Read Mixed User Reviews for The Shape of Water

6

d0vla11Jan 2, 2019

What the hell have I just watched? This movie won 4 Oscars (the best Oscars actually), are you kidding me? Can't say the acting was bad and all, but everything else was **** and not developed enough, even the plot was so predictable from theWhat the hell have I just watched? This movie won 4 Oscars (the best Oscars actually), are you kidding me? Can't say the acting was bad and all, but everything else was **** and not developed enough, even the plot was so predictable from the very beginning. Oscars really have become a one big ****… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

5

AscosporeMar 18, 2018

How did this film win the Academy award for best picture? Was it an inside joke by Del Toro; to include every genre he could think of and rip off Jeunet's unmistakable style - just to see if he could get away with it? How old and blind areHow did this film win the Academy award for best picture? Was it an inside joke by Del Toro; to include every genre he could think of and rip off Jeunet's unmistakable style - just to see if he could get away with it? How old and blind are these voting members? This is the most overrated film since Get Out.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

5

DevlindJan 14, 2018

I really tried to like this movie, but in the end it was in vain. Of course, I'm no expert, but I trust in my good taste in story telling. As some people commented, finding things just for the sake to be original isn't really necessary toI really tried to like this movie, but in the end it was in vain. Of course, I'm no expert, but I trust in my good taste in story telling. As some people commented, finding things just for the sake to be original isn't really necessary to effectively tell a good story. This romantic version of "Free Willy" is just an example. Just to start, both the protagonist and the sidekick are an utter pain. They barely had any dimension, how are we as spectators supposed to feel invested in their goals like that? How can we root for them? The pacing is awkward and unnecessarily long. A lot of things are just there for plot convenience. Subplots are thrown into the mix only to be forgotten immediately without any consequence. Even with Alexandre Desplat, the music is forgetable. The ending is abrupt and we are left with a lot of stuff still hanging.

Of course, there's good stuff in the movie too. The acting was good (although a little unrealistic at times), Octavia's and Michael characters were enjoyable and the main plot (when we got that on screen) was on point and that's why this movie is just average to me. It does really good in one side, but what it does wrong, it does it really wrong (sometimes cringe worthy).

If you have an open mind and you just want to watch something without thinking about it too much and just drift with it, go ahead and give it a go. With any luck, you'll enjoy it or even like it. I tried and it was definitely an experience.

Not watching it again though.… Expand

9 of 11 users found this helpful92

All this user's reviews

5

EPMDJan 21, 2018

A human falls in love with a monster. I guess that can be a good movie if you really need to escape reality, but I just couldn't buy the premise. The sets are really well done, though. It's a professional movie, but the story is just not my thing.

8 of 10 users found this helpful82

All this user's reviews

4

JNOTRFeb 6, 2018

It's a rare movie, that's why I find it difficult to analyze it. From the technical point of view it is excellent: cinematography, production design, makeup, soundtrack and the atmosphere of the 50's. But as for the script and theIt's a rare movie, that's why I find it difficult to analyze it. From the technical point of view it is excellent: cinematography, production design, makeup, soundtrack and the atmosphere of the 50's. But as for the script and the performances, I thought it was bad. The script, at first is too slow and takes time to establish the main plot, but at the end (in the last 15 minutes) everything is solved fast and forced. The only act that I came to like was that of Sally Hawkins; Octavia Spencer makes the same character that she always does, nothing special and Richard Jenkins too.
Personally I did not like it. I hope he does not take the Oscar for Best Movie.… Expand

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

All this user's reviews

6

zapVJan 26, 2018

It’s beautiful shot and atmospheric fairy tale intended for adults. The problem is that other than explicit scenes of violence and sex everything in this movie from characters to theme development stays on a level of a children’s story.

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

All this user's reviews

4

LetMeInPleaseJan 26, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Technically competent movie with god tier music and good performances but to me it almost fell apart for one simple reason, I couldn't buy this love story at all. It sounds good on paper, two "freaks of nature" falling in love with each other, but its execution is so ridiculously contrived it sucks out all the potential enjoyment. Why such an advanced facility doesn't have cameras in the place it needs them the most? Why simple janitor can on her own easily access classified compartments of said facility and for what reason? Main heroine's motivation is really hard to swallow throughout the whole movie. It seems like it misses a good 20 minute chunk where the bonding between 2 lovers would be properly established.
Also on a side note, I understand that it's supposed to be like a fairy tale for adults, or whatever you wanna call it, but the main villain is such a one-note, so cartoonishly evil. Even for this format you gotta have more nuance than that… Expand

12 of 16 users found this helpful124

All this user's reviews

5

MurrayTJan 24, 2018

Great visually and great acting, which is great if you're interested in movie making. The story is a different story. It starts out good, but then gets more and more ridiculous until it gets to the point where I'm saying, "Seriously?"

