349 reviews
Not patronising.
As a lucky cancer survivor I found the sentiment beautiful. In fact articulate.
This film hit so many nerves. It reawakened the feelings that I ah during treatment and made me realise that I have since taken my life for granted.
Obviously I will not be able to act in the same manner as the lead but Christ I wish I could.
Judge it. Criticise it. Hate it. But know this, this movie conveys a feeling and a mindset that is very real. Sadly many will feel this at a later date. For those of us who have been there and walk on, watch, cry, laugh, enjoy and let your heart warm.
Obviously I will not be able to act in the same manner as the lead but Christ I wish I could.
Judge it. Criticise it. Hate it. But know this, this movie conveys a feeling and a mindset that is very real. Sadly many will feel this at a later date. For those of us who have been there and walk on, watch, cry, laugh, enjoy and let your heart warm.
- astonbilla
- Jan 18, 2020
- Permalink
What's with all the hate?
Well it ain't actually my traditional type of review, just me talking about the movie a little. I went to IMDB to rate the movie and was surprised to see it getting only a 6 then I was even more surprised to see it featured in WatchMojos "top 10 worst movies of 2019" list.
This isn't the type of movie that everyone can enjoy equally and I feel the movie speaks volume if you're suffering in life and going through stuffs as that's exactly what this movie deals with. This movie spoke to me on a spiritual level for those same reason and I cannot help but love this and comply.
The story is plain and simple as this review is gonna be. I was genuinely surprised at how comedic this movie is. It is hilarious at times and equally sad and heartbreaking at others. There's this weird balance that works out so well. The cinematography is not groundbreaking but does its job impeccably. The score works brilliantly and the whole cast gave a very adequate performance.
I'm the biggest Johnny Depp fan I know and even I have been saying how he is a shadow of his former self. He definitely gave one of his better performance of recent years but that performance was really special to me. There are a lot of actors that could've played the lead role but Johnny Depp here worked perfectly. For starters it really goes well with his Jack Sparrow shade and for once benefited from that. And secondly its because of his real life struggles and hardships that has really been taking a toll on him for quite a long time. It is probably the most realistic version of Johnny I've seen and there are parts where I swear that he didn't feel like he was acting, as if the lead character IS Johnny Depp and going through the pain. He has always been good at hiding his real self and immerse into eccentric roles, this time he showed his real self and I love the man even more now.
Well that's pretty much I wanted to say. I already said that this isn't going to be one of my traditional reviews where I go in depth on the movie. I cannot give this movie more than an 8/10 due to technicality and my grading style. But rest assured this definitely had quite the impact on me. I mean its hard to remember a movie where I simultaneously broke into laughter and had a hard time holding in the tears about a person dying. Definitely watch this movie, hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!
This isn't the type of movie that everyone can enjoy equally and I feel the movie speaks volume if you're suffering in life and going through stuffs as that's exactly what this movie deals with. This movie spoke to me on a spiritual level for those same reason and I cannot help but love this and comply.
The story is plain and simple as this review is gonna be. I was genuinely surprised at how comedic this movie is. It is hilarious at times and equally sad and heartbreaking at others. There's this weird balance that works out so well. The cinematography is not groundbreaking but does its job impeccably. The score works brilliantly and the whole cast gave a very adequate performance.
I'm the biggest Johnny Depp fan I know and even I have been saying how he is a shadow of his former self. He definitely gave one of his better performance of recent years but that performance was really special to me. There are a lot of actors that could've played the lead role but Johnny Depp here worked perfectly. For starters it really goes well with his Jack Sparrow shade and for once benefited from that. And secondly its because of his real life struggles and hardships that has really been taking a toll on him for quite a long time. It is probably the most realistic version of Johnny I've seen and there are parts where I swear that he didn't feel like he was acting, as if the lead character IS Johnny Depp and going through the pain. He has always been good at hiding his real self and immerse into eccentric roles, this time he showed his real self and I love the man even more now.
Well that's pretty much I wanted to say. I already said that this isn't going to be one of my traditional reviews where I go in depth on the movie. I cannot give this movie more than an 8/10 due to technicality and my grading style. But rest assured this definitely had quite the impact on me. I mean its hard to remember a movie where I simultaneously broke into laughter and had a hard time holding in the tears about a person dying. Definitely watch this movie, hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!
- redcanofevil
- Nov 27, 2019
- Permalink
"Why do we float through this weird thing called life without living?"
