The defence The Sentimental Softie
“Sincerity is not manipulation.”
The film risks embarrassment to make emotion communal, and that openness is harder than fashionable detachment.
Back to trending 
Beyond the Sea
Drama · Music · 2004
Based on the life and career of legendary entertainer, Bobby Darin, the biopic moves back and forth between his childhood and adulthood, to tell the tale of his life.
Movie details
Beyond the Sea
“In the era of cool, Bobby Darin was the soundtrack.”
2004 Drama · Music 1h 58m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
6.3 / 10
Community rating
Based on the life and career of legendary entertainer, Bobby Darin, the biopic moves back and forth between his childhood and adulthood, to tell the tale of his life.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over Beyond the Sea?
For the defence
The Sentimental Softie
“You came to feel something, and you will.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Cool Ironist
“Feeling things is a little embarrassing.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Taste neighbourhood
Nearby on the taste map.
TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.
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Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius
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The story of golf icon and legend, Bobby Jones, who retired from competition at the tender age of 28.
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The Girl
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Grease Live
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Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
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The joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.
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Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Kevin Spacey
Written by
Kevin Spacey · Lewis Colick
Kevin Spacey
Bobby Darin
Kate Bosworth
Sandra Dee (Mrs Darin)
John Goodman
Steve Blauner
Bob Hoskins
Charlie Cassotto Maffia
Brenda Blethyn
Polly Cassotto
Greta Scacchi
Mary Duvan
Caroline Aaron
Nina Cassoto Maffia
Court is in session
Put Beyond the Sea on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Cool Ironist
“The strings are showing.”
Every cue tells you exactly what to feel and when, leaving sentiment to do the work character should have done.