I really loved the 60's parts where you get to see Brian Wilson playing with the Beach Boys and creating Pet Sounds. I could completely loose myself in Paul Dano's performance and bought him as Brian. (This might be because i'm not overly familiar with what Brian looked like back then). The other Beach Boy actors were also fantastic. If this 60's section had been the entire 2 hour film then this would immediately jump into my top 20.
The problem is with the 80's section. John Cusack, and to a lesser extent Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti, are such familiar faces, that it's difficult to suspend disbelief and really buy Cusack as Brian. Again, probably because I know what Brian looks like now (they even show him in the credits). The 80's setting is very well done however. The drama starts slow, but really grabbed me by the end, redeeming most of these "Older Brian" parts.
My only other sticking point is that Dano and Cusack look nothing alike. We just can't believe they are the same person 10 - 15 years apart. I'd have rather they did older-man-make-up on Dano.
Overall very enjoyable, especially for music fans, fans of the recording process and music history. Would recommend.
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BigAwesomeBLT
I really loved the 60's parts where you get to see Brian Wilson playing with the Beach Boys and creating Pet Sounds. I could completely loose myself in Paul Dano's performance and bought him as Brian. (This might be because i'm not overly familiar with what Brian looked like back then). The other Beach Boy actors were also fantastic. If this 60's section had been the entire 2 hour film then this would immediately jump into my top 20.The problem is with the 80's section. John Cusack, and to a lesser extent Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti, are such familiar faces, that it's difficult to suspend disbelief and really buy Cusack as Brian. Again, probably because I know what Brian looks like now (they even show him in the credits). The 80's setting is very well done however. The drama starts slow, but really grabbed me by the end, redeeming most of these "Older Brian" parts.
My only other sticking point is that Dano and Cusack look nothing alike. We just can't believe they are the same person 10 - 15 years apart. I'd have rather they did older-man-make-up on Dano.
Overall very enjoyable, especially for music fans, fans of the recording process and music history. Would recommend.