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Vanilla Sky (2001)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:159
Fresh:63
Rotten:96
Average Rating:5.2/10
Consensus: An ambitious mix of genres, Vanilla Sky collapses into an incoherent jumble. Cruise's performance lacks depth, and it's hard to feel sympathy for his narcissistic character.
Theatrical Release:Dec 14, 2001 Wide
Box Office: $100,538,919
Synopsis: Director Cameron Crowe (JERRY MAGUIRE, ALMOST FAMOUS) teams up with Tom Cruise once again in an adaptation of Alejandro Amenabar's 1997 Spanish film OPEN YOUR EYES. Cruise plays David Aames, a... Director Cameron Crowe (JERRY MAGUIRE, ALMOST FAMOUS) teams up with Tom Cruise once again in an adaptation of Alejandro Amenabar's 1997 Spanish film OPEN YOUR EYES. Cruise plays David Aames, a playboy publisher leading a seemingly charmed life. His most recent playmate is his "friend" Julie Gianni (Cameron Diaz), who cares for David more than he realizes. When David meets the fetching Sofia Serrano (Penélope Cruz) at his birthday party, he awakens to the possibility of what true love can feel like, leaving Julie distraught. However, after an accident that changes David's life, he is forced to rethink his choices. This psychological thriller becomes roller coaster ride of flashbacks as David tries to make sense of all that has happened, relaying some surreal experiences to a psychiatrist (Kurt Russell) after being charged with murder. The film's message may differ for each viewer, but it does make one bold point: every action has consequences. Crowe gets exceptional performances from Cruise, Cruz, and Diaz and the alluring pop soundtrack features songs from REM, Radiohead, Bob Dylan, and Peter Gabriel. Amazingly, the scene of Cruise running through a completely empty Times Square was shot on location, a major feat in and of itself. [More]
Starring: Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Jason Lee
Starring: Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Jason Lee, Kurt Russell, Tilda Swinton, Noah Taylor, Alicia Witt, Johnny Galecki, Timothy Spall
Director: Cameron Crowe
Director: Cameron Crowe
Screenwriter: Cameron Crowe, Alejandro Amenábar, Mateo Gil
Producer: Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner
Studio: Paramount Pictures
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Reviews for Vanilla Sky
It just makes things easier to believe that good-looking rich folks are just as miserable and unhappy as the rest of us . . .
This is a whole new palette for Crowe, and his excitement rubs off on us.
A classic case of what happens when a Hollywood studio and a star (Cruise) take a Spanish metaphysical thriller and turn it into a glossy, overproduced big-budget star vehicle that lacks distinct identity.
Vanilla Sky turns out to be a rousing, exhilarating entertainment, thanks mostly to Cruise's balls-to-the-wall performance.
My suggestion is to avoid this film and instead rent Open Your Eyes (Abre Los Ojos) the film upon which Vanilla Sky was based.
Vanilla Sky is a long, complex, ambitious thriller that doesn't quite work.
The film is seamless, surprising and erotic, mixing the best elements of romance, sci fi and drama.
... A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing even after you've left the theater.
These Skies are not only Vanilla, but a bit too familiar . . . Tom Cruise once again plays himself playing a character
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