Brownie

(2012-04-30 05:12:00)

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!

I absolutely love this movie, the clothes were perfect for the period.ROBERT PATTINSON, what can I say? I thought I loved him before but now, he just gets better with each movie.He also was dead on about Tai, the elephant. She was wonderful.

sddavis63

(2012-04-29 17:54:42)

A Welcome Change From Most Of What Comes Out Of Hollywood These Days

This is not your typical Hollywood big budget movie - and I mean thatin the best sense possible. There are no spectacular special effectswork, it doesn't include any nudity, and from what I remember itdoesn't even have any particularly foul-mouthed language. In many waysit's a very innocent movie compared to most of what you see these days,and yet at the same time it's a powerful movie, and sometimes even veryhard to watch. It's a flashback movie (OK - a bit clichГѓВ© these days) asan old man played by Hal Holbrook wanders into a circus at night in thepouring rain. Found by the manager, he recounts the story of his ownlife and adventures in the circus, leading up to what we're told wasthe great Benzini Brothers Circus disaster. So we wait to find out whatthe disaster was and what caused it, and we wait patiently, because thestory is a pretty good one.As a young man in the flashback, Jacob is played by Robert Pattinson.Jacob's life is at this point a pretty tragic one. On the verge ofgraduating as a veterinarian from Cornell University in 1931, hisparents are tragically killed in a car crash. It's the midst of theDepression, and Jacob has no money to keep the family home. Forced outon the road, he ends up latching on to the Benzini Brothers Circus,charged with looking after the animals - eventually including Rosie, afemale elephant acquired to be the star attraction. Essentially, themovie traces Jacob's relationship with August (Christoph Waltz) - theowner of the circus, and with Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) - his wife,and the circus's star performer. August was abusive - even cruel andsadistic - toward the performers, the animals and even his wife. Waltzcaptured that character quite well. Unsurprisingly - and, again, a bitclichГѓВ© - Jacob and Marlena develop a relationship, which of courseleads to much tension with August. I thought Pattinson and Witherspoonworked pretty well together. Their relationship wasn't the centrepieceof the movie, but it seemed authentic enough. The nature of the circusdisaster when it was finally revealed took me by surprise. I wasexpecting something very different.The movie at times is difficult to watch. As innocent as it is, thereare scenes of abuse and violence that can make you wince. Because thefocus is so much on the three stars, the movie offers an interestingbut not especially detailed look at circus life of the era. It's not anoverwhelming movie. I couldn't honestly say that it took my breath awayat any point, but at the same time it held my attention throughout. Thenovel on which this is based was written by Sara Gruen, who apparentlysays the movie is based on the biblical story of Jacob in the Book ofGenesis. I'm not sure I see those parallels in the movie to be honest,and not having read the book I can't comment on it. I did like themovie, though. It was very interesting, and very much a welcome changeof pace from what you normally see from Hollywood these days. (8/10)

(2012-04-25 22:15:06)

Great Movie...Hard to watch at times.

I had heard a lot about this movie so I finally went to see it. Great story and cast. My only problem is that I am a huge animal lover and elephants have a special place in my heart. They are SO devoted to one another and they cry tears when they are upset or hurt.There is a part in this film that disturbed me so much I had to get up and walk out.(I hate any cruelty to animals and/or children, they are so helpless ).My frineds told me to go back as it had a happy ending, which I did and indeed it was a very happy, justifiable ending. I would recommend this film to all.

Danusha Goska

(2012-04-25 11:14:39)