Be yourself. Be true to yourself. Don't settle for what you are not. Quotes from this movie resonated with me. My mind has been wandering on lines like: "Why do we float through this weird thing called life without living?". Live life and don't simply exist. Like the Professor says: "You got one shot at this. Don't let a moment of it slip by." A genuine performance by Johnny Depp and the whole cast. I enjoyed the writing. With the emphasis on observations and the thoughts of the mundane, relationships and the honesty of people. It also includes the best acting I've seen from Danny Huston. I full heartedly bought his friendship with Depp's character. The story starts with a slightly quirkier tone, but gets more and more real as you get to the second half. Depp plays the broken man and you can see that pain and regret in his eyes. A very human story that eventually tugged at my heartstrings. Some scenes could have been handled differently during the first half. But the deep thoughts and confessions presented later was able to bring it all home. I do feel better for having been on this little journey of a man and his emotional bender. It's very unfiltered, so it's definitely not for too young minds. You gotta be somewhat ready the face hardships of existence. While not perfect, the director and the whole crew still made one thing very clear: That this one was from the heart.
- paulijcalderon
- May 16, 2019
- Permalink
A reminder to live life to the fullest
This film definitely reminded me to live life to the fullest, while also providing me with a few laughs along the way.
I thought this was a return to form for Johnny Depp who was perfectly suited to the role of Richard - a character who receives a terminal diagnosis and proceeds to live life with reckless abandon. Depp certainly plays that role of reckless drug taker to perfection. Despite the lack of ***** given, there are still emotional moments towards the end which helped ram home the somewhat sombre theme throughout the film.
The supporting cast was also great. It makes me want to check out more of Zoey Deutch's work and reaffirmed just how great an actress Rosemarie DeWitt is.
I felt it had a lot in common with this year's Paddleton. It also reminded me of a season of Californication. There was definitely a slight mix of Hank Moody with Frank Gallagher and John Keating here.
Despite a lot of the mixed reviews, I enjoyed this for what it was. It was perhaps the kick up the bum I needed. I do have a thing for movies that look at the bigger picture of life.
I thought this was a return to form for Johnny Depp who was perfectly suited to the role of Richard - a character who receives a terminal diagnosis and proceeds to live life with reckless abandon. Depp certainly plays that role of reckless drug taker to perfection. Despite the lack of ***** given, there are still emotional moments towards the end which helped ram home the somewhat sombre theme throughout the film.
The supporting cast was also great. It makes me want to check out more of Zoey Deutch's work and reaffirmed just how great an actress Rosemarie DeWitt is.
I felt it had a lot in common with this year's Paddleton. It also reminded me of a season of Californication. There was definitely a slight mix of Hank Moody with Frank Gallagher and John Keating here.
Despite a lot of the mixed reviews, I enjoyed this for what it was. It was perhaps the kick up the bum I needed. I do have a thing for movies that look at the bigger picture of life.
- maccas-56367
- Oct 24, 2019
- Permalink
Johnny Depp is awesome
Johnny Depp is the best thing about this melo-drama. I would not call it a comedy, nor a drama. The script is ok but the story seems a bit blah. Good premise but could have been so much better. However, Johnny Depp shines. Can't help but fall in love with his character.
- jovitegirl
- Feb 7, 2020
- Permalink
touching, funny and a brilliant mix of good directing and high class acting.
Just wow,,
first time seeing Johnny Depp into this level of Drama since Secret Window ,, add to that his lighthearted comedy was a perfect addition to the original genre.
The plot is not new (of someone dying of cancer trying to live his last days to the fullest) but it all looked original and genuine and that's not because of the cast , but also because of the script itself felt quick, connected and easily followable ... in fact i have not been this focused with a movie screenplay in a while ,, it was just good.
As for tha cast ,, i don't think it needs to be said .. Depp is as always the "captain" of our hearts :D . he was a real "beast" in here ;) , the other cast members from Danny Huston to Rosemarie DeWitt and Ron Livingston they all made a very good effort making this not look like a solid rigid drama .
Final one word .. Recommended .
The plot is not new (of someone dying of cancer trying to live his last days to the fullest) but it all looked original and genuine and that's not because of the cast , but also because of the script itself felt quick, connected and easily followable ... in fact i have not been this focused with a movie screenplay in a while ,, it was just good.
As for tha cast ,, i don't think it needs to be said .. Depp is as always the "captain" of our hearts :D . he was a real "beast" in here ;) , the other cast members from Danny Huston to Rosemarie DeWitt and Ron Livingston they all made a very good effort making this not look like a solid rigid drama .
