Forever'. I know it is out of topic but I was saying the lead actress
from this movie who played Frances wrote this. All these were women
oriented subjects which rendered the movies from a distinct angle.

Frances is a cute and sarcastic woman in her late 20s lives with a best
friend Sophie in New York city. She is not talented but as a
professional dancer she earns enough to lead a happy life. Once she and
her boyfriend breakup, Sophie too throws an another bomb as she decides
to move out to live with her boyfriend. One after another her battle to
survive in the city for rich remains hopeless. But pursue for her dream
never ends as she wanted to be a fine choreographer. For all these she
must hold back her downs of her life and aim only up to self discover
the meaning of the life. Did she successful or not is what the movie
steadily chronicles her efforts.

The character Frances will be remembered for a long time, especially by
me. I just did not only had a fondness on that character but it
completely transformed me as one. In fact I felt the movie deeply into
me that I regretted for unable to give my support to Frances. I came to
know I am in love with Frances in the scene where she runs on the
streets of Chinatown. I think it is the best scene of the movie, very
adorable. You must watch the movie till the last frame before the end
credits roll up to know the meaning of this strange title. It was a
silly reason to have names like this for a movie but completely cool
and refreshing. It is not a thought provoking or an art movie but
believe me it is definitely a must see movie of the year.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

warnertNov 23, 2013

Everything was great except for the blubbering blundering francis (greta gerwig) who even though she had few funny moments in all she just kept on talking non stop a very bad influence for upcoming young adults.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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6

jonhDec 1, 2013

Endearing and enjoyable and pleasing, one of the better of this genre (talk-y millennium young woody allen) which admittedly is not my favorite. Gerwig is also very strong in the role.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

hoops2448Sep 11, 2013

While at first I had no idea what to expect from Frances Ha as it seems to have no semblance of a plot, a complete lack of meaning and a main character who jumps from one extreme to another. In the end though I was in awe of this unexpectedWhile at first I had no idea what to expect from Frances Ha as it seems to have no semblance of a plot, a complete lack of meaning and a main character who jumps from one extreme to another. In the end though I was in awe of this unexpected little triumph. When Frances (Greta Gerwig) learns that her room mate and best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) is moving out she must scramble to get her life in order as everyone else seems to be getting their things together. However this proves more difficult for Frances as she is an interesting and lovable train wreck. Unlike director Noah Baumbach's previous film, the intolerably boring Greenberg, Frances Ha has a lead character who sure takes some getting used to with her indecipherable rants and her illogical sense of self, but isn't an insufferable presence who only gets more despicable. It's a film about self awareness and the ability to know your own self worth and therefore it has a wonderful yet lifelike conclusion anyone who watches will be happy with. While the first act is all over the place, its only to highlight Frances' hyperactive personality and her inability to be still and settle down. The film really comes into its own when Frances is forced to make plans because Frances in trouble is both hilarious and tragic making for a compelling watch. Gerwig is fantastic and understands the effervescent nature of Frances as if it was her. Something this film makes very easy to believe. Peppered with interesting side characters to round out Frances' surprisingly large friend circle (especially for someone as high maintenance as she is), the film is equal parts unusual comedy and sombre drama as we cling to the words coming out of this self destructive yet brilliant woman.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

Trev29Jan 10, 2014

Frances Ha is a hoot. It is funny and weird and short(which is a bonus). Lots of strange moments that are enjoyable to watch. It could have delved somewhat deeper, but for what it was it was good.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

VinceMMay 25, 2013

Frances Ha is a delightful study in character development and all the relationship struggles 20 something New Yorkers struggle with. Meaningful friendships is a common goal the individuals share with their ups and downs. Greta Gerwig shinesFrances Ha is a delightful study in character development and all the relationship struggles 20 something New Yorkers struggle with. Meaningful friendships is a common goal the individuals share with their ups and downs. Greta Gerwig shines throughout with an irresistible lightness that has her dancing sometimes aimlessly through the streets of NYC. We intently observe her trying to cope with her dance career and intimate partners and the inevitable disappointments as well as her moments of truthfulness and ecstasy.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

KattsyltSep 22, 2013

An easy and laid back movie, nothing complicated happends ever. No major plot twists (im not sure there's any plot). Im not sure what to write anymore, i liked the movie but i dont know why. The characters are adorable and its the perfectAn easy and laid back movie, nothing complicated happends ever. No major plot twists (im not sure there's any plot). Im not sure what to write anymore, i liked the movie but i dont know why. The characters are adorable and its the perfect movie for a laid back evening.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

lismis7000Jun 8, 2013

Noah Baumbach's latest is actually is best in years. Greta Gerwig is funny and sad sometimes at the same time Francis a women struggling with her career and life in her late twenties. Gerwig co-wrote the screenplay along with Bauback and isNoah Baumbach's latest is actually is best in years. Greta Gerwig is funny and sad sometimes at the same time Francis a women struggling with her career and life in her late twenties. Gerwig co-wrote the screenplay along with Bauback and is one of the best comedic screenplays in along time. I have never been a big fan of Gerwing, but that has changed with this movie, Thanks for proving an adult comedy that is for adults… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

itriphardJul 14, 2013

Great directing. This movie is complete. Their was No BS ending, Because their was No BS Beginning. Quite interesting Black & White Motion picture it complemented the movie. The Director of this film should direct MORE FILMS, Preferably inGreat directing. This movie is complete. Their was No BS ending, Because their was No BS Beginning. Quite interesting Black & White Motion picture it complemented the movie. The Director of this film should direct MORE FILMS, Preferably in color to loosen up the dreamy vertigo feeling. (A good effect.)… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

MobyZJan 15, 2014

Not much to the movie but Greta Gerwig is irresistably adorable as a klutz, an apprentice dancer trying to find her way in life. She carries the whole movie on her shoulders and does a good job of keeping you entertained throughout...youNot much to the movie but Greta Gerwig is irresistably adorable as a klutz, an apprentice dancer trying to find her way in life. She carries the whole movie on her shoulders and does a good job of keeping you entertained throughout...you can't help but fall in love with her.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

ScraperJan 9, 2020

Frances is relatable and likable. Densely packed with funny and often awkward dialogue, she switches between self-absorbed and earnest. But even when Frances is sabotaging herself, her friendships, or relationships it still seemsFrances is relatable and likable. Densely packed with funny and often awkward dialogue, she switches between self-absorbed and earnest. But even when Frances is sabotaging herself, her friendships, or relationships it still seems understandable because none of us are perfect. That's what this film translates so well.… Expand