Soap Opera Lacks Flair or Heart; Waltz Is Great

"Water for Elephants" is a flat soap opera lacking flair or heart oreven coherence. It's a love story set in a Depression-era circus; howcould it be so boring? Direction and miscasting. Director FrancisLawrence never milks the Depression or the circus setting. He directsas if in the suburban living and bedrooms of television's Pine Valley.You never get the sense of how a Depression-era, small-town kid wouldbe thrilled, terrified, and curious seeing a lion or an elephant forthe first time. There are a couple of what appear to be CGI shots of atrain chugging across moonlit landscapes; even these lack magic.Robert Pattinson, star of the teen-vampire sensation "Twilight," ismiscast as Jacob, the lead character, a circus vet. Pattinson displaysthe skills necessary to make teenage girls swoon: he pouts, he broods,he is self-absorbed, he makes zero intellectual or psychologicaldemands on his audience. He has heavy brows and lots of hair. Theseskills deserve respect. They cause teen girl fans to post reviews ofhis work that end in multiple exclamation points!!!!!!! But Pattinsonis in so far over his head in "Water for Elephants" all you see of him,in some scenes, are bubbles on the surface as he sinks intoinvisibility.Reese Witherspoon is a crisp and perky professional with shiny hair andperfect teeth. Problem is, she's playing Marlena, an orphan trick horserider who marries an abusive circus boss, August (Christoph Waltz.)Marlena should exude desperate vulnerability combined with manipulativepower, the kinky raw sex appeal of a woman who, scantily clad inskin-tight, revealing costumes, performs suggestive tricks with musclyanimals in front of applauding throngs. Witherspoon doesn't even try tobring that Marlena to life. She just plays Reese Witherspoon,professional movie star with flawless hair and teeth, a little bitbored as Oprah interviews her. There's nothing of the abusiveorphanage, the poor street, the skanky Big Top about her at all.Robert Pattinson's Jacob and Reese Witherspoon's Marlena have zerochemistry. They are the least sexy screen couple I've ever seen. AlGore and Bill Clinton had more chemistry. When they do kiss, it's notthat long-awaited, thrilling moment of release. It's "Huh?" ChristophWaltz as August, the circus owner, is from a completely different, muchbetter, movie. People are going to walk out of this film wishing thatthey could have seen the movie centered around Christoph Waltz'sAugust. Waltz demands the audience's attention in a way that no oneelse in the film does, except Tai as the elephant, Rosie. Waltz'snuanced performance brings to life an August who is very complex andworth caring about, despite his being a monster.It's clear that Sara Gruen, the book's author, and the filmmaker wantedto tell a story that featured lots of animals. The plot is acobbled-together, soulless bit of scaffolding on which to hang shots ofcircus animals and shallow depictions of circus rituals. Why is Jacob aPolish speaker? Why is the elephant a speaker of Polish? Most Polishimmigrants to the US at this time were descendants of recentlyliberated serfs, and did very harsh manual labor in the US: coalmining, steel, cleaning. It's very unlikely that a Polish speaker wouldbe an Ivy League veterinary school graduate. In any case, the filmmakes no use of Jacob's ethnicity. He could as easily be Spanish orItalian or Greek. Why would a man who had the focus and self-disciplineto complete an Ivy League veterinary school education toss aside,literally, everything he has worked for, and everything he owns, tojump on a passing train? The moment utterly lacks verisimilitude andpsychological depth. It's obvious that the film just wants to get toits circus setting and animals. Jacob is just a pawn. Why is the filmtold as an old man's flashback? That approach, and the voice-overnarration, add nothing to the film.

(2012-04-24 15:54:26)

One of the best films of the year

Let me start off by saying that I am 29 year old male who is not into "love" movies by any stretch. I was dragged kicking and screaming to this film by my partner and his family. By the end I was so touched and moved I couldn't contain my tears.This is a truly powerful film, without trying to be. The emotion, the love, the excitement, the betrayal, it's all what we feel everyday in life and this film captures it all. This is one of those rare films that come along every now and then to remind us there is still good in Hollywood. This is truly a film for all ages and will move you in ways films rarely can. It will also help you to appreciate your life a little bit more.

Vincentiu

(2012-04-24 12:46:20)

Nice

Spectacular. But not more. Sensitive. But in a strange manner. Nice.With strong measure. Beautiful. And a real impressive project. Thenovel - interesting seed. The movie - delicate tasty fruit but notnutritious. The images, the elephant, the love story and the atmosphereof economic crisis are good ingredients and the recipes is not bad butthe film is , in many ways, artificial, baroque and mannerist. Asteamed mirror for book, it is powerful at first bit. Then, only afoggy memory. The love story, old and honest, has not the rightinterpreters. Each of they is interesting. Together are gloomy.Orboring. But that is only a small impression. The film is a good showand, if the novel is unread, it is better. Bright colors and slices ofcircus life, sketches of Titanic and interesting characters, a new kindof happy end and story of another crisis period are inspired food forsoul.

ld

(2012-04-23 12:41:26)

Enjoyed This Film

How refreshing to not be watching a 3-D, explosion laden, FX heavy film!! While some scenes were hard to watch, the story was told well. The book is so full of information and this film is a good, distilled version. Truly enjoyed seeing Robert Pattinson in a different acting role and thought he did a very fine job. Christoph Waltz was a great choice for the role of August and Reese Witherspoon did a fine job as Marlena. I also really enjoyed Hal Holbrook as the elder Jacob. Teary eyed in spots and applauding at the end, this film made me glad I went to the cinema today. The theatre was full and the applause at the end was striking.

