Blue Valentine 2010

    This is definitely a BLUE valentine, there is only some lightness in the flashback sections showing the beginning of the relationship between Gosling and Williams.  Like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind where the key to knowing the time period is the color of Kate Winslet's hair, the receding hairline of Gosling tells you if it is right now or a flashback. 

    In the beginning, the couple had so much love and promise but the grind of everyday life and responsibilities has eroded this away.  It doesn't help that Gosling starts drinking beer at 8AM.  Their dreams for their lives are not happening, especially Williams' goal to be a doctor.  Gosling doesn't seem to have had a dream since he didn't graduate from high school but a job he can handle is OK.  Be prepared to think about what you've seen.  Tough to say I liked this movie but the acting needs 3 1/2*.

112 min, Drama, directed by Derek Cianfrance with Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, Faith Wladyka.

Note:  Blockbuster 3 1/2*, imdb 7.7 out of 10, 87% critic 77% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.