"Bubble" Hits Theaters, Gets Positive Reviews

Steven Soderbergh's "Bubble" hit theaters today, and was met with mostly positive reviews. Roger Ebert gave it four stars (his highest), stating: "The characters are so closely observed and played with such exacting accuracy and conviction that "Bubble" becomes quietly, inexorably, hypnotic. Soderbergh never underlines, never points, never uses music to suggest emotion, never shows the characters thinking ahead, watches appalled as small shifts in orderly lives lead to a murder. Everything about the film - its casting, its filming, its release - is daring and innovative."



Ebert also defended the marketing strategy hatched by Mark Cuban, in which the film will play on television tonight and be released on DVD Tuesday. He says, "Some theater owners are boycotting 'Bubble' because they hate the idea of a simultaneous release on cable and DVD. I think it's the only hope for a movie like this. Let's face it. Even though I call the film a masterpiece (and I do), my plot description has not set you afire with desire to see the film. Unless you admire Soderbergh or can guess what I'm saying about the performances, you'll be there in line for 'Annapolis' or 'Nanny McPhee.' But maybe you're curious enough to check it out on cable, or rent it on DVD, or put it in your Netflix queue. That's how movies like this can have a chance. And how you can have a chance to see them."

Cuban adds, "If you are a film fan, hopefully you will go to a theater showing 'Bubble' starting on friday (even if its a non landmark theater. And thank the manager of the theater for having the balls to go against the rest of the industry.) It's a film for people who love independent film."

I may make it out to see "Bubble" this week. If not, I will rent the DVD on tuesday and publish my likely biased review shortly thereafter.

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