View from the Top
No one thought Donna would go very far. But when she sets her sights on becoming a first-class international flight attendant, Donna throws caution to the wind and takes off in pursuit of her dream. The ride is anything but smooth, however, and Donna's laugh-packed journey of a lifetime is rocked by more turbulence than she bargained for.
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- Cast:
- Gwyneth Paltrow , Christina Applegate , Mark Ruffalo , Candice Bergen , Joshua Malina , Mike Myers , Kelly Preston
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Reviews
Just perfect...
How sad is this?
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows
I'm on a Mark Ruffalo kick at the moment. So far I've watched seventeen of his movies, not in sequential order but just as they come up on Netflix, Amazon or any of the other streaming channels. The reason: Mark Ruffalo is pretty awesome in everything he's in. Even in execrable pap like 'View From The Top', his performance shines with authenticity and pathos. I normally like Gwyneth Paltrow too, and she didn't do a terrible job in this, hampered as she was by the god awful script, clunky editing and with the enormous albatross that is Mike Myer's when he's really hamming it up.I'm not going to say much about the plot (there wasn't one), or the supporting cast (forgettable) or sledgehammer message (live your dreams baby), but I will say that the outtakes over the credits at the end were some of the most tragic, manufactured cobblers I'd ever witnessed. In the words of another reviewer; 'I felt violated'.
A View From the Top (2003): Dir: Bruno Barreto / Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Christina Applegate, Candice Bergen, Mark Ruffalo, Mike Myers: Worthwhile comic drama about the climb to success. It stars Gwyneth Paltrow who dreams of becoming a first class international flight attendant. She ends up having to choose between her current relationship or moving up. By the conclusion her success does not overrule her heart. Detailed background with Paltrow's childhood then she deals with betrayal as awful truths indicate that her test scores were higher. Directed by Bruno Barreto who made the superior romantic comedy Bossa Nova. He successfully gives insight into the pursuit of a career as a flight attendant and the hard work to succeed in such an occupation. Paltrow delivers an excellent performance as a woman set on her goals but the outcome choice isn't surprising. Christina Applegate plays her best friend who steals and ultimately sacrifices her friendship and reputation. Candice Bergen is standard as an author whose book inspires Paltrow. Mark Ruffalo is also flat as Paltrow's boyfriend who is basically there to provide her with a dilemma. Mike Myers steals moments as an instructor and adds comic elements that elevate the film a notch. Although more dramatic than funny with its share of narrative problems, it does showcase hard work being rewarded. Score: 6 ½ / 10
View From The Top tells the story of Donna (Gwyneth Paltrow) who sees air-hostessing as a means of leaving her hick small town and seeing the world: on the way, she discovers some home truths.This strange little film is a romantic comedy without much romance or comedy (apart from Mike Myers doing one of his less amusing schticks). It is a small film with a strong cast (a distinct cut above the material), lots of bright colours, lots of attractive women in short skirts, bikinis and bare midriffs, and an air of niceness to it.It doesn't make you laugh, although it does make you smile. It's quite nicely performed (particularly by Christina Applegate and Candice Bergen), but it leaves you with an air of, "Oh. So what?" The strongest recommendation I can give it is to say that it's not unpleasant.
--I really don't get why so many people don't like this movie. Here's my checklist to see if you will like this movie.1.) Do you like Gwyneth? 2.) Do you like movies that are fun and have great positive messages? 3.) Do you like movies that aren't too serious? 4.) Do you like movies with a great soundtrack? 5.) Do you like rooting for the underdog?If you answered yes to all of these then you'll like this movie. So what if it's about a small town girl aspiring to be a flight attendant. To some people that would be a big step up in their life. The movie talks about believing in yourself when no one else does. Loving what you love even if all your friends aren't really into it. As silly as this plot sounds it still remains one of my favorite Gwyneth Paltrow movies. Sure there are a lot of cheesy parts, and sure its not a life everyone would dream about or would think is so great. But the message behind the story is very positive and upbeat. Plus it's fun! Perfect Friday night or date night movie to relax too. And although Amy Sherman Palladino is one of my favorite writers I think she gave this one a bum rap by dissing it on Gilmore Girls. The movie and the soundtrack are winners in my book.