Final one word .. Recommended .
- Aktham_Tashtush
- Jul 9, 2019
- Permalink
An Oscar nomination for Johny !
As a Drama lover , this is the first time that i see the real talent of Johny Depp ! he should really give us more. Great film and great acting.
- SalamDarraji
- May 19, 2019
- Permalink
One of the most Underrated Movie of the year!
- saifrahmans
- Jul 16, 2019
- Permalink
Unexpectedly good
This film tells the story of a professor who learns that he has only months to live.
To be honest, Johnny Depp has not been in a good film for ten years. I have no expectations, and hence I am pleasantly surprised by how good this film is. The story is touching, inspirational and sends a message without being preachy. It just touches you, thereby making you feel and agree with its message. Johnny Depp's character is likable, and makes you empathise with him. I am glad that I watched this film.
To be honest, Johnny Depp has not been in a good film for ten years. I have no expectations, and hence I am pleasantly surprised by how good this film is. The story is touching, inspirational and sends a message without being preachy. It just touches you, thereby making you feel and agree with its message. Johnny Depp's character is likable, and makes you empathise with him. I am glad that I watched this film.
Depp's return to form..
It certainly isn't Shakespeare.. it's not supposed to be. However, for what it is, I still found it to be a genuinely earnest & moderately profound attempt at processing the various emotions & reconciling the various relationships as we near the bitter end of our present mortality. To his credit Depp manages to humorously navigate these mine fields without allowing things to get too far over the top as he has so often in his recent endeavors. Certainly, there's allot more to it than can be covered in a feature length dramedy film.. never the less it does seems to offer at least some modest insights into how one might or might not want to go about it all.
Why?
The drunken hero is obnoxious and the story is not original.
The relations between charecters are forced.
I thought the acting was okay but the story and how it developed, the charecters... everything was empty.
I like Depp but this movie was a wasted of time.
Depp is in great form in a role perfectly suited for him
I often think to myself those who are told that they have x amount of time left to live are actually the lucky ones in a way. Because at least they get to experience the freedom of knowing you have to live your live to the fullest. After all, we are all dying from the minute we are born. Some are just lucky enough to know it. That's what this movie explores. When people are put in that position they can either sit around feeling sorry for themselves, or they can make the most of the every minute left. I know I'd personally like to hope I'd choose the latter.
This role was perfectly suited for Johnny Depp. I don't know if it was specifically written for him, or if they tweaked it a bit after he was cast. Either way, it worked. The charisma he shows is incredible. He's one of the few people who can get away with being a complete ass and have it still be charming. It's mesmerising to watch. This movie isn't a long one either, so he is only given 90 minutes to make us fall in love with and care about his character.
Films like 'The Professor' are a necessary reminder that we are all mortal. I love a film that has the message of "live your life like there's no tomorrow". Because one day there won't be. I really enjoyed this film and I think others who give it a fair shot will too.
This role was perfectly suited for Johnny Depp. I don't know if it was specifically written for him, or if they tweaked it a bit after he was cast. Either way, it worked. The charisma he shows is incredible. He's one of the few people who can get away with being a complete ass and have it still be charming. It's mesmerising to watch. This movie isn't a long one either, so he is only given 90 minutes to make us fall in love with and care about his character.
Films like 'The Professor' are a necessary reminder that we are all mortal. I love a film that has the message of "live your life like there's no tomorrow". Because one day there won't be. I really enjoyed this film and I think others who give it a fair shot will too.
- jtindahouse
- Sep 17, 2019
- Permalink
Has its moments
For a film about someone dealing with terminal illness this has some amusing moments and although it drags in places, Depps performance is nicely understated. It's also very unlike most Hollywood films in dealing with such a bleak and taboo subject.
- nigelmacdonald
- Jun 22, 2019
- Permalink
F...! F...! F...! Depp melodrama...
F...! F...! F...! How is it possible to be Depp and make such a sentimental superficial movie? The irony in watching the movie: the message is do not waste your life, live to the fullest etc. And it slowly dawns on you that you're totally wasting your time with this film. 3 or so funny scenes and then tones of clichés, melodrama, Depp looking always good and dying, rudeness on ice, I love you scenes etc. Richard's best friend gets the best acting, and a more coherent character. F...! A mediocre scenario that tries to project a deep story for Depp, unsuccessfully. As said in a review, American beauty copy. But half as interesting, in an academic setting. D, life is precious, why waste it doing such a terrible movie? I trusted your brand and watched the full movie and I want my one and a half hour back!
