'Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close': Worst Reviewed Movie Of The Past 10 Years To Receive A Best Picture Nom

The review collection site, Rotten Tomatoes, was launched in 1999, and has since become a go-to site for film criticism. And in the last ten years, no other Best Picture nominee has received worse reviews than "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," which became one of nine films to be nominated for the coveted Academy Award today.

As of today, "Extremely Loud," which was directed by Stephen Daldry and starred Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, has a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with 57 positive reviews at 62 negative ones. However, in this case, the negative reviews are especially loud and incredibly negative. The Onion's AV Club gave the film a very rare "F" grade, calling it an "appalling adaptation," which "processes the immense grief of a city and a family through a conceit so nauseatingly precious that it’s somehow both too literary and too sentimental, cloying yet aestheticized within an inch of its life."

The San Francisco Chronicle called it "thin and uninvolving," and Roger Ebert wrote that "there must be a more plausible story to be told about a boy who lost his father on 9/11. This plot is contrivance and folderol."

Indeed, the critics who disliked "Extremely Loud" were generally offended by the film's saccharine take on the events of 9/11 and even the positive reviews, which mostly lauded the performances of the supporting players like Max Von Sydow, tended to deride the film for plucking too much at the heartstrings. "The film resonates," wrote Bill Goodykoontz in the Arizona Republic, "in spite of the tear-jerking strings Daldry pulls." And the Christian Science Monitor wrote that Daldry makes the mistake of showing bodies falling from the Twin Towers, since it seems "more exploitive than cathartic."

Indeed, no other nominated films in the past ten years aside from "The Reader" (62%) and "The Blind Side" (66%) even received below a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. Even once the Academy began stretching the list of Best Picture nominees to nine or ten pictures, nothing aside from "Extremely Loud" has dipped below the 60% mark.

Comments

[ajackieha]

09:55 AM on 07/07/2012

I have been greatly disappointed in a lot of the movies that I have seen lately. Thank goodness, I take care of my Mother 24/7 and I get my movies through Netflix, therefore I am not wasting a lot of money on movies not worth it. The movie that stands out to me is War Horse, a beautifully made movie with a beautiful horse starring in it. Some other movies left a lot to be desired. Red Tails was a good movie, a true story, and emotional. The movie you are discussing here, I did not like very much and I did understand what it was about. The boy played a very rude child and I didn't like that. Anyway, I have always been a movie addict and I have seen thousands of movies so it's not like I haven't seen many movies. I have seen a lot of good movies lately on the movie channels that I subscribe to that were made in Australia and England. Good stories.

[iMaDeMoN]

04:25 AM on 09/17/2012

THE BOY IS AUTISTIC. I find it rather that annoying that so many people are so stupid and dense that they failed to pick up that important detail yet they have the time and insight to articulate critical review. Autistic people don't have normal impulse control that is why he comes off as rude when his intention is to be genuine.

[ajackieha]

07:40 AM on 09/17/2012

I am neither stupid or dense, and no where in the movie is it stated that he is autistic. He did not appear to be autistic, just rude like a lot of kids are these days. After all, he was acting by a screenplay, not on his own. It is so wonderful for people like you to be so knowledgeable to take care of the people that are not. People, can express their opinions whether they agree with a genius such as yourself or not. But, I'm not worried, you will correct people that you think are stupid because they have an opinion!!!!!!!

[north-european]

02:50 PM on 10/31/2012

I've watched half of the movie on a flight today. Meanwhile, someone sitting in the front row was watching a Tom Cruise movie, 99 percent of which was about hitting, killing, pushing, screaming at, torturing, running from violence, beating up people. Extremely loud is a very good movie with good acting. It's sensitive, but not sentimental.The boy is autistic, yes, and for people who do not know how to observe things and look around to find meaning, I understand it's a difficut piece to "understand." Especially if you're fed year after year by Hollywood confetti's bad acting, ready-to-digest "stories".What can I say!

[dako541]

02:57 PM on 02/28/2013

"very rude child". You are stupid. Do you realize he was playing an autistic aspergers child, yes? Sort of like the Rain Man character. They were clear his condition predated his father's death.

[ajackieha]

08:38 PM on 02/28/2013

Who do you think you are calling stupid? You know nothing about me. He was rude, condition or not. Do you know what rude is? You certainly are yourself. I wrote that comment months ago and people still send me comments about my comment. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, who is to say mine is not more accurate than yours? You do not know everything. I can tell by your reply. Go to bed.

