Cherry (I) (2021) User Reviews

Dark and Depressing, Nevertheless Powerful Performance by Holland

[gracerosadi · 7/10 · 15 March 2021]

This film took effort to watch, some scenes are tough and upsetting but it just prove how great and phenomenal Tom Holland as an actor in this film, he really did push his limits which makes it an oscar-worthy performance.

The film has great cinematography and unique storyline, but the subjects matter are very dark and gut-wrenching.

7/10 for overall movie, 10/10 for Holland's performance alone.

Pretty damn good

[sammybeno · 8/10 · 15 March 2021]

I don't understand the low ratings. All this film does is show how much range Tom Holland and the Russo brothers have, that their not confined to the Marvel movies. Just watch and form your own opinion. Its good.

Tough

[jomarandre · 7/10 · 12 March 2021]

The movie was dark and hard, but it makes it up in great acting, cinematography and music that fits perfectly. The movie was rough and took effort to watch, but it was worth it.

seven out of ten

[sarahcajkova · 7/10 · 12 March 2021]

I've not seen every Russo Brothers movie and I think that they have already better one. But the cinematography was in some moments just great and with that music (i love how simple it was and how it fitted the scenes) it was enough of experience for me. And Tom Holland? He actually was outstanding (he proved that can do better than "just" Marvel movies). I'm not a movie critic but you need to see this film and then choose if you like it or not. Don't be discouraged bc of the ratings.

Social criticism

[films_films_films · 6/10 · 26 March 2021]

In my point of view this movie sheds light on two social problems in the US namely the opioid epidemic and the treatment of veterans which are combined very well.

Don't listen to the critics!

[twilightmominohio · 9/10 · 15 March 2021]

I think people are forgetting that this movie is based a a semi-autobiographical novel written by Nico Walker. I first heard about this movie when my boyfriend had to remove some wires that were in the way for a scene they were filming back in early December of 2019. As Tom Holland fans, we were eagerly anticipating the release of this film. It's gritty, hard to watch at times, and highly emotional. The acting by Tom Holland and the rest of the cast was very well done. I've read reviews with titles saying if you're a veteran you're going to be angry. But again, this is based on a real life account of an Iraq veteran dealing with his PTSD after coming home to Cleveland. As a Clevelander, it was also interesting trying to recognize where some scenes were shot. The Russo brothers love their home town and we are grated they filmed it here, not elsewhere. Bottom line, don't listen to the critics. Superb acting by Holland and a wonderful adaptation of the book.

No masterpiece but still a solid entry

[donnielovesmovies · 7/10 · 27 March 2021]

Cherry (2021)

7/10 🍒

"The Russo Brothers return to the director's helm for a solid entry that may be shaky here and there however is worth the watch for Holland and Bravo alone."

Cherry is a film that isn't for everyone, and that says a lot already. Sure, it's a book adaptation which already sounds like a red flag because many of them aren't as good as the source material, however Cherry can be called an exception to an extent. The film definitely boasts a beautiful style in camera work and craft because of how smart these techniques are used. The Russos definitely make their mark and do it ever so boldly. The real issue with Cherry however is the way it explains itself. The pacing and tonality tends to be misguided by an almost TOO formulaic approach, however doesn't make for a bad viewing experience either thanks to Holland's gut-wrenching performance as Nico Walker. Holland loses himself in the role so masterfully, I nearly forgot that this was the same actor that helmed the Spider-Man throne. I'd never felt more sorrow for a character since John Coffey in The Green Mile. Ciara Bravo also steals the spotlight constantly with her transitional performance that quite honestly surprised me. Onscreen together, both Holland and Bravo, is nothing short of perfect chemistry. Even if the writing gets cheesy sometimes, it's a relieving cheesy rather than a revolting type. This film did away with itself and it shows.

Verdict: Cherry is a solid attempt at something different for the Russos and a great excuse to give Holland and Bravo a good taste of grueling acting. The film may not have been what we wanted it to be, but I feel that it still has something good, if not special, to offer.

Trying Too Hard to Be Smart

[Neon_Gold · 5/10 · 14 March 2021]

Wow.

I don't know where to start with this movie really. It was everything and the kitchen sink.

I will start by saying that the actors did a fantastic job. They were all believable and really sold these characters. I think without them this movie would honestly be unwatchable, they really deserve credit.

The rest of it is something else.

The best way I can sum up the direction is, you know that person that thinks they are smarter than everyone in the room and they keep trying to convince you that they are the smartest. This movie is that person.

The directing doesn't let you just sit and watch the movie. It is constantly shouting in your face being like "look over here isn't this the best thing that you have ever seen?" And it just isn't. Breaking the forth wall isn't something new. Using different lighting to spot light something isn't groundbreaking but this movie wants you to think that it is. It is honestly so distracting and takes away from the story.

This also goes for the score. It was so annoying and out of place and once again it was screaming in your face.

The pacing and runtime were also an issue. 2 hours 30 is a long runtime for any movie but I don't think this story had enough to support that. It had drawn our scenes and lingering shots that just bogged it down. I also think that half of this movie is shot in slow motion. It was just constantly happening for no reason other than to show off.

