Been working my butt off, trying to finish a script here in the next few weeks, so I haven't been able to see everything I've wanted to see as of late, but I did make it a point to see Green Book late last night, and it was definitely worth it. Top five of the year for me so far, no question - maybe even top three - and I'd say that, as of now, it's between this and A Star Is Born for Best Picture (though we've still got a bit to go).

Green Book is a little cookie cutter, but it's so well done that it doesn't matter. For what it's aiming to be, it's absolutely perfect. Viggo Mortensen gives a fantastic and often hilarious performance, to the point where he'll almost assuredly be nominated for Best Actor. Mahershala Ali is great too, and the chemistry between them is phenomenal, but Mortensen is definitely the stand out. Overall, it's not too heavy - or as heavy as something like this could be - with just right balance of drama, laughs, heartbreak, and heartwarming moments. It's one of those scripts where not a single line or moment is wasted, with call backs abound, and just so admiringly effective and economical in that sense.

Green Book came out in limited release this weekend, but goes wide on Wednesday (the 21st), and it's the absolute perfect film to see over the holiday with the family. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this.

So does it actually get into the history/significance of the Green Book? Or does it just borrow the name?

It doesn't really get into the "history" of it, nor does it "just borrow the name" either (I don't really know that means). It's simply part of the plot. Ali's character can only stay at certain designated spots in the south and that lends to much of the drama in the movie.

By borrowed, I meant they used the name of a book to make a movie that had little to do with the source material. Basically, I was curious if the movie explained what it was and showed how important the green book was for blacks traveling the country in the Jim crow era or if some one just thought it was a catchy title for a movie.

Like someone said in the thread, based off the trailer I thought it was a reversed driving miss Daisy.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/race/viggo-mortensen-says-sorry-using-n-word-q-a-1159813?__twitter_impression=true

Would love to take my kids to see this. For anyone that's seen it, any issues with a 9 and 13-year-old going to it? Thanks in advance.

There's a decent amount of racist language, but other than that it's pretty tame.

Thanks!

Mr. White said:

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https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/race/viggo-mortensen-says-sorry-using-n-word-q-a-1159813?__twitter_impression=true

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The Oscars have blackballed him from any nomination over this...

All about context.

And the co-star is upset about him using the word. He is literally telling Viggo he's not allowed to say a word. Lame.

What nonsense. Feels like something between Southpark and Twilight Zone.

pimplepopper said:

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Would love to take my kids to see this. For anyone that's seen it, any issues with a 9 and 13-year-old going to it? Thanks in advance.

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Saw the movie last weekend and it is very well done.

Your 9 and 13 yr old will likely not understand some of the racist elements (or not notice them as they're too young to have any memories or stories from older family members that would relate). Their is also a scene in a YMCA that they might not grasp or cause some questions from the 13yr old about what was going on (not explicit, but the adults watching know what happened).

Other than that, it's a great film. It's very well done. Their is no SJW element (at least to me) at all. It presents things as they were in the south in the 60's and both characters come to appreciate each other's character.

Saw this this week and enjoyed it. TCTTS is spot on that it is very cookie cutter but somehow pulls it off and is enjoyable.

One thing though, the shots of Ali playing piano seemed really fake and odd looking to me. Like his frankensteined head CGIed very choppy onto a stunt players body. It just very much stood out and look weird when they'd show the shots of him playing.

Overall it deserves the nominations it got but it's not quite original enough to get my vote for the big prize.

I saw this this past weekend and I thought it was a good movie and I thought Viggo was great but I was pretty underwhelmed. Nothing about the story was really all that moving for me. The scene in the rain didn't really have an impact for me and it was obvious they wanted it to be really moving.

Seems to be some sort of backlash against this movie by Woke Hollywood. I don't care enough to find out why but it seems to have something to do with Driving Miss Daisy winning the Oscar over Do the Right Thing several years ago.

I think sanctimonious and judgmental Hollywood is my least favorite Hollywood of them all.

The KFC scene was great.

Also, Viggo can play any ethnicity.

What a fantastic movie! Viggo and his Co star were incredible. Watched with my wife and 2 daughters (15 and 12) and we all got a lot of laughs and feels from it.

It's been as long time since I've seen a movie like this. It reminds me of Forrest Gump in the way that even though there is some drama, it's just such a joy to watch.

Just got around to watching this. Outstanding movie! Viggo was awesome.