3/19 - Movie Goers love The Bounty Hunter!

[shirsan]

Agreed, Swannie. I hope this is the last of this genre for Gerry. He has so much more talent than was showcased in this movie.

I saw it a second time, and nothing changed my opinion. It's a vehicle for Jen, and a showcase of Gerry's gorgeousness. Pretty much, that's it. I also have to say that I figured out the "secret" before it was revealed, and I'm not good at figuring those things out.

However, I'm really glad so many others are enjoying it. I hope Gerry makes a ton of money.

Oh! There were two older ladies (60's or even 70's) in the theater together and I swear they had GALS. They giggled and laughed at him just like we do. It was really cute!

How old are you Phoenixgirl?

I can tell you that there are a lot of people on this site in their 60's

and believe me, life experience only accelerates the acknowledement

of Gerry's professional abilities, brilliance, intelligence and talent.

Age increases the senses, not the other way around. With age

and experience you appreciate the finer things in life even more,

and believe me, Gerry is one of the finest things in life, and his

talent is to be admired and appreciated with all of the added

abilities you gain with age and experience.

I'm not discounting youth, youth is to be lived and I hope you

are soaking up all of the experiences offered everyday, because

you will use them all the older you get. So if you appreciate

Gerry's abilities and attributes in your youth, imagine how much

higher regard we older fans hold him in.

By the way, I've seen it twice already, am seeing it tomorrow

with 3 other fans and will see it Monday with my best friend,

who I am recruiting more and more with every movie. She

is 62 and her brother is 65 and her sister in law is 64, and I

have already recruited all of them.

Just remember, age does not lessen the reactions of the brain

to those things that really matter, it hightens them.

Love him absolutely,

Sandy

[phoenixgirl]

I"m 43.

Again ... I absolutely meant nothing other than it was a DELIGHT to see two older ladies, much like many of the wonderful women on this board that I have come to consider very good friends, enjoy Gerry.

I'm not sure why my comment is being taken negatively. I simply enjoyed watching two women enjoy watching Gerry. I guess the fact that I mentioned age was my mistake.

I apologize if I have offended and insulted anyone. I absolutely DID NOT say it was crazy or impossible. I said it was WONDERFUL.

[lovetheeloquence]

Agreed, Swannie. I hope this is the last of this genre for Gerry. He has so much more talent than was showcased in this movie.

I saw it a second time, and nothing changed my opinion. It's a vehicle for Jen, and a showcase of Gerry's gorgeousness. Pretty much, that's it. I also have to say that I figured out the "secret" before it was revealed, and I'm not good at figuring those things out.

However, I'm really glad so many others are enjoying it. I hope Gerry makes a ton of money.

Oh! There were two older ladies (60's or even 70's) in the theater together and I swear they had GALS. They giggled and laughed at him just like we do. It was really cute!

How old are you Phoenixgirl?

I can tell you that there are a lot of people on this site in their 60's

and believe me, life experience only accelerates the acknowledement

of Gerry's professional abilities, brilliance, intelligence and talent.

Age increases the senses, not the other way around. With age

and experience you appreciate the finer things in life even more,

and believe me, Gerry is one of the finest things in life, and his

talent is to be admired and appreciated with all of the added

abilities you gain with age and experience.

I'm not discounting youth, youth is to be lived and I hope you

are soaking up all of the experiences offered everyday, because

you will use them all the older you get. So if you appreciate

Gerry's abilities and attributes in your youth, imagine how much

higher regard we older fans hold him in.

By the way, I've seen it twice already, am seeing it tomorrow

with 3 other fans and will see it Monday with my best friend,

who I am recruiting more and more with every movie. She

is 62 and her brother is 65 and her sister in law is 64, and I

have already recruited all of them.

Just remember, age does not lessen the reactions of the brain

to those things that really matter, it hightens them.

Love him absolutely,

Sandy

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!! Before this possibly takes a wrong turn!!!

Lisa meant absolutely nothing by the AGE of those ladies if I'm correct...

