Read Mixed User Reviews for Gone Girl

5

imthenoobJan 6, 2017

I loved it up until the twist reveal in the middle of the film and then it all went down hill from there. It just became another boring, over talkative drama that you couldn't wait to end. Definitely should have cut back on the run time andI loved it up until the twist reveal in the middle of the film and then it all went down hill from there. It just became another boring, over talkative drama that you couldn't wait to end. Definitely should have cut back on the run time and made it more bare-able to sit through. And the ending was pretty eh and not worth sitting through 2 and a half hours for.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

6

ConairOct 18, 2020

I went into this movie with high expectations. That was a bad idea. Don't get me wrong, the performances and technical aspects are incredible. Gone Girl suffers from a terrible screenplay, but a lot of it is blurred by the phenomenalI went into this movie with high expectations. That was a bad idea. Don't get me wrong, the performances and technical aspects are incredible. Gone Girl suffers from a terrible screenplay, but a lot of it is blurred by the phenomenal direction. Even with a master at the wheel, though, Gone Girl just doesn't stand for anything relevant, important, or even worth watching.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

4

tonyGreenJun 4, 2016

Very disappointing after all the hype. Actually quite disappointing w/o any hype. This is an '80s cable movie with high production values. To walk through it... terrible dialogue ... both main characters are unsympathetic.. plot is the bestVery disappointing after all the hype. Actually quite disappointing w/o any hype. This is an '80s cable movie with high production values. To walk through it... terrible dialogue ... both main characters are unsympathetic.. plot is the best thing, and it's rediculous... bored / revolted first third... chortles second third..more chortles and, when will this wrap up please?
Really not good… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

6

csw12Dec 15, 2014

A mostly meandering movie that never reaches a satisfying moment to take the film to another level. Moments of intensity are neutralized by long drawn out scenes. Acting and writing were solid but as a film, just above average.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

All this user's reviews

6

gfnyOct 7, 2014

The movie started out well and was entertaining and a solid 80, but the 2nd half was a disappointment and the story line started to lose credibility and dropped to a 50. A shorter movie with one story line would have been better. Overall IThe movie started out well and was entertaining and a solid 80, but the 2nd half was a disappointment and the story line started to lose credibility and dropped to a 50. A shorter movie with one story line would have been better. Overall I would give the movie a 65. I enjoyed it but was somewhat disappointed.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

All this user's reviews

5

fuzzynavolOct 29, 2014

This movie is about as average as I would have thought it would be, but with all the hype around it my expectations were high. Some of it was pulled off well, most of it wasn't. This is typical mass-audience garbage, and certainly not aThis movie is about as average as I would have thought it would be, but with all the hype around it my expectations were high. Some of it was pulled off well, most of it wasn't. This is typical mass-audience garbage, and certainly not a must-see movie (but would make an okay rental). Cool idea for a plot, but mediocre execution at best.… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

All this user's reviews

4

WhitehorseNov 21, 2014

On the plus side this movie reveals how easily public opinion is manipulated. There is much that is clever. However, there is sexual dialogue (Ben talking about her incredible amazing vagina to friends) and some brief scenes that are notOn the plus side this movie reveals how easily public opinion is manipulated. There is much that is clever. However, there is sexual dialogue (Ben talking about her incredible amazing vagina to friends) and some brief scenes that are not necessary to the plot (for example, oral sex)... Yes my husband tells our friends about my vagina all the time -haha. This is the kind of stuff Hollywood thinks it has to have to be cutting edge and "intelligent". Anyway, the movie feeds you information that keeps altering your perception of the truth-sand something somewhat interesting. Tyler Perry did a great job and so did the other actors. But I just couldn't get past Doogie Houser as the wacko who gets wacked. He is talented but they should have cast a new face. It might as well have been Nicholas Cage. Something like this for me is not entertainment. Poor Jennifer Garner in Alexander's Horrible Day--I cant help but wonder what Ben and Jen talk about at dinner! Genre shenre, who cares. The people leaving the theatre I was in looked disappointed and deflated.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