(2012-04-22 15:47:38)

Water for Elephants DVD

This review is from: Water for Elephants (DVD) Wonderfully adapted film from Sara Gruen's book, Water for Elephants. Reese Witherspoon is at her best as Marlena and Robert Pattinson SHINES in a role outside of his usual brooding vampire -- The young man DEFINITELY is more than just a pretty face -- VERY talented!! I highly recommend this DVD.

Evilous

(2012-04-17 12:32:12)

Amazing

Okay so I will admit that I am a sucker for movies with great trailers that capture you. I saw multiple for this movie and wanted to see it from them and was not disappointed. I had also heard good things about the book and own it just have not gotten around to reading it just yet but this movie has bumped it to the top of my list.First the story was good and easy to follow, there wasn't a bunch of stuff added in just to give it a wow effect. The story was entertaining, the life on the move, a circus back in 1931...wow. Working your tail off each and every day trying to not be red lighted. Unsure about the boss, he can be kind but with fits of rage. The cast does an amazing job, Robert does well and his features go with the time slot so easily, his delievery was very heartfelt and i felt as though Merlana (Reese) and he had great chemistry contrary to some reviews i read. Its there from the first moment but given the time this is set in her trying to fight it and be a good wife are fitting. The visuals of the circus itself were spectacular, I haven't been to a circus for many years but you just don't see them like you used to. Now it's about visuals, not the real simplicity of the orginal. The animals, the acrobats, everything was beautiful. Overall I very much enjoyed the movie and fell as though everyone gave amazing preformanaces in a classic tale of love and obsticles, and lets face it everyone wanted to run away to the circus at least once in your life...now you see what it might have been like.

gdavoile

(2012-04-16 17:45:43)

I was so focused watching the film I forgot to eat my popcorn!

I really recommend Water for Elephants, it was such a fantastic film,and both Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon did brilliantly.When I usually go to the cinema I wouldn't say my attention span is100%, where I do spend sometime considering what to eat next and I dooccasionally whisper something to my friend about the film. However, Iwas completely transfixed whilst watching Water for Elephants, and Idon't think I even moved a muscle. It was probably a mix between thebrilliant acting, the fantastic story line and my love for animals! Imean it does have a typical love story structure, and is a bit like theNotebook. However, you get a great insight into the lives of the circusworkers in early 20th Century, and some violent scenes made me wincequite a bit...It's not a typical cheesy romantic film at all, so men don't be put offthat Robert Pattinson is in it, but to all the women...this film willmake you love him even more.

Hellmant

(2012-04-15 20:19:19)

If they had only cast two more fitting actors together the movie really could have been something!

'WATER FOR ELEPHANTS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five) 'TWILIGHT's Robert Pattinson co-stars with Reese Witherspoon in thisadaptation of Sara Gruen's popular novel of the same name. Thescreenplay was written by Richard LaGravenese (the screenwriter of suchfilms as 'THE FISHER KING', 'THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY' and 'THEHORSE WHISPERER') and the film was directed by Francis Lawrence (anexperienced music video director with only two other feature filmsunder his belt, the sci-fi action films 'I AM LEGEND' and'CONSTANTINE'). The movie revolves around a forbidden love affair at atraveling circus during the depression era with Pattinson andWitherspoon as the two somewhat oddly matched lovers. The film as awhole is a little hit and miss but it definitely has some good momentsand is entertaining for the most part.Pattinson plays a young ex-veterinary student in the 1930's named Jacob(which is kind of funny if you know anything about 'TWILIGHT') whodropped out of school when his parents were killed, after becominggreatly in debt due to him. He hops on a train and meets up with atraveling circus run by a brilliant but insane ringmaster named August(Christoph Waltz). He impresses him with his former education andknowledge of animals and is given a job as the circus vet. He thenmeets the beautiful star of the show, Marlena (Witherspoon), who isalso August's wife. So when they fall for each other this of coursespells trouble.One of the main problems with Hollywood romance films is you can'tforce chemistry. So just casting two popular actors together isn'tgoing to work if they don't have it. That's the case with this film,you never truly believe Reese and Robert are in love with each other(which should be the heart of the film), but that's the problem with alot of films so you can't fault it too much for that (and I don't thinkit's because of the two leads' ten years age difference, like some havenoted, but it is funny that Pattinson played Witherspoon's son in adeleted scene to the 2004 film 'VANITY FAIR'). They're not horribletogether and neither is really bad on their own either. Pattinson was ahorrible actor in the 'TWILIGHT' films but here he's adequate (notgreat but OK). Witherspoon is good like always and Waltz is outstandingas the mad villain of the film (but he's really beginning to betypecast as such). The movie looks beautiful and there are some decentaction scenes and thrilling moments. It does start out a little slowbut it picks up and is mostly amusing from then on out. If they hadonly cast two more fitting actors together the movie really could havebeen something.Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7A8qHI10rk