The other biggest disaster of this movie is the narration. It's is literally like they had Tom Holland read action lines from the script. It was just like "I'm in a bar and the bar is red and there are people here, it's 3 o'clock but soon it will be 4 and then I will go home but first I poured a drink and then I drank it". Why include that, it is utterly pointless. It isn't a radio programme, we have eyes. Just show us what is happening we will understand it.

And I think that once again comes back to this movie thinking it is insanely clever. It thinks the audience are idiots so they need spoon feeding ever piece of information.

In someways I appreciate that they took swing and tried a different approach, I think they just needed to give the audience more credit. It is a well made film it just is so over produce and over directed to the point were it. Ruins the whole thing.

Tom Holland absolutely smashed it

[kabeyamarcelina · 8/10 · 15 March 2021]

Tom Holland's acting was phenomenal, 11/10. Showcased his true talent - magnificent. The Russo Brothers over did it with how they set things up though; trying to be too smart in my opinion.

Really good drama

[masonsaul · 7/10 · 15 March 2021]

The narrative is extremely formulaic, the narration too overbearing and the Russo Brother's style feels like it's trying way too hard to be serious and pretentious but Cherry still manages to be a really good and affecting drama that pulls no punches. Tom Holland gives an incredible lead performance supported by Ciara Bravo who is also incredible. Jack Reynor and Forrest Goodluck are both really good. It's well paced, well filmed and the music by Henry Jackman is amazing.

If you're a veteran, you're going to be mad

[littlefoot0430 · 3/10 · 14 March 2021]

Why it's such a rare thing for a producer to hire someone who's been in the military to keep things authentic looking, I don't know. It's such a simple thing to do to make sure your movie doesn't completely lose all credibility, but very few military themed movies take that necessary step... unfortunately. The guy is supposed to be a PFC during his deployment, but in the ceremony when he gets home he's wearing PV2 rank, which is a rank lower, but they're calling him a Specialist, which is a rank higher than PFC... totally confusing since anyone familiar with rank thinks the guy has been demoted for something at first. That's just one example of many. For a combat veteran, this movie was a total cringe fest the entire time.

It's a good grim film

[rekemx · 7/10 · 4 April 2021]

It's a different film and a cool way it's set out.

Great film

[bernardoalarconn · 7/10 · 12 March 2021]

First I would like to highlight Ciara Bravo and Tom Holland's appearances because they are terrific, I just wanted to point out that people that enjoy fast paced movies will not like this one I believe it unwraps really slow at times and that it could easily be 20-30 minutes shorter. On the good part again the acting I believe is exceptional and it shows how unsupported war veterans are in the U.S and how drugs take you on a roller coaster ride that will only end really bad, I think if you appreciate films this is definitely one to watch

6.3 ??!!

[cyer32 · 9/10 · 13 March 2021]

This is a dark, haunting, and beautiful film. Not sure what movie some of these reviewers were watching, but Cherry is incredible. Cannot recommend it enough. The subtle details that you'll miss if you're not paying attention make it all the more interesting. Will definitely watch this again after I have a chance to fully process it. Excellent work Russo Brothers, Tom and Ciara.

decent but weird

[wafflz-83464 · 6/10 · 14 March 2021]

Was a decent movie not bad, but it's weird with random color changes, annoying narration, and other minor details i disliked. The russo brothers were obviously trying something new and i get what they were going for but it didn't really work that well. The movies really long and the entire chapter thing didn't work well. It shoulda been a limited series with each chapter as one episode. The score was good and tom holland was great.

Powerful crime drama about addiction and struggling with ptsd.

[cruise01 · 8/10 · 17 March 2021]

4 out of 5 stars.

Cherry is a good crime drama film about a ptsd former army vet struggling with addiction. Strong performances by Ciara Bravo and Tom Holland. Powerful moving drama. For Anthony And Joe Russo next direction effort post Avengers films. Going back to the grounded serious drama roots.

What worked?

The plot was strong moving. Following Cherry (Tom Holland) whos feeling lost and wanting purpose. He fell in love with Emily (Ciara Bravo). When dealing with her wanting to move away. He joins the army. Going through boot camp and sent to Iraq. He faces loss and traumatic moments that changes him forever. Emily and him still keep in touch with there love for another. Once home, Emily notices Cherry is dealing with ptsd. His addiction with drugs becomes worse. Which leaves him struggling for money to robbing banks.

Great performances with the cast ensemble. Lead by Tom Holland and Ciara Bravo. From there moments of young love to dealing with addiction that over takes them both.

It is a powerful direction that does move at a pace with Cherrys college life. Meeting Emily. Than the military experiences. And his ptsd struggles. The film does build a strong emotional connection with the characters and there performances.

Henry Jackmans music score is also good with the film.

What did not work with the film?

The films narrative structure works until it breaks the fourth wall barrier which gives an uneven tone and style for this kind of film.

Overall, it is a good film to check out with a strong moving drama. And great performances.