- mircea-tobosaru
- Jun 18, 2019
- Permalink
Another jhonny depp film, another lively portrait.
Johnny depp is the life of this film. He just potrait his character as the oxygen here. In some scene, his dialogues were very much moving and his funny sides were in there too. The story is very good from the start and shows the end the way we could like. This film urges to have the essence of life and to enjoy it to the every last detail. I liked the way johnny showed the view of his entire life, which we most have. It is not an intellectuals kind of film, its a funny view of a normal life which most people have.
- shahadatsumon-54707
- May 17, 2019
- Permalink
A bittersweet take on the worst news of all
I don't know if this was a brilliantly emotional film or whether it just hit me hard but I loved the monologues from Johnny Depps character Richard, who realises how precious time is once he is given just months to live after a positive cancer diagnosis. It really does a good job of making you connect with the character and although not done quite as well, it definitely gives off Dead Poet Society vibes with Richards unorthodox teaching methods and how he connects and interacts with his students.
Funny but heartbreaking
I have to admit I was reluctant to watch this movie because I have a relative going through the last stages of a terminal cancer, so the synopsis didn't appeal to me at first. However, since I'm a fan of independent movies and the trailer seemed interesting enough, I decided to give it a go. I laughed, I cried, and I had an overall good time. The movie has its (many) silly moments, but it also has a strong emotional load that is, in my opinion, even better than the comedy. I enjoyed seeing Depp in a role a little more serious than his latest movies, without weird make up on his face. He gives a truly good performance that is a clear reminder that underneath his eccentric appearance, he is an amazing actor (Black Mass being the most recent example of this). His character, I feel, is not purposely made as unlikeable and loathsome, but you can't help but feel sorry for him and by the end of the movie his many seemingly annoying traits become his most endearing qualities. As for the supporting cast, I particularly enjoyed Zoey Deutch as Claire and Danny Huston as Peter; even though they're relegated to a secondary place, they live up to their roles and deliver good performances. The cinematography and various locations were beautiful. A heads up, though; the movie can be hard to watch at points because of his illness- it did heighten the emotional load for me. And there's a lot of swearing, drinking and sexual situations, so kids should probably skip it.
- HelenaHyde
- Apr 25, 2019
- Permalink
Brought tears to my eyes.
To all of you cancer victims and survivors, I can't even begin to know or think how I would react to receiving a report like Depp received from his doctor, in this film. But I will always have a great level of respect for your courage endurance and will to live, because your community is not a place anyone wants to voluntarily be apart of, but you know how to come together in full support for each other against all odds, my hats stays off for you all. One another note, this film brought tears to my eyes, and Depp played and excellent role as a cancer victim, and in the end after watching it, you just want to thank God for being alive. I enjoyed this film very much.
- LordCommandar
- May 18, 2019
- Permalink
Lovely
Lovely movie. Johnny Depp shines. It's charming, heart-breaking and funny. It's nice to see a movie with Johnny where he's not buried under make-up.
Not For Everyone
This is the sort of movie the majority hates because it makes you think, which a lot of people hate to do. It makes you confront mortality, which we all must do one day, and decide how you are going to live the days you have left. In a way, it's a horror movie because the thought of dying is the scariest thing to confront, but Depp plays it real and heartfelt. He embraces life and is not crying about his plight. It's a brave movie and he takes it and owns it. This is not a sob story, it's an adult movie for those who think and feel. Not morose, it's full of life, and sad only when he realizes the sands of time are draining away.
- thearchives
- Feb 6, 2024
- Permalink
Good Act, Poor Story
Actually I don't have to put Good Act on this title. Really, do you still underestimate how Johnny Depp act?
This film told us a lot of good lessons, a super genius professor, who taught a lot of life lesson to his student, I really appreciate each words that came out from the professor on this film. Even he talk to his daughter, wife, or also friend, it really has a deep message.
I really enjoy this film, but wait. It has many focus and nothing to focus in. There are a scene between Depp with Students, or Depp with Family, or Depp with his Wife, or Depp with his Daughter, or Depp with His Best Friend, or Depp with Campus President, and Depp with other characters. I don't know what's this film want to talk about, no consistency. Even this film is talking about the Professor campus life, but the scene between Depp and student isn't enough. About family? Scene between Depp and his wife or daughter isn't enough. Also with all those scene that might be the focus on this film. No consistency on this film, all scene have a same duration, and nothing to focus about.