(2012-04-15 05:40:44)

Such a great movie!

This review is from: Water for Elephants (DVD) I read the book before the movie was made so I had to go see it. Usually the books are always better but in this case I thought the movie was better! First of all the book was depressing. I thought that the movie was uplifting and the sad parts werent as bad in the movie. Dont get me wrong, it was still a sad movie but when reading the book, I actually cried. I didnt when it came to the movie. Overall, A very good movie! Plus, Robert Pattinson is in it! That should be reason enough to see it!

malamut66

(2012-04-11 23:52:45)

No way I will ever watch this movie!

No way I will ever watch this movie. I heard about it, and it awoke mycuriosity as I love animals. I was even curious to see ex-Twilight guyMr Pattinson in a new role. However when I went to Parental guidance Iwas shocked. I like to read this section for myself, and rarely for mykids. My reason is that I am not keen on too much violence and am notparticularly interested in intimate scenes that belong in my opinion topeople's personal lives. I was happy there is some parental guidancealready to this movie! Because, I do not want to watch any Hollywoodmovies and no Mr Pattinson in a film full of cruelty to animals. I donot even care that hopefully during film making no harm was done to anyanimal (well hopefully at least, although I can well imagine somepeople doing bad things for the sake of profit........), but still, Ialways sit to watch a movie to make me happy and think about issues,but I am not willing to watch film full of blood and cruelty. Even ifthe world is full of this kind of stuff, movies should promote doinggood things and no bad things. I cannot care about anything else. Ialso don't care if people go against each other, if they are thatstupid, but poor animals have so little way to defend themselves. Letus start protecting them by not making stupid films about doing ANYharm to them! I am an ordinary person but this is my way of thinking.

TheLittleSongbird

(2012-04-11 03:06:41)

Surprisingly good

I haven't read the book but this makes little difference to me as Ialways try to judge a film/adaptation on its own terms. Coming fromsomeone who is somewhat indifferent to Robert Pattinson and theTwilight Saga and reading the controversy surrounding it I was reallypleasantly surprised by this movie. It may move slowly at times and Ithink more could've been done with the ending. However, it is avisually spectacular film, the scenery and costumes are gorgeous andthe cinematography exquisite. The music sparkles too, the story andscript are both believable, the circus scenes are vivid and theanimals(I agree 100% about Rosie) are very cute. The direction isassured as well, while the performances are excellent. This is the bestI've seen Robert Pattinson act, Reese Witherspoon is quite touching andher chemistry with Pattinson is to be commended while Christolph Waltzis brilliant as the antagonist. All in all, a surprisingly good film.8/10 Bethany Cox

(2012-04-09 11:45:39)

Robert Pattinson

This review is from: Water for Elephants (DVD) This is a beautiful movie. I was skeptical prior to buying it as I though it might not be my cup of tea. But I found the story and acting very entertaining. I'd let Robert look after my elephant any day

Olive

(2012-04-09 01:14:51)

