dminkster
The problem comes from the fact that I (and my wife) found it hard to watch Lang's performance and feel much, if any sympathy for her. Yeah, sure, she's bi-polar, but so what? She needs to be taking her meds, although being married to enabler Tommy Lee, who has seemingly never asked himself (or her). 'what the heck are you doin' and why?' has added to the problem. The film takes it's time setting up the crisis, then solves it easily and quickly. But, as they all ride off into the sunset, laughing, you have to ask yourself, 'when is this going to happen again?' And, when it does, what will happen then? No reason to suspect things will be any better, or any different. Which is also fine, but then, why are they laughing? Sorry, for me, it simply doesn't generate any sympathy or empathy for the lead characters. It may be good acting, but the director needed to take a hard look at the lack of empathy created and do something about it.
MarieGabrielle
set in the atomic era. Tony Richards and the set decorators did a perfect job of recreating the 1950's decor, attitudes, conflicting morality and American paranoia.Jessica Lange and Tommy Lee Jones are excellent, they seem to have a believable chemistry. (Why does Tommy Lee Jones do roles like "Men in Black"?; he is such a talented dramatic actor). Powers Boothe is also good, and Carrie Snodgress plays his long-suffering wife. Chris O'Donnell is the son who eventually becomes disillusioned with his father, and the army as well.While I tend to agree that the ending was a bit too formulaic, this film has good performers, an interesting theme, and a reflection of times in America which were not so innocent and family oriented after all. America was hijacked by politics and bureaucracy, much the same as today. Worth watching.
Lee Eisenberg
Tony Richardson's final film was well-done. Carly Marshall (Jessica Lange) is the wife of military guy Hank Marshall (Tommy Lee Jones) in charge of atomic tests. Due to his frequent absence, she's beginning to lose her grip on mental sanity. Somewhere along the line, she reaches the breaking point, which also makes her see the folly in Hank's propagandistic work. She has no choice but to undermine it.Jessica Lange finally won a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar for "Blue Sky" (she should have gotten one for "Frances"). Maybe some parts are a little hokey, but it's overall a good movie, looking at the nuclear age and also relationships.
michaelsibley416
Tommy Lee Jones is one of my favorite actors since I saw U.S. Marshals." Jones is an actor with a heart, integrity and charisma that only a few other actors have in my opinion. Since "U.S. Marshals," I have vowed to watch all of his films either in theaters or on tape to enjoy his range of acting. Jones leads an all-star cast in this superb film "Blue Sky."This is an epic film with characters that make the viewer want to care about them. One of the best parts of "Blue Sky" is the fact that there were several plots, which worked because they all came together well.I enjoyed how Tommy Lee Jones and Jessica Lange reciprocated their love for one another. For example, at the beginning when Lange's character was going through a difficult time Jones was there. The favor was returned when the roles were reversed.This film is one of the best films because it shows the strength of love and relationship and how they hold up during good times and bad.