The Postman
Here Is What You Need To Know:
I have an idea. I am going to title my film “The Postman” and then I will look shocked when no one shows up to see it! Doesn't that basically sum up what happened with The Postman? What were they expecting? Nothing says excitement, adventure, action, lust and intrigue like, wait for it people, “The Postman.”
How about “The DMV Worker?” Hell, honestly people, even “The Milkman” or “The Repairman” sounds a little more interesting as maybe, maybe you could imagine “The Repairman” being about some insane killer, but The Postman?
Okay, enough projected anger over mistreatment during youth, you want some details. The Postman is somewhat based on the science-fiction novel of the same high-energy title written by David Brin. The Postman is sort of Mad-Max with letters and packages, as the lead character imaginative called The Postman and played well by Kevin Costner, restores a broken American civilization one package at a time.
The Postman is basically a con man at the beginning of the film but through a series of events, movies always seem to have these series of events, The Postman is transformed from petty crook to hero as he begins to deliver the mail. All the while he has to deal with some crazy survivalist and a whacked out self-appointed General played brilliantly by Will Patton who you might remember, if you are a true science-fiction geek, from the short lived television show VR 5 and the science-fiction comedy Armageddon.
The Postman deserved a better fate than it has received as the film, while it sounds weak on paper, is actually a decent film. There is a level of believability to much of The Postman and the ideas contained within the film. And let's face it any level of believability is often lacking from science-fiction and films about the future. What makes The Postman stand out is that the film has heart and soul, it has characters that are developed and evolved. Marketed a different way The Postman, with a few minutes of footage showing the fall of civilization, which could have been used in the trailer and commercials, and The Postman might have had a much different fate.
What Was Cool:
-It is hard to believe that The Postman is entertaining when reading the description but it is actually a well constructed story.
-Nothing is more fun that seeing a rudimentary postal system take it's first step towards organization and...okay that wasn't so much fun.
-Women dying to be impregnated by Costner...okay that wasn't so much fun either.
-Much of the film was well shot by Stephen Windon and Costner deserves some points for direction.
What Was Stupid:
-The way in which the marketing campaign was handled definitely hurt the film. Also, the fact that many, many people were very disappointed by Waterworld likely played a role in keeping audiences away from another Costner science-fiction film.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
-The concept by Brin is an interesting one, even if the movie differs from the book.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
-Costner has been overlooked for The Postman, as his acting performance and direction were both good.
-The costuming and art direction in the film are quite good.
Story B+
Use of Science C+
Acting A-
Portrayal of Women C-
Visuals-Visual and Special Effects B
Visuals-Set Design/Props A
Wardrobe/Costumes A
Style/Sex Appeal B
Enjoyability Grade B
Home Theater/HD Factor A
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) C
Overall Innovation B
Overall Grade B+ ( This is not a science-fiction classic but 10 minutes detailing the fall of civilization and perhaps showing some of the key characters watching it all happen could have done wonders for the film and created an epic feel that the film is otherwise lacking.)
A Little Fact About Cherie:
-I am a bit of a mean drunk.
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