Depp and all players act well, but sorry, the story don't. But I love the moral value and life-lesson taught in this film!
This film told us a lot of good lessons, a super genius professor, who taught a lot of life lesson to his student, I really appreciate each words that came out from the professor on this film. Even he talk to his daughter, wife, or also friend, it really has a deep message.
I really enjoy this film, but wait. It has many focus and nothing to focus in. There are a scene between Depp with Students, or Depp with Family, or Depp with his Wife, or Depp with his Daughter, or Depp with His Best Friend, or Depp with Campus President, and Depp with other characters. I don't know what's this film want to talk about, no consistency. Even this film is talking about the Professor campus life, but the scene between Depp and student isn't enough. About family? Scene between Depp and his wife or daughter isn't enough. Also with all those scene that might be the focus on this film. No consistency on this film, all scene have a same duration, and nothing to focus about.
Depp and all players act well, but sorry, the story don't. But I love the moral value and life-lesson taught in this film!
Nothing New Here - The Professor
The Professor is Edward Scissorhands without the scissors. The old, hackneyed addage "live every day as if it were your last" is portrayed here in spades, so it is nothing new. We all know the drill; facing death, we change our perceptions and reactions to life and live it to the fullest until we kick the bucket. This has been done dozens of times before in dozens of movies. Depp is an adequate actor, but nothing special and the story is not that original; it has been done dozens of times before in TV and film. Spend your time and money elsewhere.
- arthur_tafero
- May 13, 2019
- Permalink
The worst news
I'm surprised this film is not better known or has gotten more recognition. It
certainly fits right in with Johnny Depp's credo of ever expanding his acting range
even if the box office doesn't bring the greatest results.
Depp stars in the title role of The Professor and he plays a middle age academic who has been given the worst news. He has stage four pancreatic cancer and his life span now is indefinite.
Depp was always a cautious and conservative academic. Things seem to be getting away from him on all fronts. His wife Rosemarie DeWitt announces she's been having an affair and his daughter Odessa Young comes out as a lesbian. He's supportive, the wife isn't.
With nothing now to lose he decides to make some changes. Those in his English Literature class who are just looking to fill out their academic requirements for a grade. All he wants now is some serious students to share his knowledge now. And he expands the setting of the classroom now, meeting in bars, etc. He tries smoking cigarettes and some serious drinking and other endeavors his conservative soul forbade him till now.
My favorite is when one of the students gives him some oral sex. The wish dream of every gay man who was crushing out on Johnny Depp since 21 Jump Street.
Depp does a lot of reassessing. You do that when you feel the grim reaper close.
This is a really good film and has to rank in there with one Depp's best on the big screen.
And if he's cash short he can always do another Jack Sparrow film.
Depp stars in the title role of The Professor and he plays a middle age academic who has been given the worst news. He has stage four pancreatic cancer and his life span now is indefinite.
Depp was always a cautious and conservative academic. Things seem to be getting away from him on all fronts. His wife Rosemarie DeWitt announces she's been having an affair and his daughter Odessa Young comes out as a lesbian. He's supportive, the wife isn't.
With nothing now to lose he decides to make some changes. Those in his English Literature class who are just looking to fill out their academic requirements for a grade. All he wants now is some serious students to share his knowledge now. And he expands the setting of the classroom now, meeting in bars, etc. He tries smoking cigarettes and some serious drinking and other endeavors his conservative soul forbade him till now.
My favorite is when one of the students gives him some oral sex. The wish dream of every gay man who was crushing out on Johnny Depp since 21 Jump Street.
Depp does a lot of reassessing. You do that when you feel the grim reaper close.
This is a really good film and has to rank in there with one Depp's best on the big screen.
And if he's cash short he can always do another Jack Sparrow film.
- bkoganbing
- Jul 15, 2019
- Permalink
Depp unmasked
- ferguson-6
- May 15, 2019
- Permalink
No emotional implications at all
What a waste of time this was. And I'm saying that about a movie that basically tries to tell you not to waste any time. There is no emotional development or involvement from or with the characters. At all. The main character is dying, but at no time in the movie you feel, truly feel for him. Cardboard characters. Cliches. Poor acting. Don't go.
- KirstenVerdel
- Aug 5, 2019
- Permalink