Water for Elephants

Pattinson will have a hard time shedding the painful stigma of the awkward vampire, but he can give a serious performance if the script allows it. Films from the circus environment are scarce, so extra points for that, but unlike others I wouldn't praise Christoph Waltz's performance so much – when he’s playing a choleric jealous husband or a slightly sadistic guy (stabbing an elephant), it's all right, but I didn't buy his crying (worrying about his livelihood) at all. (27/07/2011)

The circus finally got a good movie. Witherspoon has earned a spot in my top 10 favorite actresses with this one. The pairing of Reese and Pattinson was a really good choice. I was worried that the film would be "too heavy". In the end, I had no problem digesting it because it is made with a tremendously light touch. The costumes and hairstyles are also exceptionally well done. The script is also beautiful, so there you go. (16/07/2011)

This picture should have been titled Vodka for Elephants (A Czech play on words voda=water, vodka=vodka) in view of the main elephant’s love of alcohol and the time when the story takes place. I don’t like clowns and I don’t like Pattinson (his earlier edition, Hal Holbrook, is three levels higher in acting skill), but Lawrence serves us with a really superb classic Hollywood fairytale and Christoph Waltz knows how to enjoy acting evil bastards. James Newton Howard’s music will grab you by the heart again. (03/09/2011)

While Burlesque only gingerly exploited a plot cut from the 1930s but set it in the present, Water for Elephants literally revels in the year 1931 in every frame. The circus setting, the ethereal Reese, the totally accurate Christoph, and the prejudicial Robert (I'm no longer afraid of his Bel Ami creation), are what I need on the big screen by far the most. A magnificent melodrama that is aware of its mission. (24/05/2011)

An honest and sincere film with very talented actors. The setting is essentially unexplored, and the entire project benefits from it. It has a nostalgic atmosphere of that era, yet it is modern and skillfully filmed with a solid musical score. I am not a supporter of violence against animals (even in films), so some shots may not sit well with more sensitive individuals, but it is not gratuitously shocking; on the contrary, it highlights Christoph Waltz's excellent acting. It was more entertaining and captivating than I expected, even the predictable ending was satisfying. Perhaps the parallel in concept with Titanic didn't need to be there, but otherwise, it is fine. A lot of value for the money. (10/10/2012)

It was a real treat for me to watch Robert Pattinson express a whole range of emotions with a single facial expression. Zoolander must be one of his favorite films because this was textbook Magnum. The story was actually a standard American love story, only the creators placed it in a rather non-standard setting. The only actor whose performance was impressive was Christoph Waltz in another one of his manic roles, but that's about it. Plus, the film’s title is awfully misleading, there is only one elephant in it, and despite the prohibition, it isn't about water either. (26/07/2019)

Fans of Robert Pattinson could enjoy their favorite actor in the film. Fans of Reese Witherspoon, on the other hand, could once again sigh in admiration of her modesty and beauty. In the end, however, it is Christoph Waltz who rightly attracts attention. The role of circus principal Augusta may at first glance seem too similar to Hans Landa from "Inglourious Basterds", but that doesn't change the fact that this Austrian is absolutely excellent. I am glad that Tarantino discovered him for Hollywood because he deserves attention. I am curious if he will receive any truly positive roles or if he will continue to be cast in negative or completely negative roles. August is exactly the type of negative role that one can despise. He is gradually pushed to a point where there is nothing positive or acceptable about him for the viewer. The foreground is then taken by the love of young veterinarian Jacob, who is also the narrator, and the acrobat Marlena. A bit of "Freaks", but mostly "Big Fish", because that's exactly what the film "Water for Elephants" tries to be. To impress with the beauty of the environment, visuals, and a strong story. However, it fails somewhere halfway and the story is not that strong. The final summary then feels unnecessarily rushed and the emotions simply do not come through. It's a shame, the actors were chosen more or less - I'm not a big fan of Reese - great. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/05/noc-patri-nam-voda-pro-slony-posledni.html (18/02/2013)