Stigma and Sensibility

This film followed a book that was read by countless book clubs, my ownbeing no exception. I've wondered why on earth this second rate storyhas been so over-rated by both readers and film goers and all I canconclude is that many of us have a nostalgic draw toward circuses and ahuge soft spot for sad animal stories.Both book and film do a fine job of capturing the feel of a depressionera circus. Hence two stars.Everything else was weak and flawed. The dialogue was corny and far toocontemporary. The film's many heavy handed lessons; be kind to peopleof other races, be kind to animals, poor people have a rough life, allwere obvious enough for Sunday school class. The romance was slow andserved to point out the over-the-top sensitivity of the main characterwho seemed to be too soft for his chosen field, let alone circus life.His university had a huge scholarship program for veterinary studentsat that time, he should have checked it out before he ran away to thecircus.The films biggest flaw was it's "diagnosis," of August as a paranoidschizophrenic. He is shown to have huge mood swings going from highlycompetent manager to irrational rage. These are not symptoms ofschizophrenia, bipolar maybe, but no unmedicated schizophrenic wouldhave the organizational skills needed to manage a circus or carry on apersona of elegant competence. August didn't hear voices, havedelusions, or lose contact with reality, he was just a cruel, violentperson and the movie, while being so pointedly politically correct inother areas, does a great deal to promote fear and stigma against thementally ill by falsely labeling August as schizophrenic. Apart fromall else the term schizophrenia wasn't commonly used at that time.Doctors would have said dementia praecox and lay people would havecalled it insanity or simply madness.This film would be harmless, if childish, entertainment if not for it'spotential to further stigma against the mentally ill. But then,"schizophrenia" has served as a quick substitute for actual charactermotivation by lazy writers for a long time, I guess we shouldn't besurprised.

jacks-31

(2012-04-08 09:55:46)

Beautifully Shot and Wonderfully Acted

I loved this book and was looking forward to it being made into a film.I was worried a lot about the reviews I had read but did wonder abouthow vastly different they were. People either loved it or hated it.Some feel it does not translate well onto the screen and other thoughtit perfect. I even read on here someone that thought the violencetowards the animals was too much. Some love the cast, some hate themespecially Rob Pattinson. I'm finding he has a band of haters who Iguess resent the fact that he is hugely successful, gorgeous andactually has some talent. Maybe they wish they were in his shoes??Geesh give the guy a break. Let him learn his trade acting with provedquality.Well it opened here in the UK today and I went tonight. The cinema wasfull of mostly females but with a big age range. I think I clockedmaybe a dozen or so men.So my thoughts.......Absolutely loved it. I thought it translatedperfectly. Yes there are parts of the book missing but we all knowsurely that a book cannot be translated to the screen word for word.Cannot happen and I for one accept that and am more than happy with theend product. It was shot beautifully transporting me and the audienceback to the era it was set in. I did hear several sighs throughout fromaround me at certain parts in which I was certainly transported back tothe era.Of the actors I can only say BRAVO to all. The three leads were trulymagnificent and I had worried about things I had read like 'lack ofemotion' 'wooden' 'lack of chemistry'. I thought Rob Pattinson did afine job, his emotions were just right, anymore would have been tooOTT. I saw the tears in his eyes and the veins pulsing. Christophe wasa credible August and Reese if any of them was the weaker as Marlena.She, however looked beautiful and I did not notice the age difference.The supporting cast I thought were also outstanding and therelationship between Jacob, Kinko and Camel truly believable.After seeing the film I can now put my fears to bed and thoroughlyrecommend it to all my friends.I just wish the haters would move on and stick to their 3D CGIspecials.

(2012-04-07 17:16:25)

Perfect ...

This review is from: Water for Elephants (DVD) My career is set.I will be a veternarian.WRONG ...Take the Depression, a car accident & a train wreck waiting to happen & you end up with one awesome movie about the circus!This is an adult movie due to the sex & violence, but anybody would enjoy this classic.

rgkarim

(2012-04-06 13:08:49)