9 of 12 users found this helpful93

All this user's reviews

5

BikerjamesApr 23, 2018

Nobody who lives in a second floor apartment building would intentionally flood their building with a room full of water. You cannot fill a bathroom entirely with water by sticking a towel under the door. When the creature eats her catNobody who lives in a second floor apartment building would intentionally flood their building with a room full of water. You cannot fill a bathroom entirely with water by sticking a towel under the door. When the creature eats her cat alive she is not even emotional when told. She doesn't seem to care. Nobody would have the kind of access she had to a top secret room where they kept the creature like she did. There were so many unbelievable moments to this film I was just rolling my eyes most of the time. I just couldn't let my common sense go and get into the love story. Disappointing.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

6

aussiedude98May 12, 2018

I found the movie to be interesting - with some memorable scenes and visuals.
However it didn't really work for me - didn't hit me emotionally at all.
My expectations were probably set too high - knowing that it was highly rated and won an Oscar.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

6

thedaywalkerJan 21, 2018

It is a nice movie technically, the intensity of the scenes and the performances of the cast are what kept me in the movie until the end. Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins were great and Michael Shannon was fantastic. But there one majorIt is a nice movie technically, the intensity of the scenes and the performances of the cast are what kept me in the movie until the end. Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins were great and Michael Shannon was fantastic. But there one major flaw for me personally that made me enjoy the movie way less... I did not believe in their love, The main character and the humanoid amphibians loved is basically just based in their difficulty in communication, because that what they showed us, so it seems really shallow, so i think that took the magic of what could have been a fantastic movie.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

All this user's reviews

6

moviecritic68Jan 24, 2018

I read this movie will be up for the 2nd highest number of awards at the oscars. What this tells me is there were few films to compete last year. Although this film had some above average attributes I have a very hard time placing it in suchI read this movie will be up for the 2nd highest number of awards at the oscars. What this tells me is there were few films to compete last year. Although this film had some above average attributes I have a very hard time placing it in such high esteem. Yes it was well done but a far cry from previous oscar winners. Sorry critics ... the user composite score is much more in line than your ratings… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

All this user's reviews

4

RidgeamordeJan 5, 2018

I'm sorry but this movie is just not as good as people would make it out to be. There were some good parts but overall I'd say it's too stupid, unrealistic, and just overall bad. I could already tell what was going to happen at the end beforeI'm sorry but this movie is just not as good as people would make it out to be. There were some good parts but overall I'd say it's too stupid, unrealistic, and just overall bad. I could already tell what was going to happen at the end before the movie hit the halfway mark. The actors, while skilled, were held back the the horrendous script that was completely irrational. Maybe I just don't get it or something, but it seems like it's trying too hard. I think it deserves a four. I would definitely not see it again.… Expand

10 of 15 users found this helpful105

All this user's reviews

4

phillyjeffFeb 23, 2018

Probably one of the most boring movies I've ever seen. It's impossible to make a bathroom into a pool with sticking a towel under the door.

8 of 12 users found this helpful84

All this user's reviews

5

AppetipsDec 26, 2017

Lovely at times, and breathtakingly beautiful throughout, but very uneven in pacing and direction. I wanted it to be so much scarier in the scary parts, so much more romantic in the tender moments. Sally Hawkins is very, very good, andLovely at times, and breathtakingly beautiful throughout, but very uneven in pacing and direction. I wanted it to be so much scarier in the scary parts, so much more romantic in the tender moments. Sally Hawkins is very, very good, and Michael Shannon is fabulously menacing. I wanted more from the score too, as Alexandre Desplat usually creates more memorable music than this. Just one opinion, and I am definitely a del Toro fan, but I enjoyed Devils Backbone and Pans Labyrinth much more than this film.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

All this user's reviews

4

JParisiDec 8, 2018

Liking this film depends on your ability to 'hear' the love story at its center. I didn't. If the artistry of the visuals was complemented by a better story and supporting cast it would have been better.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

