Avalon

Thoroughly tepid semi-autobiographical movie that's sort of like going through a total stranger's scrapbooks for two hours

The narrative events, far from epical or sagalike, resemble animated snapshots from a family photo album, documenting the onward march of the American Dream from urban sardine tin to a house in the suburbs with a television set and TV trays. None of the events could not be recollected for universal enjoyment at a family picnic. Or family funeral. It is precisely the universality of that enjoyment which limits the emotional range of the movie -- and the level of the enjoyment -- so severely.

Levinson must've cashed in most of his 80s success chips to get this tribute to his grandfather made because most of it's not good. While this does EVENTUALLY deliver some compelling human truths like the family feud that develops over "disrespect"; or the envy over success; or the chilling idea that a child traumatized by Nazi camps might be fine because she's well behaved, most of this is very banal & unfunny. Even the end's anti-climatic as we see no consequences from a destroyed business

Perhaps Barry Levinson's most personal film, this episodic reflection on the gradual assimilation and corresponding alienation of the immigrant Jewish community uses the rise of television as both a metaphor and an organizing device. Lou Jacobi and the Thanksgiving dinner wars are particularly funny . . . and moving.

77.000

This is a bit of a slow burner, but it has great character development and an emotionally moving payoff. Overall the acting and screenplay are good enough. What really makes this film is the directing. Levinson shows great attention to detail and the way he uses holidays is brilliant. So if you're willing to stick with this one you won't be disappointed. The viewer is definitely rewarded the longer they watch.

Gripping, absorbing family saga takes its time setting up its pieces, ultimately delivering a painful and thoughtful series of emotional blows, as it charts the quiet, inexorable deterioration of ties within an extended European family upon their exposure to American culture (here cleverly symbolised by the rise of television). Sometimes episodic, with telescoping of certain events towards the end a little jarring, but an impressive achievement for Levinson overall, helped by a terrific cast.

72.