What she was saying is that they might have been GALS just like ALL of us GALS...

That's all...let's keep this happy and sweet, okay?

[phoenixgirl]

THANK YOU LESLIE!!! That's exactly all I meant.

PS - I still owe you an email response. Been so busy with Steph here and getting ready for LA.

[lovetheeloquence]

See, see, see...I KNEW IT!!!

Lisa was even quicker to respond than I was...she is a sweet girl...

Please, everyone, be careful about jumping to conclusions here!

Find something to jab me for on my TBH review instead...that's why we're here.

Smiles, everyone, smiles!!!

[AbandonThought]

Loved your review Leslie!! Mine was so silly and disjointed; we were watching New Moon at the time, so I couldn't focus.

I love love looooooooove Milo. I think he's a great character, and an incredibly likeable guy. I felt his frustrations in the beginning of coming off a failed marriage, and I was with him in his struggle as he reconnected with Nic. His emotions just seemed really genuine to me... and I know that is mostly because of Gerry's superior acting ability, but I agree that his transformation was a little more realistic than Mike Chadway's.

I also loved Jen in the film. And like you Leslie, I liked Jen and Nic much better than Katie and Abby. Nic was a tough and adventuresome chick, but with Abby... I got a little lost in her neuroses. I thought Nic made a better partner for Milo than Abby did for Mike.

As for my take on Jason Sudeikis, I guess I was a little surprised that he didn't make me laugh more. The times when he did, I thought it was the lines--more so than the delivery--that did it. It did really surprise me though, because Gerry had been raving about how funny he was. I don't know if he was just hilarious in between takes and the role didn't let him show his versatility or what, but I didn't see it.

And OMG... I love watching Gerry run, and he was running for more than half of that friggin' movie. It was like running porn. Just to see his big beefy legs pumping away... and that boy seems fast, too!

And I agree with Lisa; I get a kick out of watching other people enjoy Gerry. I especially love sitting in the theatre as people come in and listening to them talk about him! When I first went to see it, at the midnight showing in New Orleans, a girl came in with a date and as she walked in I heard her mention ROF and D2K. Every movie I see with him I always hear people discussing him and his career at the theatre... It's so great, because I've never before gone into a theatre and heard people talking about other films that the lead actor has been in before a movie. Just Gerry.

I can't wait for this on DVD... I think the gag reel will be hilarious!

And while I respect the opinion of those who think this film was beneath Gerry, I have to disagree. I don't think it was an Oscar-worthy film or anything, but I think it was a nice, fun, laid-back, adventuresome little movie. I like it that Gerry takes projects sometimes for the simple sake of having a little fun and being a little silly, and I think this was one of those. Still, I do think that it may have been a little unfortunate that it came so close on the heels of TUT, and that he hadn't had a popular action film in awhile. I look forward to his next two projects (Coriolanus and Machine Gun Preacher) being a little more serious, and thus, having the potential to be taken a little more seriously in the business.

That being said, I love the career choices that Gerry makes, because they're his. He can't always know going into a project how it'll come out on the back end, and I like that he picks things for his own reasons, and because he thinks it's a project that he'll enjoy being a part of. In that way, I don't think he can make mistakes. I would never want him to start second-guessing his every move and being fixated on how he's going to be received. It's his career, so if he's not enjoying himself, what's the f-ing point?

Steph

[Swansong]

Just got back from seeing BH. IMO, it was actually even worse than I expected. Honestly, I did not enjoy it all and was bored through most of it. Gerry has some cute bits, but Jennifer? This is the first movie I've seen her in and my conclusion is that she is no actress. She makes faces and plays with her hair, but there is no truthful emotion or comedic timing.

What was truly shocking is that 2 different couples at different times...walked out. I have never seen that before in a Gerry film.

He deserves a MUCH more dynamic leading lady who can actually play a character. He needs a well written script with some form of intelligence behind it. I am a fan and I will stay a fan, but I am almost embarrassed for him.

Gerry is a great actor. It's there...the raw, brilliant talent and depth that only needs the right vehicle to shine.

