Borserie
it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.
Nicole
I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.
Ginger
Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.
The Couchpotatoes
I watched The Messenger because I saw on IMDb that it was categorized in the thriller and horror section. That was the only reason I was interested in this movie. And again the movie is categorized in the wrong section. It has absolutely nothing to do with a horror movie nor a thriller. IMDb should check movies out for themselves before categorizing them. It's very annoying. The Messenger is just a drama, and not even a good one. It's one of those movies were the story has been done before and way better. The "I see dead people" is a nice idea for a story but unless you bring something new and better then seen before it is of no point making it. The Messenger is way too slow to be entertaining and the slow violin and piano music throughout the movie doesn't help a bit. The cast is okay but also nothing that you will remember about.
fredschepers
Have to say that the acting in general was good. Unfortunately, even for a drama, it was too long winded. Some dialogs were ridiculously unreal. Even someone with a twisted mind wouldn't act like that. Too much attention seeking from someone with basically a burden. Too much drama will kill a film. Again, I have to say its a British film. Like most British films they are produced for a market. The British market. Story's where the viewer is expected to go deep is actually a Spanish or South American specialty. Or even better, Asian country's.The story itself is good. It doesn't matter if it is a "I see Dead People" film. There are thousands of films in all genres that have something from another film, or even the first in that genre. Its just not my thing. As far as I am concerned you should leave these kind of films to Hollywood, or other specialists in drama.How ever, if you like British drama's, just have a look at this one. For every genre there is a market.I just happen to be on the wrong market with The Messenger.
Tom Dooley
Jack is something of a psychic or medium who sees the dead. Or rather they seek him out to send messages to the loved ones they have left behind and did not get the chance to say goodbye to. Now the idea is far from new but the film tries to see it from Jack's perspective.We get the back story in flashbacks and also the constant analysis of his psychiatrist. There is also his estranged sister and the attempts to reconnect. The film itself struggles to find the moments that are essential for a thriller, so has to rely instead on the story. That is where it comes unstuck in that it tends to plod and despite the inspirational landscapes, that are a recurring theme, it still remains essentially bleak.The cinematography is excellent and the acting is all top rate. Robert Sheehan as Jack is very good as the troubled – but essentially well meaning – young man who has been branded because of his 'powers'. Tamazin Merchant is his 'worried' sister and is also fine. It is though a pretty grim watch with no denouements that will lighten the load. However, it is still a more than watchable affair for all that and it kept my attention for the duration – so can't be too bad.
drifter-123
Jack, played by Robert Sheehan, is a medium, of a scruffy, unkempt, variety. Jack's abilities have not made him rich or famous. Instead, Jack is marginalized by society and in an real sense, condemned by his talent. Jack leads a life of dispossession and isolation. This film, in large part, takes place inside Jacks head. The plot builds ever so subtly and there are segues that make you question what exactly is taking place. The question of who and what Jack is, is as much a mystery as the unfolding story of a murdered journalist. Is Jack in fact in possession of supernatural abilities that let him talk to the murdered reporter or is he, more plausibly, mentally ill?