6

LynOct 4, 2014

There are movies that make you ponder marriage/relationships -- yours and other people's. This isn't one of them. Nick and Amy are (one hopes!) nothing like you and your significant other. Their twisty story is darkly funny and provocative,There are movies that make you ponder marriage/relationships -- yours and other people's. This isn't one of them. Nick and Amy are (one hopes!) nothing like you and your significant other. Their twisty story is darkly funny and provocative, although I think I might have enjoyed it more had I not read the novel. (Same plot problems, in my opinion.) Ben Affleck -- whose acting was the worst thing in "Argo" -- is the best thing here, perfectly cast. Rosemund Pike is a weak link, seeming like an American Doll whose descriptive theme is "sociopath." Trent Reznor's score is not so much a soundtrack as just sound effects.… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

All this user's reviews

5

benuttyOct 3, 2014

I refuse to join the chorus of applause for this film. Gone Girl is predictably Fincher-ish--visually stylish and slick but cold and soulless. I find both lead performances entirely vacant and robotic, with Rosamund Pike's Amy Dunne borderingI refuse to join the chorus of applause for this film. Gone Girl is predictably Fincher-ish--visually stylish and slick but cold and soulless. I find both lead performances entirely vacant and robotic, with Rosamund Pike's Amy Dunne bordering on having been inspired by Haley Joel Osment in A.I. While the supporting cast steals the show (Lisa Banes, Lola Kirke and Neil Patrick Harris are highlights for me), Carrie Coon's Margo seems to have come from an entirely different film where all the actors weren't told they were making a film noir parody.

On a positive note, there are three moments emblazoned in my memory where Cronenweth's photography is quite remarkable.… Expand

14 of 21 users found this helpful147

All this user's reviews

4

amboyOct 6, 2014

Noir has to be believable at some level, and darkness should not extend to near invisibility. The film wears its trashiness like a caste mark--let's show the middle classes what gore and sex is all about. And then the film suddenly thinksNoir has to be believable at some level, and darkness should not extend to near invisibility. The film wears its trashiness like a caste mark--let's show the middle classes what gore and sex is all about. And then the film suddenly thinks it's saying something about marriage, society, human nature. Hitchcock--are you kidding?! The master had finesse--this just has pretension and gall.… Expand

8 of 12 users found this helpful84

All this user's reviews

5

djniceyNov 2, 2014

This film started off interesting and developed well and would have got a much higher score if it wasn't for the completely illogical ending that completely unraveled a taught, well devised thriller. It seems the author got a good storyThis film started off interesting and developed well and would have got a much higher score if it wasn't for the completely illogical ending that completely unraveled a taught, well devised thriller. It seems the author got a good story started but there are so many absurdities, plot holes and nonsensical actions in the last 30 minutes that it just ruins the plot and everything that came before it.

All the legitimate questions as to the implausibility of Amys story asked by Detective Boney were all just brushed aside, probably so they could cash in with a sequel. With a less daft ending it would have been a much better film in my opinion.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

6

JamesCannonOct 21, 2014

Lifeetime movie of the week material brought up slighty by fincher's steady direction. One scene of course stands out but the movie has whole didnt feel that thrilling or that engaging. It has some good moments but I wont be revisiting this one.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

4

dudweiser311Dec 12, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Predictable to say the least. I have to admit, I never thought Afflack's character killed his wife. I asked my wife (who read the book) and she said that in the book they did a lot better at making you believe it was him. That may be part of the reason for my dislike.
Overall the movie was mediocre. The acting was ok, and for the most part the story was good. Not great, but good, could have been a lot better.
The big beef I had with this movie, was the terrible ending... I mean commmme on! Like anyone would actually just stay with her, give me a f'in break! Made this psychological thriller turn lame in my eyes.

Wish I would have waited until DVD, not worth the money at the theatre.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

5

SpiRoDec 20, 2014

Movie started as a decent mystery expanded to good thriller and ended as a horrible American mind numbing garbage. Main cast was good but why in the world would you cast Barney Stinson for a serious role? He must have VERY good agent, giveMovie started as a decent mystery expanded to good thriller and ended as a horrible American mind numbing garbage. Main cast was good but why in the world would you cast Barney Stinson for a serious role? He must have VERY good agent, give that man a raise.