Swannie

Edited March 21, 2010 by Swansong

[Abrock]

Swannie, you should see Marley and Me. Jen is great in that.

[Aussie_Stace]

Swannie, there were about 10 people in the theatre with me & all throughout the movie, people were wondering in & out. I could NEVER do that during a movie! Halfway through, the teens up the back (I think it was a whole family behind me) were arguing quite loudly over the POPCORN!!

[Swansong]

Well the 2 couples I was referring to walked out and did not come back. That was about half way through the film. As I said, I was shocked.

Swannie

[lovetheeloquence]

Well, we all certainly are solid evidence of what is great about artistic endeavors...we all think independently and have similar AND disimilar tastes and opinions. Maybe "critics" or "fans" like all of us are the very reason Gerry has the great wisdom to select a VARIETY of rolls to tackle. Smart, smart man, huh?

I remember either a fairly recent article or interview where Gerry discussed how carefully he considers each role and film he selects. He definately does not take it lightly. And good for him!

One of the greatest things that delights me about Gerry's success is that it affords him the precious freedom as an artist to take risks and have fun with the roles he chooses. As an artist I can assure you that to be able to do that is worth more to an artist than just about anything else. If I'm not mistaken I would bet that the freedom to do just that is what makes Gerry love being a part of the film arts. Nothing is more boring, restricting or uninspiring to an artist than to have to do the same type of thing over and over and over.

You can't be serious like Clyde or Attila all the time. And you can't always wield a cape, wear a mask and sing all the time, like Erik! VARIETY is the spice of life, after all!

Clint Eastwood and Paul Newman, arguably two of the most enduring, versatile, gifted and successful filmmakers of all time (both as actors AND directors) have had what some considered "bad choices" during their careers. Yet I know fans of Eastwood and Newman who loooove some of those so-called "bad choices" better than any of their "Oscar worthy" work.

So, hey. YOU don't have to love everything Gerry does. He gets to do what HE wants to now. I say good for him! In my book, this means that he's "arrived" as an artist! And, still, we are the lucky recipients of his fabulous acting.

I can't begin to explain how much that makes me smile.

Like you, Steph, I look forward to being able to see TBH over and over. Sometimes a film that simply makes me grin, giggle and sigh is just what I need!

[Melodie]

I am so ashamed to say I haven't seen this yet Gerry movies always seem to come out on a non-payweek for me so I am completely broke. Not to mention that it's hard for me to leave the house.

I so can't wait to see this though! I have my cousin coming to stay with me this week and I was dying to take her because she's a big fan of Jen's and Friends and I know that with her I could probably stomach the trip (we're close and lived with each during childhood). I may have to just wing it and see how next week goes, though. I'm so excited that it has such a great response! I know I'm going to love it already.

Amy.

Amy? I thought your name was Melodie?

So, here's an idea for you to go see it. Have your cuz pay for your ticket in exchange for room and board. I'd hit her up for dinner too.

Delene

My apologies on that, I thought everyone knew the origin of my screenname. I only WISH it was Melodie. Lol. It's the French spelling and meaning for "little song" I'm a music/creativity fanatic and I used the name once for a Phantom of The Opera FanFiction character once that never got finished. I love the name and I figured it described me perfectly. It's just a lot of the times I forget to sign off my real name, so that's probably why some are confused, and I apologise for that. I'm trying to get into the habit. Perhaps I should change the screenname to "Little Melodie" if it will make it easier?

As much as I would love to go see it, I have a complex about asking people for favors like that. She's coming down because our grandpa is having heart surgery so it's not just a social visit. I hate asking people for money as well as offering it, so the last thing I would do is to have her do that. I'm strange, I know. I would give my right arm and leg for someone who would only offer me a sandwich, I'd insist on it. If worst comes to worst though, I'll endure it as much as I can next payweek, or wait for the DVD to come out.