6

RatedRexDec 28, 2017

Sometimes they just try too hard to be original. This is one of those times. The story makes no sense. Even fairy-tales must have plausibility. I wanted to like "The Shape of Water". But in the end, it was just another example of HollywoodSometimes they just try too hard to be original. This is one of those times. The story makes no sense. Even fairy-tales must have plausibility. I wanted to like "The Shape of Water". But in the end, it was just another example of Hollywood types letting their imagination get out of hand.… Expand

11 of 18 users found this helpful117

All this user's reviews

6

VancomycinFeb 3, 2018

Oppressively dark with lots of sex-stuff, Guillermo really put the "adult" in adult fairy tale on this one.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

6

chesaroJan 15, 2018

This is at best a good movie, because it lack an original story, after around half an hour of watching it, you already know what is going to happen almost to the point that you don't need to get an explanaiton to some of the "misteries" ofThis is at best a good movie, because it lack an original story, after around half an hour of watching it, you already know what is going to happen almost to the point that you don't need to get an explanaiton to some of the "misteries" of the movie, i don't think it is a bad movie, but the praise it has gathered made me question what is considered a relevant movie in this days.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

All this user's reviews

6

BHBarryDec 15, 2017

“The Shape of Water” is a film conceived and directed by Guillermo del Toro and stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spenser .This is a difficult film to review and rate because it requires the“The Shape of Water” is a film conceived and directed by Guillermo del Toro and stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spenser .This is a difficult film to review and rate because it requires the viewer to make a huge leap of faith and to “just go with it” even though the plot and some of the scenes defy reality. Although Mr. del Toro may have had a strong message to deliver, this cold war version of the lighter film “Splash” (with Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah) doesn’t communicate it well. I found it difficult for the audience to get lost in it and truly believe what is occurring on the screen. The film is over 2 hours in length and even though I never looked at my watch, I was very conscious of its duration. I give the film a 6.0 rating with special acknowledgment to Mr. Jenkins who can’t perform badly, regardless of the vehicle he is in.… Expand

7 of 13 users found this helpful76

All this user's reviews

5

CirceApr 22, 2018

Beautiful cinematography, but stilted characters and utterly predictable, not terribly compelling story.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

netflicDec 18, 2017

This latest movie from director Guillermo Del Toro is creating a lot of buzz. It has been nominated for Golden Globe in 7 categories and expected to win it's main prize. No doubt that it will be in the Oscar's list as well.

The movie isThis latest movie from director Guillermo Del Toro is creating a lot of buzz. It has been nominated for Golden Globe in 7 categories and expected to win it's main prize. No doubt that it will be in the Oscar's list as well.

The movie is listed as a mixture of 5 different genres but I would describe it as a pseudo-realistic fairy tale for adults.

It is a love story between a mute woman who cleans a high-security government institution and a semi-human, semi-amphibian creature that US Army caught in an ocean for research.

This artsy film recreates an atmosphere of Cold-War-era America with enchanting visuals and music and it is pleasant to watch most of the time.
So I understand why so many people praise it. On the other hand, in my opinion, the hype is not justified. The movie is not targeted to children. Yet all characters are caricaturish: either all-out villains or all-out do-gooders.

There are many annoying details that scream of poor directing. And don't even get me started about cliches: you can hardly find one that is missing here.

There are three superb actors that have almost nothing to play due to a primitive script. But they still manage to impress.

So, after all, I am glad that I saw it. It *is* charming, but your mileage might vary.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

All this user's reviews

6

StarmanDXFeb 3, 2018

As a big fan of Guillermo del Toro, I don't get the hype. Sure, it's a well polished movie with solid performances and dialogue. But it's predictable to the point of being boring and completely lacks the imaginative creativity that is theAs a big fan of Guillermo del Toro, I don't get the hype. Sure, it's a well polished movie with solid performances and dialogue. But it's predictable to the point of being boring and completely lacks the imaginative creativity that is the hallmark of movies like Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Cronos and even Pacific Rim, to a lesser extent. Just does not even feel like a del Toro movie to me at all.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

5

SrPepeFeb 5, 2018

Un comienzo muy flojo desemboca en una trama muy rara. Buenas actuaciones, gran producción y buen entorno musical, pero no llego a entender que quiere transmitir la película. No me creo la relación y lo que menos me gusta son las pocasUn comienzo muy flojo desemboca en una trama muy rara. Buenas actuaciones, gran producción y buen entorno musical, pero no llego a entender que quiere transmitir la película. No me creo la relación y lo que menos me gusta son las pocas explicaciones, al final te quedas con más preguntas que respuestas.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