At the end movie is trying to convince you how Nicks situation is inescapable when in truth there are so god damn many inconsistencies in her story and so many evidences that are contradicting her. I mean what are the odds that two ex boyfriends raped you in exactly the same way.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

5

pryankeeOct 11, 2014

What is the heck was that ending? The movie goes on so long, it could have had 2 separate movies but add a little more details in different situations and they could have been good. Half way through would have been good given the set up ofWhat is the heck was that ending? The movie goes on so long, it could have had 2 separate movies but add a little more details in different situations and they could have been good. Half way through would have been good given the set up of the movie, but then it kept going.......and going.....with no real pay off for why it kept going. And they completely wasted the Barney Stinson/Controlling Boyfriend character. Like, gimme a break. It starts off really good but the last half ruins it… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

4

5thStFreddieDec 25, 2014

I hereby support a constitutional amendment prohibiting ANYONE from comparing any film to "Hitchcock" unless Hitchcock directed it. The dialogue is so pretentious, the line deliveries so forced, the plot elements so preposterous that it'sI hereby support a constitutional amendment prohibiting ANYONE from comparing any film to "Hitchcock" unless Hitchcock directed it. The dialogue is so pretentious, the line deliveries so forced, the plot elements so preposterous that it's like watching a bad acting class. There's no one in the film remotely interesting. I picked up the novel just to see if they had done the author an injustice, and was astonished that people rave about the book. Ugh: this is what movies have become? And this is great fiction? Pretentious, preposterous, and with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Bad Endings in a thriller, both book and film division. Gillian Flynn is not Dashiell Hammett, she's Patricia Cornwell light, and the film is a lot more Brian DiPalma than it ever will be Hitchcock. At least it reinforces the notion that Ben Affleck is a far better director than actor.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

6

kevinburbridgeOct 4, 2014

Felt like it was two movies forcibly merged together to form one. First 2/3 of the movie was deliberate, and highlighted by great acting. The final 1/3 was a painfully meandering.

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

All this user's reviews

5

JamesLOct 15, 2014

I am a big Fincher fan but this film fell apart at the pivotal plot point. The problem was that there was never any viable alternatives to the two outcomes and once one outcome was eliminated, the remaining outcome became coical andI am a big Fincher fan but this film fell apart at the pivotal plot point. The problem was that there was never any viable alternatives to the two outcomes and once one outcome was eliminated, the remaining outcome became coical and implausible. Nobody was buying that ending. There was simply no payoff to the viewer in this film.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

All this user's reviews

6

Mike_MOct 6, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a difficult movie to rate because its strengths and weaknesses are tangled together. I have not read the book, and I'm reviewing the film as its own entity.

The movie’s worth seeing, if only because of the twists, the character of Amy, and the post-movie talking points that are meant to provoke a battle of the sexes debate.

I did enjoy Fincher branching out in a new direction, and I wouldn't say that it's the wrong direction for him as much as it was a difficult tone to hit for anyone. The movie sets out to mix melodrama, realistic satire and absurdism. Though I love weird tones and shifting tones, to me the tones in Gone Girl don't always land well or mix well.

Worse still, there’s inconsistent acting, and wobbly story logic. The movie isn’t deliberately unreal enough (whether absurd or dreamlike or mythic or farcical etc) to get away with the wobbly story logic.

I'm not sure the actors are always successful at staying in the same movie together, as mentioned by user-reviewer benutty. And Affleck (as A-lister personality actors often do) seems to be so intent on 'playing a character with a backbone' that it's basically frigid, unflinching acting where his 'character' doesn't really change or have an interior. We're left watching Affleck bring the role to himself so entirely that he's not really doing anything. It's just flat acting that has about the same tone all the way through. (And it's not unlike the frigidity that Casey Affleck has in Gone Baby Gone, directed by Ben Affleck) I think this is partly dismissible by the character's degree of narcissism and shallowness, but not entirely.

But… I have toyed around with the idea that Fincher and Flynn are jazzing around metafictionally here. I’m not convinced that they are, or that they did it well if intended. But at some point, two intelligent artists may have discussed how a man is to direct a woman’s novel/screenplay of this sort.