The Elephant is really cool... the rest is not so bad

So today I decided to treat my mom to a film and she chose Water ForElephants, the latest Reese Witherspoon movie. My first thoughts aboutthis movie were that Robert Pattinson would play a mopey lover boy,Reese Witherspoon would be a depressed starlet, and everyone else wasjust along for the ride. However, there was a little flexibility in theroles each of them played, but I must comment it was not much of achange from what we have seen in the past. So let's get started: Thepositives of this movie begins with the awesome trained elephant inthis movie. Rosy is a fantastic, beautiful elephant that brings a lotof humor and majesty to the film. I found myself laughing at her morethan anything else, and was really impressed by the character she addedto the film. She is very fun, very well trained in her stunts, and wasa gentle giant that I was actually connecting to. Right now I would saythat was the most enjoyable thing about this movie. The second positivething I would say is the combination of the camera work, scenery, andmusic in this movie. These three aspects were well balanced and blendedas they paint the setting of a circus in the depression. Intense musicplays during sad romantic scenes, joyful uplifting music is shown as wesee the various shots of the circus, mainly Rosey's training, come tolife. And spectacular performances are integrated to make you think youare in an actual circus show. Combine this with the camera work tocapture the emotion of the animals and performers and you've come upwith an impressive scene. A third positive is the extras in this movie,that did a fantastic job playing a close knit circus family. It helpsone get into the mindset of actually being in the circus, which also isdue to the camera work mentioned earlier. Finally I do have to mentionthat Robert Pattinson did actually play a role where he smiles and ishappy at some points. It's a nice change from the emotionally depressedand unstable character that he plays in just about every other movie.Reese Witherspoon is good as always as well, but you can basically gether character from the trailers.Okay negatives about this movie. The first is the plot is predictablebasically from the first twenty minutes of the movie. Pattinson meetshis crew and makes friends and enemies, and from the first real bigscene where we see the antagonist's actions you know what is coming. Asecond weakness is that there is a lot of harsh treatment of animals inthis film. I warn any who can't stand animals suffering or being hurtto be prepared for this movie. I'm not saying the guy is pulling aMicheal Vick, but there is some brutal beatings and heartbreaking shotsthat can make your heart break. Although it brings you into the world,I'm not one for seeing animals suffer. Third there are times where thedrama gets a little to soap opera like for me, especially when it comesto the kissing and one liners this film has to offer. However it is adrama and one should always expect the classic soap opera lines.Perhaps a fourth thing that I could say is that if you're not one for asad movie, then you may be turned off by this movie. Although there isa somewhat happy ending in this movie, there is a lot of scenes thatbreak your heart or at least make you sad. I won't reveal anything, butbe warned it is sad.So what did I think overall. Well the elephant is really cool and worthchecking out how well animal training can be, the acting again is goodby both the main cast and the extras and brings you into the circuslife. I'm a man who loves setting the scene and thus have enjoyed theworld they created in this movie, and finally the story was okay,though again the book was better. Overally I will give this soap operamovie a 7.5-8 at the most. It's predictability, romance story, andmediocre dialog are still a little too cheesy for me. Recommendedaudience for this movie are fans of the book, Pattinson and Witherspoonfans, people who love drama/romance stories, and people who really likeelephants. As always enjoy the movies and I'll see you next week.

WhiteLadyOfRohan

(2012-04-05 19:20:58)

The criticisms on this site are unbelievable

As a huge fan of the original novel, I was expecting to be disappointedwith this movie. After seeing it, I am baffled that the movie fails toexplain the significance of the title but was pleasantly surprised.The negative reviews on this website truly blow my mind. I will agreethat the animal abuse scenes are upsetting and difficult to watch. Forthat reason, I have not recommended this movie to those of my friendswho do not like "sad" movies, although the movie does have a happyending. Nor would I recommend this movie for children. But one reviewerin particular seemed to think that the movie promotes animal abuse andI think is obvious throughout that only the movie's villain engages inany animal abuse whatsoever and that the protagonists of the film andmany other characters are strongly against it.Some of the descriptions of the plot as having serious fallacies aswell I also think are unfair. Yes, some parts are schmaltzy and clichГѓВ©but no more so than many other dramas out there. The film isbeautifully done and I think Waltz does a terrific job. I actuallywould give the weakest performance to Reese, but I feel that that mayreflect the bit of "putting her on a pedestal" that Jacob gives to hercharacter, similar to the heroines in other recent movies such asLatika in Slumdog Millionaire. For a young actor, I think thatPattinson does a good job- you feel his passion for his work and he islikable. Perhaps not the strongest acting out there, but I am unable tothink of an actor near Pattinson's age who I would have preferred tosee in the role. Overall, the acting is well done and the charactersare engaging.Overall, this is a wonderful and unique story. I highly recommendreading the book and I definitely think that the movie is worth seeingif you are looking for a movie with some thought and originality. Do Ithink this will win the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actor, or BestActress? No I do not. I think Supporting Actor nod for Waltz and someproduction awards are definitely forthcoming, and that if you arelooking for a well done movie with an interesting story, you will enjoyseeing Water for Elephants.