CONSCIOUS CINEMA
REVIEW
Aloha
Directed by Cameron Crowe
Funny, deep, warm, uplifting romantic comedy
with a dash of magic in the mix
T
his movie set in modern-day Hawaii can be labeled a ‘feel-good’
romantic comedy film--but to just
leave it at that is to miss the exceptional depth Aloha has to offer. The
mood of this film is funny, deep,
warm, embracing, and ultimately
uplifting--with just a dash of magic in the mix.
The story line involves Bradley Cooper playing the
role of a celebrated military contractor returning to
Hawaii and reconnecting with an old flame, played
by Rachel McAdams, while accompanied by an Air
Force officer pilot played by Emma Stone. John
Krasinski (from the Office) plays Rachel McAdams’
husband brilliantly as a man of few words who is eloquent with his facial expressions and body movements. Hawaiian native Dennis ‘Bumpy’ Kanahele
plays himself in a brilliant role honoring the indigenous people of Hawaii, and providing the story
line with much more connection to the Earth and
nature than one typically finds in most rom-com
films. I love how the mythical menehune make an
appearance in this film, and adore the dance scene
with Bill Murray.
Director Cameron Crowe does a spectacular job
of combining a visually dazzling feast for the eyes
with a deeply satisfying soundtrack. He evokes
some of the most emotionally deep acting I’ve yet
seen in movies anywhere--culminating in one of
the best scenes in the movies at the end in a dance
studio. The emotional depth and spiritual authen-
44 | NEW CONSCIOUSNESS REVIEW
ticity of Aloha are unmatched by most all other
films, with the possible exception of some of Cameron Crowe’s other movies.
Reviewed by Cynthia Sue Larson