[Denise Hartman]

07:29 PM on 04/18/2012

I just recently did go to this movie. I was almost afraid since all that I had read about it was HORRIBLE,
Glad that I saw it, i thought it was good, probably not the best made movie, but if you pay attention to what the story line. This is told from the kids point of view, he is trying desperately to keep a connection with his father, who died on the'worst day'. gotta tell you that says it all.
GOOD PERFORMANCES>
to each his own.

[Chris Ehas]

04:12 PM on 04/06/2012

What viewers don't get is the film is not about 9/11 and the "annoying" kid is someone with a varying degree of Autism. Those who are annoyed have become desensitized to the incredulous world of imperfection and lost the ability to feel empathy. The premise is centered around the fact the kid possibly a degree of Aspergers, thus the puzzles and the social difficulties. Yet, he as well as all others, have to learn to cope. This movie is about the coping, the connection with those we love, living or passed away. Each has their own way to do so, shown here. Yet, the unempathetic make this out to be irritating or uneasy, while if they tried to understand the character, they wouldn't seem so arrogant, ignorant, and close-minded asinine.

[kidsleep]

07:06 AM on 03/15/2012

I don't understand the headline here. Lots of films now considered classics were panned by critics or failed to make money at the box office. It's a Wonderful Life, Blade Runner, Raging Bull, to name a few. And It's a Wonderful Life was nominated for 5 Oscars, although it didn't win in any category. If this movie ends up a classic, it will be in a very, long list of other great movies critics didn't like. Who cares?

[Yvonne Precht]

08:32 PM on 02/29/2012

I think the previews are rude and mean!!!
May not be the best movie but come on people not the worst!!
Film critics must been on sour leamon aide when watching with blinders on..
Sandra and Tom are amazing actors and when they make bad movies still watchable..
I feel you all need to stop with all the hate and move on God bless and have a good day!!

[Myreview89999]

01:34 PM on 02/18/2012

Honestly all these bad reviews make me want to become a film critic. If I had the time I would post countless replies to these comments but I find (unlike most people) it isn't worth my time. The only reason you guys didn't like this movie was because it is actually realistic and believable due to the circumstances and plus... it had no sex in it. "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is an amazing movie in which captures just one perspective (not the entire event). It should be seen as such.

[eabra48463]

11:51 AM on 02/15/2012

"Extremely Loud" is an annoying movie, with an unlikeable kid screeching throughout its long duration. The plot is absurd and the sentimentality is forced and exploitative. The movie is not easy to watch, it is not entertaining in the least and achieves little from an artistic standpoint. The real problem is that this film could have been made so much better.

[cinhenareo3]

11:54 PM on 02/09/2012

Didn't like it....just sayin

[Jacquelynas29]

09:49 PM on 02/06/2012

One Of best films I have ever seen in my entire life. I Really just wanted to let everyone know this, A MUST SEE, I't just incredible, comedy.. drama..action..romance..adventure..family..mystery.. I Just..I am just speechless this is a must see!!! .. Its just so smart and so funny, i never write a review abot a movie.. never.. but this i just had to.. i reccomend this movie to everyone, its just so touching.. this little boy is just simply amazing, you nevr see films like this, i dont know how many times i shook my head in amazement at this movie... but im telling you right now if you watch it.. You will see what i am talking about.. Absolutely positvly the Best Movie i have ever seen

[spambrando]

08:12 AM on 02/07/2012

Seriously? Wow...

[Jacquelynas29]

10:44 AM on 02/07/2012

what? lol

[Johnny Rick]

06:54 AM on 02/08/2012

You haven't seen many good films in your life,......but you will.

[adventuresbythebook]

11:38 AM on 02/05/2012

I don't care what the reviews say. I loved this movie and it has my Oscar vote as best film of the year. I even started an Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close challenge after seeing the movie - Life Stories. If you liked the movie and want to start your own challenge, read my blog post at: http://sandiegowritingwomen.blogspot.com/

[Jacquelynas29]

09:51 PM on 02/06/2012

I agree with everything you said.. you are so right.

[karinaLove]

01:47 AM on 02/05/2012

I NEVER EVER review movies but I really had to say something. I just saw this film tonight and I... LOVED it. Shocker, I know since it seems that everyone is hating it! (Except for the Academy apparently?) Why is it so bad to have a film that showcases grief and "tugs at our heartstrings"? Sorry, but I feel that America has been brainwashed into believing that all films should be about rainbows and butterflies, and even those few movies about destruction and sadness eventually burst into rainbows and butterflies at the end. Sorry but that is NOT real life. Yes, 9/11 was a very traumatic event, and going into this movie, you should at least know that this is what the movie is about! I think the performances were terrific. Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, "The Renter" and Oskar (Sorry, don't know the actor's name) Were all amazing. I can understand how a few people may be irritated by the boy's performance, but you've got to understand that he is supposed to be borderline Aspergers, meaning he is highly intelligent and a little...strange for lack of a better word. I really feel sorry for the people who dislike this movie so much. I'm sure that most of the people who hate this movie, ADORE the films that have been coming out of hollywood lately. It's a shame really. This movie is true filmmaking. I absolutely love this director. This movie deserves an Oscar.