[ready2fly]

I loved this movie and for more than one reason. This is only my 4th Gerry movie to see when it was released. My first Gerry movie in a theater was TUT last summer. I only discovered him last summer so I missed out on seeing a lot of his movies in the theaters. It was also my 1st time seeing him on the big screen with another Gal. Spot and I had a blast and I can't wait to go again--soon.

The other reason is the visual feast that is Gerry Butler on the big screen. His eyes are phenomenally beautiful in this movie. IMHO, he had some of the best close ups of his career in this movie. I agree that seeing him in those shorts was worth the price of admission alone. He had great comedic timing and I thought the chemistry was good between Gerry and Jen.

As a whole, I thought this movie was great. It served its purpose by making me laugh and forget, for and hour and forty-six or how ever many minutes, about all the things I've been stressed over. It was IMO, very predictable which I think is a reliable element to this genre of film. I don't see romantic comedies to walk away feeling the as though the earth moved and pondering the meaning of life.

An actor will live and breathe in their characters mindset for hours on end for months at time while they are having every emotion they are putting themselves through captured on film and played back, scrutinized and made to do it again until it's perfect in someone else's eye. It's the nature of the beast and an actor knows what's expected of them and commit to it when they sign onto a film. Knowing that, they pick and choose (if they're lucky) which roles they want live in for however long it may take to finish.

The ability to pick and choose is the key. Gerry has the ability to pick and choose what he wants to do based off what he feels is right for him. He does not strike me as the kind of man that can be made to feel guilty into doing anything in this life he doesn't already want to do, let alone something he feels would be counterproductive for his career.

I find it offensive and disrespectful that his judgment in picking his movies is not only questioned but done so on a fan site devoted to him. The issue of being rightfully entitled to our opinions, whatever they are, is not the issue; it's the appropriateness of it done on a public forum for anyone in the world who wanted to, to read it. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

I don't really have a favorite Gerry character; I'm a fan of his life and spirit. Do I think everything he touches is golden? No, not for a second. But you also won't find me passing negative judgment on him when he turns out something I may feel is less than stellar.

Bex

Edited March 21, 2010 by ready2fly

[framolamdu]

I actually think anybody who has come on here and said anything negative about the film has done so in a very respectful manner knowing they are leaving themselves wide open.

Nobody as far as I can see is faulting Gerry's performance at all - if anything we realise for us anyway he has made an ok film extremely enjoyable. It is the film in general some have issues with and considering I'm such a huge fan of this genre and of course Gerry I can at least admit this would just be a run of the mill action comedy if not for him. I see no harm in stating that and if anything it's more a testament to Gerry and his great acting ability that he can make me feel like that.

I still don't get why the critics have been so harsh because it certainly is not a dreadful movie by any means. It's obvious they are singling Gerry out more for blame which is so unfair and uncalled for. He obviously had a blast making the movie, probably needed something lighthearted after filming LAC and he definitely delivered the goods and has not let his fans down.

Moira

[Jeb]

I find it offensive and disrespectful that his judgment in picking his movies is not only questioned but done so on a fan site devoted to him. The issue of being rightfully entitled to our opinions, whatever they are, is not the issue; it's the appropriateness of it done on a public forum for anyone in the world who wanted to, to read it. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

I don't really have a favorite Gerry character; I'm a fan of his life and spirit. Do I think everything he touches is golden? No, not for a second. But you also won't find me passing negative judgment on him when he turns out something I may feel is less than stellar.

Bex

On the whole, I applaud you Bex. I don't mind people saying they liked or disliked a film and why. But they should remember, as I try to, that whether they loved or hated a particular film is not absolute proof that it is of value or worthless. Only that they did or did not like it. (I wish some of the endless web critics and bloggers would remember that once in awhile. LOL)

Fans have been posting that Gerry's career is over or damaged or going nowhere if he doesn't follow their advice for as long as I can remember and yet, here he is, bigger than ever with films set for the future and his own production company, known now by most movie goers and loved by many. And he didn't become a routine action hero, did not do a slew of romantic period films, did not fire his publicist or his manager, did not do whatever it was they felt he MUST do to succeed. And yet their advice continues. And shock when films aren't gems in their view. Gerry is already miles ahead on his own journey. We're in the dust behind him and sometimes can't see where he's going but he can.