IF they baked a metafiction joke into it, the setup clearly runs through Affleck’s under-emoting, under-engaged acting that undermines the story, and through the way that nearly every story logic problem serves to make Amy more amazing. And the meta-joke, if there is one, only plays if you see the characters as puppets, more or less: The psychopathically overengaged, self-justified modern wife who gets to always be right, and the self-centered, resentful boy-husband who takes her just barely seriously enough to subtly manipulate back and stay alive.

Yet... I'm not sure I want to give Affleck the benefit of the doubt that his practically unchanging tone and lack of interior were all just a brilliant meta-joke.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

All this user's reviews

6

Giorgi751Aug 30, 2015

Fincher is not only savior of bad scripts (Seven, Benjamin Button) but he can actually make you sit through 2.5 hours of predictable and thematically shabby film without expecting a wonder. This time he failed more than succeeded in my opinion.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

6

foxgroveOct 4, 2014

Gillian Flynn's book 'Gone Girl' is one of the best novels that I have read in years. It has great characters, intrigue and a bold ending that would definitely not be to everyone's taste. It's a real intelligent page turner that once startedGillian Flynn's book 'Gone Girl' is one of the best novels that I have read in years. It has great characters, intrigue and a bold ending that would definitely not be to everyone's taste. It's a real intelligent page turner that once started can't be put down. The problem with 'Gone Girl' the film is that it has been so faithfully adapted, too faithfully even, by Flynn herself that there are no surprises to be had. I acknowledge that this sounds churlish when there are so many book adaptations that are bad, but the lack of surprise unfortunately dulls the movie experience. The film is well cast. The setting feels right and the score sets an appropriate tone. However, David Fincher's unfussy direction does nothing to add an extra visual dimension to the story. As a result I felt somewhat disappointed by my own reaction, even whilst rationalising the reason for it. As already stated the actors are almost perfect fits for their roles. Ben Affleck is better than I had expected and really carries the film. Rosamund Pike, although over praised, is still good and the supporting cast are pretty much spot on, with a special mention to Neil Patrick Harris. The sequences that involve him are amongst the best in the film.
In summation I can only say that for people who have not read the book this should be a most rewarding experience. Fans of the source material, however, might want to think a little harder about there expectations before viewing.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

5

HucksterOct 7, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film would score higher except for the weak and disappointing ending. The film looks good and throws lots of red herrings to create an interesting mystery. Along the way, you're not sure who did what, and the flashbacks suggest a particular outcome. Up to a certain point it is mysterious if not very slow. Then it becomes a bit clever and intricate as details emerge. The third act at the lake house is surprising, compelling and confronting. But the final sequence reeks. There are so many loose ends which would deliver justice but none are explored or even acknowledged. For a film with good potential and even better word of mouth, this is ultimately a disappointment.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

5

HotelCentralFeb 23, 2015

Round about the two hour mark I found myself wishing that Nick would kill Amy, or she would kill him, or some good Samaritan would step up and kill both of them, just so I would be saved sitting through a further 29 minutes of this film.Round about the two hour mark I found myself wishing that Nick would kill Amy, or she would kill him, or some good Samaritan would step up and kill both of them, just so I would be saved sitting through a further 29 minutes of this film.

Gone Girl is not without merit. The cast does a fine job with the material, and someone obviously turned on their thinking cap while organizing the various plot points, but this isn't Hitchcock, and after about ninety minutes the film starts getting tedious. The problem of course is that neither Nick nor Amy appear to have any redeeming characteristics. It's more a matter of which one you dislike more.

Ultimately, perhaps the worst crime is the refusal of the local police to further their investigation. This is not explained and I can imagine no justification other than "convenience of the producers".

I would have given this film a 6 out of 10 till I realized that a 6 would tally up as "favorable" when my reaction is decidedly "mixed". All in all it's not a bad film, it just isn't particularly engaging.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

CameraBounceGodFeb 21, 2015

Ethereal Rosemund Pike....yells after losing all her money and it seemed sexual the way the camera "Bounces" for it.......on the other hand the Neil patrick Harris death was more tasteful than I thought it was going to be.....The Pure LengthEthereal Rosemund Pike....yells after losing all her money and it seemed sexual the way the camera "Bounces" for it.......on the other hand the Neil patrick Harris death was more tasteful than I thought it was going to be.....The Pure Length of this film makes it good....but her as a delusional girl who wanted her man begging her on tv to come back wasn't all that interesting. I will say i was invested for it...but don't feel bad...few movies are worth of a second viewing....this one isn't.....-JRA… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

BusdrivermikeOct 5, 2014

There are some heavy hitting names on the screen, and behind the camera. But this is a plot not even worthy of a lifetime movie. The only believable character is the media savvy lawyer.

