'The Future' Looks Bright to Many Moviegoers

It takes a lot for an indie movie to catch my attention. Indie comedy/drama "The Future" did through its description, stating it uses a touch of sci-fi fantasy to set it apart from the typical movies of this kind. We get time-altering and talking cats in this unique sounding film. Let's see what critics and moviegoers have to say about it.

"The Future" looked bright to many top critics. Variety's Peter Debruge stated, "At some point, we knew, this sui generis storyteller would return and grace us with another dose of her delightfully peculiar worldview. Now that 'The Future' has become the present, July doesn't disappoint." Ann Hornaday from Washington Post wrote, "With wit and unsettling strangeness, 'The Future' takes a sitcom premise - two skittish 35-year-olds adopting a sick and injured cat in order to tiptoe into the responsibilities of adulthood - and gives it a radical, otherworldly twist." Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times reported, "On the surface, this film is an enchanting meditation. At its core is the hard steel of individuality."

For some reviewers, "The Future" looked disappointing. The Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy commented, "Overly precious poetic examination of a couple's eccentric attempts to evolve their lives will appeal to a rarified few." Sara Stewart from the New York Post wrote, "A T-shirt creeps around on its own, a little girl likes being buried neck-deep in the backyard. Whatevs." Peter Howell of the Toronto Star related, "A talking cat and moon and a restless T-shirt distract from the story, creating what July intends as interesting textures but instead come across as a form of vandalism."

The majority of movie audiences enjoyed "The Future." Drew S. stated, "Much more focused and confident than her first film. Hilarious, bizarre and heartbreaking. It's startling to think of the filmmaker Miranda will become if she keeps this up." Bill D. said, "'The Future' is a remarkable little film from the highly unique writer/director/actor Miranda July -- what really makes the film special are the sub-themes, which are woven in exquisitely. The editing of 'The Future' is masterful." Lisa R. declared, "Miranda July is a unique voice in cinema. 'The Future' shows her quirky humour and ability to see life through her eyes. There was just enough 'normalcy' in this film for us to relate to the characters and the situations they were in. Some scenes were very funny and showed great observational humour of the world we are in. She uses metaphor a lot too, which I thought worked quite well."

There were those who felt "The Future" looked grim, however. Jesse P. reported, "Worst movie ever; OK, at least worst movie of 2011. I've never posted a movie review in my life, but this movie was so singularly awful that I feel compelled to warn potential viewers. Depressing. Boring. Meaningless. Clip your nails if you really need something to do instead of watching this movie; it'll be far more entertaining." Jordan B. said, "This was one of the worst movies my wife and I have seen in a really long time. It starts out with so much promise, but seemingly falls apart over the course of the film -- the whispering cat voice, poor storyline, and incredulous character development make this film practically unbearable to watch."

"The Future" was directed by Miranda July. It stars July, Hamish Linklater, David Warshofsky, Isabella Acres, and Joe Putterlik. The movie is Rated R for some sexual content. It's being released through Roadside Attractions in limited theaters on different dates throughout the country.

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

Interview with 'The Help' Writer/Director Tate Taylor
Interview with 'The Help' Actor Octavia Spencer
Award-Winning 'Another Earth' Delivers for Some, Disappoints Others

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