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Created Jun 12, 2010 06:30PM PST • Edited Jun 12, 2010 06:30PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   Kate Winslet and Leonardo DeCaprio give us tremendous performances in this hard-hitting drama. Did the oppressive 1950’s expectation to get the 2.5 kids and white picket fence drive people to such stark depression and an aching suppression of our inner passion? I’m not so sure, but if anyone can make the dramatic handling of such unhappiness believable, it is Kate and Leonardo. This movie is quite engaging, even when it isn’t so plausible, because it fundamentally speaks to little voices inside all of us.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   Kate Winslett and Leonardo DeCaprio have fantastic delivery of both the highs and lows of personal drama. From falling in love, to all out fights, excitement, frustration, and gut wrenching depression. Their performances are among the best of their career, and yes – that includes Titanic. My other pick for the film is Michael Shannon – who does an enlightened crazy-man shtick that is awesome. Kathy Bates is a great fit as the nosy real-estate agent. Dylan Baker also has a few good moments.

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    There wasn’t much of a warm-up. The movie kind of blew through the marital happy years and got right down to dramatic business. The highs and lows were more akin to being bi-polar than the more normal mood swings of folks – but it made for some great movie watching. A depressing ending, but I suppose that made it hit harder, so yeah, well done!

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

17. Sex Titillating 2.0

18. Violence Fierce 2.0

19. Rudeness Salty 2.0

21. Reality

    Glib 1.7

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.7

23. Biological Glib 1.7

24. Physical Glib 1.7