I do find it insulting to imply, again and again, that he doesn't know what he's doing, doesn't understand the business he's in, doesn't really know what he's signing on for when he takes on a film or should somehow be embarrassed because a film is not what somebody thought it should be. He is a man of incredible spirit and courage who loves putting himself on the line and taking chances. If things don't work out, he plunges forward and does it again.

This is one film out of dozens he has done and dozens he will do. At the end of the day he may be regarded as an average, utilitarian actor or a brilliant star that will be sorely missed. He's on that journey and nobody, not even him, knows how it will turn out. It affects HIM, not me. HIS ego and reputation are on the line, not mine. I'll watch and applaud regardless of the final outcome but it is years, decades, before we'll know the final verdict. I will never be 'embarrassed' for him because first of all, it is ridiculous to do so, and secondly, because a man of such spirit doesn't need it.

I am a fan of Gerard Butler. And even if his next ten films are considered worse than Plan Nine From Outer Space I will say it proudly and with a smile. Heck, I've been a fan of far worse!

jane

[Swansong]

I was embarrassed for Gerry that people actually walked out of this film. I'm sorry if some are having a problem with my response to that, but I am being honest here. And I DO question what would make Gerry want to take on a film like this. I am not questioning his talent or intelligence, I'm questioning his reasoning for choosing a particular film role.

As a fan, I did not enjoy this movie, and it is disappointing to me when I don't enjoy one of Gerry's films. I'm excited for what he has on his schedule of future roles, and I'm sure one of his upcoming projects will knock my socks off.

Swannie

[Phantom's AngelRose]

I cannot give a critique of this movie because I personally have not seen it and will not be seeing it, for personal reasons that I will not go into. It will be the first movie of Gerry's that I have not supported totally, but hey, stuff happens....

BUT...I will relay what one of my best friends, who happens to be a HUGE and obsessive Gerry fan herself - to her, he can do no wrong. She called me after she and her husband saw it yesterday at the mid-afternoon matinee here in our area. She said that she had just lost almost 2 hours of her life that she would never get back. The there were only eight people in the theater and that three of them got up about half way through and walked out. That not one single person, including her and her husband, laughed at anything, because in her opinion, it was just one cliche after another, some bordering on slapstick, and was so silly, that it was not the least bit funny. She also said that it seemed all Jennifer Aniston did throughout the movie was play with her hair. She also said that she was so embarrassed for Gerry that she almost cried several times. That this had to be the worst movie she and her husband, as well as the rest in the theater - from the comments heard from them as well going out, that she had ever seen. The people that left half way through never came back either, and one of them was heard to say something very crude about the movie. My friend, who thinks Gerry is one of the best actors this side of the sun, commented that he would have done well had he had decent material to work with, but that he just did not have anything decent to work with here.

Now folks, don't blast me for this, this was the opinion of a friend. As I said, I HAVE NOT seen the movie, and I am NOT going to see it. So, the above is not my review, but that of a friend of mine, who holds Gerry in the highest adoration, just as most of us do.

It seems that it's doing okay at the boxoffice, even with The Wimpy Kid movie and Alice going strong, but aside from Gerry's die hard fans, will there be any repeat goers after this weekend, or will word of mouth cause it to trend downward from here on out? Time will tell.

Tense

[Swansong]

I did hear some laughter in our theater which was about half full at the 7:30 show, but I only laughed a few times myself. I just did not find the movie funny at all, but obviously, some people did.

I realized something as I was watching this film: I think Gerry is actually much funnier when he is just being himself in real life than when he is in a scripted comedy. I loved him in TUT, but what I really loved was how he brought depth to Mike Chadway, and when a script allows him to do that, he is great.

