Very well executed

Such a frustrating disappointment

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Incredible production values. Toby Maguire holds everything together. Half an hour too long. Movie's premise not deep enough for 2 hours. Maybe it (the premise) needed to be expanded. David (Bud) hasn't come back to a different situation at the end. Why didn't I get emotionally involved with it? There is confusion about what the meaning of the coloration is - if its meaning had been clearer it would have been more effective. (viewed 10/16)

I have probably watched this movie 30 times and never get tired of its message, the incredible acting, and the humor/emotion. Personally, I RARELY want to watch a movie more than once. This is a pick-me up, feel-good movie. The pacing is perfect. There are little surprises at every turn. You will be cheering. Little nods to famous scenes - as in "To Kill a Mockingbird" with the courtroom scene. It's just absolutely wonderful. My favorite actors in this movie are Jeff Daniels and Joan Allen for their scene together, but all do a fantastic job! Worth it. Watch it.

Just four months after the incredibly nuanced "The Truman Show", "Pleasantville" hit theaters featuring many similar themes. Remarkably, it is just as good as the Jim Carrey feature.For a basic plot summary, "Pleasantville" begins with a sibling argument. David (Tobey Maguire) wants to watch the Pleasantville (a corny 1950s-ish TV show) marathon, while Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) is expecting a hot date with her boyfriend. In the fight over the remote, both teens are inexplicably sucked into the TV set and thus into the black-and-white world of Pleasantville, where everything is perfect...or is it?The hallmark of this film is that it deals with some pretty heavy social issues without getting preachy or self-indulgent. Is the Pleasantville utopia something to strive for? Or is it something to fear and must have some "color" added to it? This is not a movie of black-and-whites, but many shades of grey.It is also just a fun movie as well. Don Knotts plays an incredibly goofy character, and the humor of David and Jennifer trying to adapt to their new territory is often hilarious. Basically, "Pleasantville" strikes the perfect balance of fun and drama.One can't review this movie without also regaling the performances of William H. Macy, Jeff Daniels, and Joan Allen in very key roles. They are perfectly cast and given a plethora of material to work with, making every scene an important one (nothing is wasted or prolonged).Thus, while perhaps not containing quite as much gravitas as "The Truman Show", "Pleasantville" is just as good of a movie in its own right via its combination of deep themes, humor, acting, and fun.

I have to say this is an exceptional film. Every time I watch it I am amazed by the genius of its simplicity and the superb acting. J.T Walsh and Jeff Daniels, as well as the ever glorious William H Macy. This is a story that highlights the cruelty of bigotry and narrow-mindedness in a very unique way. The burning of the books because they tell the wrong stories and restricting songs and paintings because they are promiscuous.Gary Ross is an incredible writer that can spin a story so exquisitely. All I can say is that the time to watch this movie, you will not be disappointed.