Michael Clayton
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: October 5, 2007
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 405 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
313
Mixed:
58
Negative:
34
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
2
blondevixenDec 21, 2011
Extremely boring....I could hardly stay awake enough to pay attention. Do not see this late at night or after more than one drink....you will soon be sound asleep.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
1
EludiumQ36Oct 19, 2016
Awful, awful film. Here's an apropos riddle: what can put you to sleep in 30-mins and is about 10mg? "Michael Clayton", that's what, it has about 10mg of substance to it, the rest is a waste of your life. Seriously, I felt myself actually ageAwful, awful film. Here's an apropos riddle: what can put you to sleep in 30-mins and is about 10mg? "Michael Clayton", that's what, it has about 10mg of substance to it, the rest is a waste of your life. Seriously, I felt myself actually age as it plodded through its 2 hr run time. And yes, I FORCED myself to finish it so that I'd have no regret or caveat regarding this criticism. This film is easily on the Top 5 of anyone's list for films that will bore you to death. All's it is is a vanity vehicle for George, he's almost in every scene, and in close-up. He's just not all that and his acting range rivals that of Keanu Reeves in this, such a waste. Both he and his character are age 45 at the time of filming, and he's an old looking 45, most people that age these days look to be in their early 30s. As for all the positive reviews from the critics and so-called users here, just remember George is in Hollywood's Top 3 so there's nothing - including glowing reviews - that he cannot buy. I could go on and on but this film doesn't warrant any further waste of my time.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
3
NancyZ.Mar 2, 2008
Film went off in hundred directions and never quite developed anything. Clooney just broods. I can not see the hipe in this film. What a mess.
1 of 4 users found this helpful
0
AndrewD.Jan 29, 2008
A great film for people who are deeply moved by class action suits, lawyers droning endless legalese, and George Clooney's expressionless face. Corporate "thrillers" suck. Who wants to watch movies about this stuff? Workaholics? Save A great film for people who are deeply moved by class action suits, lawyers droning endless legalese, and George Clooney's expressionless face. Corporate "thrillers" suck. Who wants to watch movies about this stuff? Workaholics? Save yourself the expense and just work some overtime--you'll get the same thrill and make an extra buck or two in the process.… Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful
0
OhshiA.Nov 8, 2007
Very over-rated, this film didn't entice me from the start. It had a little bit of everything which added up to nothing. I guess I've seen one too many "lawyer" movies to think this film had anything new or significant to contribute.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
MichaelPJan 27, 2008
I only give this a one because of a couple of decent scenes, one being at the very end. Otherwise, as many users said here, the most overrated film of the year. Much adieu about nothing, plot-wise. Structuring the whole movie as one long I only give this a one because of a couple of decent scenes, one being at the very end. Otherwise, as many users said here, the most overrated film of the year. Much adieu about nothing, plot-wise. Structuring the whole movie as one long flashback--by giving away a key ending scene--blew all the suspense for what might have been a very good part of the film. Overall, this felt contrived, like the filmmakers were trying too hard to be artsy and not hard enough simply to tell a good, gripping story. Your money is better spent on other films that are out right now.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
JasonW.Jan 29, 2008
I didn't buy the premise of this movie. In real life, a lawyer off the rails like the one portrayed here would simply be replaced by his firm. The excuses for not doing this were flimsy. Furthermore, what's with this hackenyed I didn't buy the premise of this movie. In real life, a lawyer off the rails like the one portrayed here would simply be replaced by his firm. The excuses for not doing this were flimsy. Furthermore, what's with this hackenyed plot? Big, bad, greedy corporation is taken down by good-hearted hero. Please! This theme has been done to death. I don't understand what the critics see in this unoriginal work.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
ChristopherS.Feb 20, 2008
This movie spent a lot of time showing us how flawed and difficult Michael Clayton's life is, he gambles, he's divorced, his restaurant is being sold off, his father is hooked up to oxygen his brother is an alcoholic loser and This movie spent a lot of time showing us how flawed and difficult Michael Clayton's life is, he gambles, he's divorced, his restaurant is being sold off, his father is hooked up to oxygen his brother is an alcoholic loser and he's in debt to who? Mobsters? And he has till Friday to pay them off? If he doesn't then what?. So What!! I suppose to serve as a contrast to his great abilities as "fixer". But the one scene where the best "fixer" in the business shows his stuff is at the very beginning when he is called upon to help a client with a sticky hit and run problem. What does he offer this desperate man as a solution? The name of a good trial attorney! The client was understandably unimpressed, so was I. The rest of the movie he's nothing more then a glorified baby-sitter and he screws that up pretty badly. The scene in the field with the horses falls flat simply because Clooney is incapable of letting himself go emotionally. As a result it comes off as an awkward contrivance created simply to get the character out of the car. As a hero Michael Clayton is unimpressive and unimposing. As a villain, Karen Crowder is laughable. This underwritten nebbish of a character is all that stands in Michael's way? Give me a break. The climactic confrontation at the end is a joke. I felt sorry for Crowder and thought Clayton looked more like a classroom bully who gets his kicks picking on little girls then an avenging hero standing up for truth and justice. Totally unimpressive.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
DeanC.Mar 11, 2008
Way too slow.took too long to develop.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
KevinC.Jan 10, 2009