Swannie

[MareksLadyD]

I really enjoyed it. Did I think it was the best movie I've ever seen? Uhhh no, but it was funny IMHO. The character played by Jason S was pointless I thought and I wish it had been cut, but I LOVE Christine Baranski and the scene with her and G was great. I dont understand the walking out thing. It isnt a great movie but its not horrible. And like I said I found it enjoyable and Gerry VERY enjoyable. And the audience during my showing laughed quite a bit.

[lovetheeloquence]

I'm saying this once more and then I'm done...

Just because any of us does or does not like the film that does not mean we are right...

...it's an opinion and everyone gets to have their own.

And as far as people walking out during the film? I saw it three times and NO ONE walked out of any of the viewings I was at. So for every "x" there must be a "y," okay?

My career should be as "over" as Gerard Butler's is! And he can make any choices he wants to. He's earned the right.

Remember what the MJ article said?

"Rarely has the disparity between critical reception and audience response been so pronounced. Even if his newest movie, The Bounty Hunter, an action rom-com co-starring Jennifer Aniston, is another stinker, chances are that Butler will come out of it looking good."

I find it curious that anyone here on Gals would worry about the viability of Gerry's career and film choices and future when daily so many new members are signing on!

Gerry's a big boy who has a history of pleasing and at the same time doing what HE wants to. Lucky him.

Some "hated" TBH? Fine. Some of us "loved" TBH!

Coming up next? Coriolanus. Can't wait! Keep 'em coming Mr. Butler...and continue to have fun along the way...

Edited March 21, 2010 by lovetheeloquence

[Swansong]

I don't think anyone here has stated that Gerry's career is over, at least not that I have read in these threads. I'm sure he has many great roles ahead of him, and I am glad for that. Just because a few of us question his film choices, that does not mean we think he's blown his career. I am interested in the industry as a whole, and I simply question why Gerry chose to be in a film like this.

Before 300 he was struggling as a relatively unknown UK actor, and he has discussed this in various interviews. With his 300 fame came face and name recognition, which many of us thought would bring him the quality roles we long to see him in.

I was just hoping that by now, with his name recognition and a solid list of great performances behind him, he would get to choose from the best scripts. But of course, his talent and hard work will prevail, and I've no doubt that his best work is yet to come!

Swannie

Edited March 21, 2010 by Swansong

[lovetheeloquence]

Hi, Swannie!

Jane said earlier that for as long as she could remember some fans had been questioning choices Gerry made and suggesting his career was over. That's what I referred to, no one specifically. Sorry for the confusion!

I agree that I love to just listen to G. himself as far as entertaining and funny goes...he, on his own, is more fun and entertaining than any bit someone could write for him. Then throw in that Scottish brogue, right? Simply wonderful!

Edited March 21, 2010 by lovetheeloquence

[Sabina]

I think we have to look at this movie for what it is. It is a romantic comedy made for people to enjoy. We all know that Gerry is capable of much more. He is a talented actor. I am sure he will have his chance to shine as a serious actor pretty soon. This movie was a lot of fun to watch and I am sure it was a lot of fun to make. I am Gerry’s fun for life and I will watch any movie he is in. If it is a comedy I will laugh and enjoy. If it is a serious movie I will think and enjoy. That is just my opinion and I am sticking to it.

[framolamdu]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainm...pty-handed.html

Bounty Hunter has come in 3rd place with $21 million. Hell Matt Damon's Green Zone opened 2nd last week with $14 mil so this should be deemed very respectable. Well done Gerry.

Moira

[complicated]

I think this film suffers from POOR film editing......very chopped up, to the point you feel they cut his lines before he finished. It's not a bad film....just seemed a little forced because they throw too much at you and scenes have no time to develop properly. I did love the lingering camera shots of Gerard...in most of the films he's made with his "A list ladies"...they've flashed on him for what seems a split second and then spend an eternity on the women. No fun for me....! He is very good in this... just bet he wishes they had a few longer scenes to maximize their obvious chemistry...they are very good together. I'm taking my granddaughter today, maybe I'll like it better second time around. ps I think Gerard was much better in TUT!!!