[Jacquelynas29]

09:56 PM on 02/06/2012

I can't agree with you more.. OSCAR for this movie.... and why all the negative reviews and horrible comments??? I Juut don't get it... i really can't wrap my head around it... i feel like i watched a complete different movie than what these ppl did with all the hate comments.. this movie was just so remarkable ... i have never seen anything like it... a truly spectacular film..

[lightopsinger]

07:37 PM on 01/31/2012

Just saw this movies and loved it. From my perspective as a special ed teacher, Elliot
's performance as an intelligent and overly well spoken youngster with possible Aspberger's explained alot and I thought his performance was outstanding. Anything to do with 9/11 is uncomfortable and tragic, and the emotion surrounding the phone tapes was wrenching. You know going in that it's about 9/11. Not sure I would be ready to see this movie had I lost someone close to me on that 'worst day'. Oscar material for Van Sydow and Elliot.

[spambrando]

08:05 AM on 02/07/2012

You must be one heck of a crappy Special Ed teacher, just like my mentally challenged sister with a Master's degree. As a child with supposed Asberger's, he does NOT have the vocabulary and idiosyncrasies of a child with this affliction. Nothing rang true in this film unless you're an over-the-top romantic with unrealistic notions. The retort at the beginning of the movie, "Succotash my ballsac" is a phrase NO child burdened with Asberger's would shout to an adult. They don't think or function in this manner. I could barely endure this film. One of Tom Hanks' low points.

[elizrene]

10:58 AM on 02/09/2012

You are absolutely incorrect in your characterization of people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (unless of course you are refering to your misspelled "Asberger's" - which I suppose could be something entirely different) Please do your research on a topic before spouting off in a way that makes you come across as extremely ignorant and incredibly arrogant.

[spambrando]

02:33 PM on 02/09/2012

Ooops, another misspell: witr. Should be WITH. Good enough for ya now? Sheesh...

[spambrando]

11:05 AM on 02/07/2012

Oh and, BTW, who the hell is Elliot? Kid's name was Thomas Horn and he PLAYED Oskar Schell. Perhaps this is the reason you loved it so much. You don't even START your own little review with anything that makes sense. No wonder you don't pick up on the subtle intricacies of a "flawed" mind.

[Highball]

01:46 AM on 01/31/2012

I have to say that this film sounded horrible from the minute I first heard about it. And the trailers and reviews have done nothing but reinforce my initial gag reflex.

[eabra48463]

11:55 AM on 02/15/2012

Highball, it is horrible. Don't waste your time. It's an exploitative and downright silly movie, which could be excused if it was the slightest bit entertaining.

[Hoi Polloi]

05:19 PM on 01/30/2012

Caution to parents: I took my 13 yr old daughter to this at her request and she literally fell apart on the ride home. Apparently, she sat through the entire movie and suppressed her emtions completely but once in the semi-privacy of the car she crumbled. Her generation has only a vague connection to 9/11 and her reaction surprised me in many ways. Of course, the universal theme of making sense of a loss that is incomprehensible is certainly not loss on her.

[jbchartford]

11:09 AM on 01/30/2012

Dont listen to the reviews that say this is a bad movie.It is much worse than bad.I understand the difficulty with making a movie about anything having to do with 9/11.
But there is NOTHING well done about any part of this movie once it begins to run.
The story line was ridiculous.Even the main charactor whom you feel some sympathy for (because he lost his father) soon becomes that grateing, annoying type of child you loathe and pray your kid doesnt become.
The pitiful attempt at the end of the movie to bring it all together and make sense of it was beyond asking for "suspension of belief" for movie purposes.It is hard to believe Hanks or Bullock would allow the names to be associated with this HORRIBLE waste of film.

[Hoi Polloi]

05:22 PM on 01/30/2012

This is a really silly review. I understand someone finding fault with this film but my God you would think this was Porkys Revenge given such vitriol.

[jbchartford]

05:56 PM on 01/30/2012

So says you, I WAS being kind to it.Go spend your money if you disagree.

[Johnny Rick]

06:58 AM on 02/08/2012

'Porky's Revenge' was never trying to be anything more than 'Porky's Revenge'.....

[eabra48463]

11:57 AM on 02/15/2012

jbchartford, your review is spot on. This movie was silly. I tried to like it, I really did, but the positive reviews on this are inexplicable. To each his own I guess...