Tom Holland's Best

[rizriyaz-44884 · 7/10 · 24 March 2021]

Over all an excellent movie with solid performance by Tom. I personally think it would be better to make a 6 episode TV show because movie is so long and it lost the plot on some occasion. The last 120 minutes are very intense.

Watch it for yourself

[hockeylass-134-929537 · 8/10 · 3 March 2021]

There's a lot of critics out there. And a lot of them seem very keen to slate this as much as possible, beyond what seems objectively reasonable.

What I would say is this - ignore them all (good and bad) and make your own mind up. And remember this is very close to a true story, written by a man who fell down the darkest of holes having been failed by the systems and freedoms he swore to protect.

Cherry is just an ordinary guy. There's nothing remarkable about him. And the disordered start of this film (which I struggled with to be honest) reflects the erratic nature of his drifter existence.

As the film progresses the style falls into order and then back into disorder, reflecting the rollercoaster ride of Cherry's horrific wartime experience and descent into drug addiction as he struggles to erase what he saw. The Russo Brothers together with DOP Newton Thomas Sigel, use a range of clever tricks to put you in Cherry's boots. From colour tones to aspect ratios, it takes you from soft warm love to cold hard conditioning in an instant.

I personally really enjoyed these choices, and look forward to watching it again to see what other details I might have missed on first viewing. I understand some people might feel that there's too much movie going on, but it was more than fine for me (all personal taste I guess!).

The acting from Tom Holland is exemplary and, at times, frightening. I cannot think what it must have been like to have to go to those places to portray the pain and fear he did and he should be applauded for taking such a leap with this role - he will always carry the weight of Spider-Man on his shoulders but he should be at least respected for wanting to branch out into challenging roles such as this. Ciara Bravo was excellent too, although I think I would have liked a bit more character arc from her (not her fault of course). I thought the supporting cast did well too in their roles - none of them particularly likeable (Jeff Wahlberg's Jimenez a rare exception) as they support and enable Cherry's demise.

Overall, this is a movie which really stayed with me, it still does. It's eye-opening, it's desperately sad, and it's incredibly powerful.

A mixed bag, but unique and worth watching

[CMTempest · 7/10 · 17 March 2021]

The Russo's reach exceeds their grasp with this one, but thanks to a tour-de-force showing from Tom Holland (and a very good supporting cast), Cherry still manages to dazzle in enough scenes to warrant a strong recommendation. IMO this is destined for cult status. There's just nothing else quite like it. 7/10.

Outstanding Tom Holland...

[Thanos_Alfie · 7/10 · 21 March 2021]

"Cherry" is a Crime - Drama movie in which we watch a young man going to Iraq to serve as an army medic after he drops out from college. When he returns back he suffers from PTSD and his life changes since drugs and crime are getting into it.

I liked this movie very much because it was very interesting, consisted of many dramatic scenes that lifted even more the movie. The direction which was made by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, was simply amazing and they did an excellent job on presenting not only the plot but also their main characters. The interpretation of Tom Holland who played as Cherry, was simply outstanding and with this interpretation he proved that he can play whatever role they need him to play. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Ciara Bravo's who played as Emily and Forrest Goodluck's who played as James Lightfoot. Finally, I have to say that "Cherry" is an amazing movie and I highly recommend everyone to watch it.

I don't understand the low ratings.

[sailorman-12617 · 8/10 · 12 March 2021]

Very briefly: Cherry is a brilliant movie and a fitting translation of the story of a real person. The pacing feels chaotic at times, compared to traditional movies, because real stories aren't paced like screenplays. The cinematography is nothing short of stunning, and most of the events are ugly to give a hint of the ugliness that is being translated from real life to a book and to a movie. Tom Holland once again flexes his range as an actor, and the Russo Brothers continue to elevate cinema. Ciara Bravo didn't have too much to do in the movie, but I personally believe she aced her tonally contradicting scenes.

Great Acting

[Newbridge_Wolf · 7/10 · 12 March 2021]

Not sure why this is rated so low. The film is seriously heavy going, not a light watch at all, but the performances are gripping, especially Tom Holland. He makes you cry out for his character and the hopelessness of his situation.

My oldest brother is in recovery

[tgainey14 · 9/10 · 25 March 2021]

This is an incredibly accurate depiction of an addict. Tom kills it and I'd happily watch it again. It's definitely a long movie but it's worth the ride. Super dark though so be prepared.

Collage of Self-indulgent Film Making

[edenkarimi-617-479261 · 7/10 · 12 July 2021]

Great acting, classic story with very good writing. I just don't understand why these film makers need to complicate the viewing with all these film making techniques and over narration. It might be just me.

No Cherry on this Cake...

[Xstal · 5/10 · 17 March 2021]

... or icing for that matter. Fabulously forgettable and completely unoriginal - begging, borrowing and stealing from films you've seen aplenty and plenty done far better, the empathy required diluted, diffused and decayed as the lead is just too flimsy for the role and still presents as a child, even as a mature man approaching middle age, the theatrical moustache no help whatsoever.