Seriously, NPH as a love interest? A woman goneThere are some heavy hitting names on the screen, and behind the camera. But this is a plot not even worthy of a lifetime movie. The only believable character is the media savvy lawyer.

Seriously, NPH as a love interest? A woman gone missing, who has the national spotlight, goes to a mall, and nobody notices her? Then Ben Affleck takes her back at the end? I dont want to spoil it too much, but the things that happen that the characters overlook is laughable.

Who does this stuff?

It is just a ridiculous plot. The movie has about the same basis in reality as Star Wars.

I wanted to watch this and like it. After "The Town" I made a point of seeing this because Ben Affleck and David Fincher. But it is just preposterous.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

All this user's reviews

6

Movi3R3vi3werNov 27, 2014

One of the most overrated movies of the year, but Gone Girl is a good movie filled with memorable acting performances especially from Affleck, Pike and Perry.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

All this user's reviews

5

Mom23boysOct 17, 2014

Boring..... The word excruciating comes to mind.....it seemed like it would never end! Rosamund Pike was brilliant as Amy, but that was not enough for me. It did pick up towards the end ,but by then I was ready to go.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

5

MJRMD1Oct 12, 2014

Did no one have any control over the novelist/screenwriter? If they had only dropped the whole Neil Patrick Harris sub-plot, it would have been (still trashy/lurid, but) a much tighter and better-made film.
On the plus side, many remindersDid no one have any control over the novelist/screenwriter? If they had only dropped the whole Neil Patrick Harris sub-plot, it would have been (still trashy/lurid, but) a much tighter and better-made film.
On the plus side, many reminders of Hitchcock, Gus Van Sant and DePalma.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

4

Eilidh2Oct 7, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The reviews were so good. This year's movies have been so terrible (with a couple of exceptions). I was so hoping this would be great - though suspected it wouldn't as the source book was truly third-rate.

Fincher improves on the book (not difficult) with a beautiful film. The Emperor has beautiful clothes but the story itself? More plot holes than a spaghetti sieve. And the character of Amy? Obviously neither the writer nor Fincher has ever met a person with mental illness. Amy's unbelievable characteristics seem to be based on the study of crazy people as portrayed on daytime soaps.

Such a disappointment and would critics start to criticize their "hero" directors when they make inferior pulp like this?… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

6

ScribeHardOct 3, 2014

If American Hustle is David O. Russell‘s “Martin Scorsese film,” then Gone Girl is David Fincher‘s “Adrian Lyne movie.” With its high gloss, shocking twist, threads of infidelity and revenge, and an overactive sex-drive, this neo-noirIf American Hustle is David O. Russell‘s “Martin Scorsese film,” then Gone Girl is David Fincher‘s “Adrian Lyne movie.” With its high gloss, shocking twist, threads of infidelity and revenge, and an overactive sex-drive, this neo-noir wannabe is entertaining fodder, but something better suited to sit atop its cable kin, instead of fighting for multiplex attention.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

All this user's reviews

6

DrBlahBlahMay 3, 2017

A film that gets sillier the longer you watch, the only things that make it worth sitting through are Fincher's stylish direction and a murder scene that won't soon leave your memory.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

6

MaxPayneIsGodAug 8, 2021

I enjoyed the first three quarters or so.
The script managed to hold my interest and engage my brain (slightly).
At around the half way point the story begins to unravel into what is an entirely unsatisfying conclusion. It echoes Fincher'sI enjoyed the first three quarters or so.
The script managed to hold my interest and engage my brain (slightly).
At around the half way point the story begins to unravel into what is an entirely unsatisfying conclusion.
It echoes Fincher's previous outing, The Game, far too closely.
Could have been much better.… Expand