Such a frustrating disappointment

Good concept, poorly executed.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

It is wrong to expect a movie based on a book (by the French author Francois Lelord) to be exactly like the original story; of course characters will be merged, scenes will be cut, etc. However, this film completely ditches the original quirky nature of the book. The story is turned into a shallow B grade romcom, with the narrative and ending just as predictable as you would expect.What it does retain of the book, and emphasizes even more, is its cardboard-cutout portrayal of people of non-white ethnicity. Women are there to decorate the lives of men; Africans (no specific country mentioned, because all of Africa is the same, right?) are violent gangsters or poor-but-happy-villagers, dancing around; Buddhist monks are wise and funny, etc, etc.Although Hector's Journey is even worse than "Eat, Pray, Love", if you are the kind of person who thought that was deep and meaningful, then you might like this, but otherwise don't bother with it.

Don't get me wrong, there were bits in this movie that were well done, but a lot of it rang hollow. Toni Collette's tear-down of Hector was good (but not much else about her character), Rosamund Pike's warmth, some other details, but then there was this creeping edge of ad agency feel good that undermined any real heart to the movie. He went to China not Tibet? He stays at the Marriott? Travels First Class, his paid for call girl takes him to a street cafe in a poor area? Why? A lot of it didn't add up but looked good for the camera. Some of the scenes were acted well and some of them rang very hollow. Ultimately for the subject the of honest happiness the shallow result left a bad taste.

Recently, one of our students recommended this film to us. Thank you ever so much, Gloria! Did not look at the IMDb.com page until AFTER viewing! As the end credits appeared on the screen, the first thing that crossed my mind was "Who could hate this movie?" Well, apparently 3% of the viewing public seems to be allergic to feel good movies! Yes: IMDb says that 3% of viewers rated "SEARCH" at only 1, 2 or 3 Stars! If you feel you might fall into this category, heed my warning above! Simon Pegg was, perhaps, the main reason I decided to follow through on Gloria's recommendation. Pleasantly surprised, is what I got! SEARCH is a great vehicle for him to showcase an on screen presence that, at least, I had never seen before! SEARCH was released in 2014, when Pegg was 44…Here, he seems to be maturing, in the best sense of the word! Rosamund Pike, in a role she turned in shortly before Gone Girl, seems to be the successful wife, secretly insecure, who really despises being taking for granted. SEARCH boasts a number of seasoned, well-known actors in supporting roles: Stellan Skarsgard is the Uber rich and successful German businessman, coasting through life; Jean Reno is the drug kingpin who develops a conscience, Cristopher Plummer is the self- help guru author who seemingly has inspired Pegg's character; Ming Zhao is…well, we'll let you figure that one out!SEARCH, throughout most of its nearly 2 hours, manages to present us with relatively believable situations that avoid arm-wrestling with our innate suspension of disbelief. When I mentioned finding it difficult to imagine viewers hating this film…I really meant it. Give SEARCH a try…I'm sure you won't be disappointed! 8*.....ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome!

I felt compelled to review this film because it bothered me quite a bit. Since this tries to be a worldly film, it counts for something to add that I am 29, American and my wife is 28, Korean. Her and I have lived in South Korea for years and between the two of us we've traveled all of NZ, a number of Asian countries and about a quarter of the US. My wife says this movie was cheesy and and not nearly as deep as it's trying to be. I say...Simon did alright: I've laughed at some of his other movies and this is him being a bit more dimensional. I'm fine with the numbered lessons he learns about happiness. I agree with one of the negative reviews that there were really cliché representations of the various countries/ experiences, but it was still entertaining to me.My problems with this film:Too many "happy times" involving alcohol- I'm not some soap box standing straight edge guy, but any mature person can appreciate happiness found without the influence of any drugs. The writer took the easy route to try and get a larger audience I suppose.My biggest problem was the relationship with Clara. Now for the SPOILER part: He has a relationship which is fine in the beginning and he then he has these experiences which show him there's more to the world BUT he decides that she is all he wants so he goes home. And now this makes him a man whereas in the beginning he sees himself as child -lame. So the lesson is if you're a doctor and have a loving relationship, you have a good happy life and need nothing else. What about everyone else? Want a similar but more fulfilling film? watch The secret life of Walter Mitty. It's kind of similar but more entertaining and less painful.