6

namelessJan 3, 2018

This is such an individual film that I could have rated it green just as easly. The problem is that it is a Hollywood film for the first hour and then transforms into an Art film for the second hour. Art Films are fine but we all know thatThis is such an individual film that I could have rated it green just as easly. The problem is that it is a Hollywood film for the first hour and then transforms into an Art film for the second hour. Art Films are fine but we all know that Art Films are as formulaic as Hollywood films. There are some incredible scenes but the film really is a bunch of incredible scenes, it isn't a sum of its parts. Yes, her acting supports the film, she will be nomiated because she carries the film. It is a passion film of Del Toro but lacks the cohesiveness of Pan's Labyrinth. I'm waiting for the next Pacific Rim.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

All this user's reviews

6

jgzegerMar 9, 2018

A plain looking mute woman finds love with a fish. Who will the children look like?

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

ThylbanusMar 2, 2018

While this is by far Guillermo Del Toro's worst film, it still isn't bad overall by normal standards.

Visually it is typical Del Toro. It is engaging and charming. Clever use of framing, setting, even costumes shows a keen eye and clearWhile this is by far Guillermo Del Toro's worst film, it still isn't bad overall by normal standards.

Visually it is typical Del Toro. It is engaging and charming. Clever use of framing, setting, even costumes shows a keen eye and clear grasp of his craft. This is among his best visually.

Pacing is off, but typical of his work. If you know Del Toro, you come to expect it and just cope. If you are not familiar, his second act is always a the weak part of his films. Don't expect a lot here and you won't be disappointed.

Audio is complimentary, without distraction, though it is also not helping to drive it either. It is overall 'meh', but also not unusual for Del Toro. If you know him, this will also not phase you. Most others will not even notice.

Character development is not overly deep. The main couple is somewhat deep, but the antagonist is simply a parody. Normally the antagonists have depth and you find some level of sympathy with them, but not here. This is just a mockery, but one that is disconcerting as it mocks everything one should hold dear. I can't get into it without spoilers, but this is the most problematic part of this film.

Combined with the overall narrative, this is where the movie falls apart. How it could even be nominated for an Oscar is beyond me. If you have seen Hellboy, you are going to be overly familiar with the whole movie. If you aren't, don't worry because the foreshadowing is so clear that it smacks you in the face and calls you a loser. This is by far the worst story I've seen in some time. The fact that Del Toro wrote this just highlights the trend of directors shouldn't write their movies. From George Lucas to this, great writers will generally never make great directors, and vice versa. Somehow this D list horror/comedy movie in the vein of of "Saturday the 14th" and "Love at First Bite" is getting an Oscar nod just highlights how the industry has fallen.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

TheFrogSep 11, 2019

I'm in the "disappointed" camp too. Guillermo Del Toro obviously despises everything that has to do with traditional values, and made a movie about it. The only three-dimensional characters are the outcasts, the misfits; everyone else isI'm in the "disappointed" camp too. Guillermo Del Toro obviously despises everything that has to do with traditional values, and made a movie about it. The only three-dimensional characters are the outcasts, the misfits; everyone else is evil, sanctimonius and plain stupid. I don't think this is what the USA in the 60s really were like, even though I have no way of knowing for sure, I see it more as a caricature, a summary of what was wrong cranked up to 11.
The movie suffers for it. The antagonist is despicable in every possible way, and this is especially a pity becasue I've always loved Del Toro's magnetic villains. Not just the superb, sad and poetic prince Nuada, after all that was a fantasy movie, but even the Francoist Colonel in Pan's Labyrinth was evil to the core - but also fearless and tougher than nails. The villain in this movie is not only evil, but also weak, clueless, stupid and ridiculed even in the way he pisses!
It's the caricature of a villain in a caricature of the USA, for a caricature of a Del Toro movie: unfortunately the director let his sensibilities get the better of his judgement. Definitely not worth a "Best Film" Oscar, IMHO.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

6

onelinereviewsFeb 26, 2018

Ultimately, this water is lukewarm – it got 99 set-ups, but a payoff ain't one.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

charles19Oct 3, 2018

It is part musical, part science fiction, part melodrama, part artsy movie... and it doesn't really know what it finally wants to be. I love Sally Hawkins but I was disappointed with this film. It wanted to be artsy but sacrificed a certainIt is part musical, part science fiction, part melodrama, part artsy movie... and it doesn't really know what it finally wants to be. I love Sally Hawkins but I was disappointed with this film. It wanted to be artsy but sacrificed a certain authenticity. And please don't ever mix musical numbers with science fiction. That is beyond annoying.… Expand