Horrible. Watched it with 5 intelligent, educated professionals, and 1 hour in to it, when it was obvious everyone wanted to quit watching it we still couldn't tell you what the movie was about. Possibly the most boring film I've Horrible. Watched it with 5 intelligent, educated professionals, and 1 hour in to it, when it was obvious everyone wanted to quit watching it we still couldn't tell you what the movie was about. Possibly the most boring film I've ever tried to endure. I truly can't believe the acclaim this steaming pile of boredom received...it completely baffles me. God, it was so bad.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
FrankS.Jan 27, 2008
Talking heads. Far too much dialogue. To the filmmakers: learn to use your medium. Less is more. Show, don't tell. A picture is worth a thousand words. And PLEASE don't have one character read the CV of another character aloud! Talking heads. Far too much dialogue. To the filmmakers: learn to use your medium. Less is more. Show, don't tell. A picture is worth a thousand words. And PLEASE don't have one character read the CV of another character aloud! Take a screenwriting course to learn how to avoid this. (How do millions get spent on a fundamentally bad movie...? And these critics--are they paid off by the studio or something?)… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
JoeT.Feb 25, 2008
The Western elite are flawed and morally bankrupt, I get it. ...Impeccably shot though.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
MiKEMay 31, 2008
Well acted. but who cares? This movie was a bore! I made myself watch the whole movie, waiting for clever twist. But it never came.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
TaylorC.Nov 26, 2007
Holy crap this blew! I agree with Olson or whatever.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
laladadaJan 14, 2008
I'd only give this movie a ten for the ten or so snores i heard in the unpacked theater screening. despite it being a free screening, i was quite upset that i lost two hours of precious time. actually, just an hour and a half...i got I'd only give this movie a ten for the ten or so snores i heard in the unpacked theater screening. despite it being a free screening, i was quite upset that i lost two hours of precious time. actually, just an hour and a half...i got some much needed sleep during the other 30 minutes. at least i left the theater somewhat rested.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
StuartC.Feb 17, 2008
This is an anti capitalist diatribe worthy of a left wing zealot like Clooney. And by the way don't you require a body to make sure someone is dead?
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
OrsonNov 11, 2007
I laughed a lot, then walked out 90 minutes later in the face of this dreck. "Clayton" is a noir version of "Erin Brockovich," but instead of telling us from the plaintif's side, we see the defendants view. The story hinges on believing I laughed a lot, then walked out 90 minutes later in the face of this dreck. "Clayton" is a noir version of "Erin Brockovich," but instead of telling us from the plaintif's side, we see the defendants view. The story hinges on believing in a conspiracy of 11 people knowing The Truth - except that at least a few dozen more know it. The story's body count is only a fraction of what was needed to keep a lip on this! Hence, my laughter at its predictability. PEOPLE! Didn't Watergate, or at least "All The President's Men," not teach us that beyond 6-12 in the loop, The Truth will out? Yes. At least most films violating this tule distract the audience with action ACTION A-C-T-I-O-N! This one's a ponderous, pretentious bore, redeemed only by fine acting and production values - but an unbelievable script.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
LewisP.Oct 14, 2007
One of the most overrated films of the year. For the first hour it's incredibly difficult to know what's happening. And what was all that BS about Clayton's son's book and why Wilkinson's character was so enamored One of the most overrated films of the year. For the first hour it's incredibly difficult to know what's happening. And what was all that BS about Clayton's son's book and why Wilkinson's character was so enamored with it? Couldn't figure that one out. The worst part of the film were the antagonists. Have you ever seen such a bunch of humorless, boring villains before in a movie? The antagnoists are so dull that this film could be mistaken for a horror flick about a bunch of zombies! Have you ever heard of a "fixer" in a modern day law firm? More Hollywood BS! And of course, Mr. Trendy George Clooney is more than happy to lend his 'good' name to another inane plot about corporate greed and ludicrous conspiracy theories. I give it a '3' since at least the story followed a three act structure. But beyond that, the characters were totally one-dimensional for those who like their stories told without a shade of gray! Shame on all of you who gave this flick over a '5'.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
richardf.Oct 31, 2007
Highly overrated. Clooney for an Oscar? please.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
JoyceC.Oct 8, 2007
Just dumb and unactive, it explains things in the best of ways that seems like they exxagerate. The situation is big, but the movie is not. The story is just the situation, and now it has a plot problem.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
NickGAug 2, 2009
I've had to force myself to watch this film on more than on occasion and I have to say that I still haven't quite caught on to the unnecessarily complicated plot.The performance of the actors, I have to say was quite I've had to force myself to watch this film on more than on occasion and I have to say that I still haven't quite caught on to the unnecessarily complicated plot.The performance of the actors, I have to say was quite convincing...But it still was enough for me to enjoy the film.It is baffling to see the acclaim this movie got-I doubt most of the reviewers understood this movie 100%.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
R.D.Oct 27, 2007
This might be the most overrated movie in years. It was slow, attempted to be too dramatic, and down right boring.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JamesqRudolphOct 12, 2007
I cannot figure out what all the fuss is about. SOLARIS was a better film and that is not saying much
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
PJOct 14, 2007
Flat, uninspired direction. Obviously, trying to emulate the character driven films of the 70's, but the less than engaging plot falls short. All stuff we've seen before, including the predictable "suprise" at the end. People were Flat, uninspired direction. Obviously, trying to emulate the character driven films of the 70's, but the less than engaging plot falls short. All stuff we've seen before, including the predictable "suprise" at the end. People were actually walking out before it was over. Stick to screenwriting Mr. Gilroy. No more 1st time directors for you Mr. Clooney.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
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