Birdman * 1/2

I sense that I’m supposed to like this, and if I don’t then I don’t have much appreciation of cinema. Well that’s me stuffed, because I didn't like it much at all, never mind going loopy about it like most reviewers.  I thought it was boring, repetitive and irritating.  Yeah, I know, so is mainstream Hollywood and all that the main character is kicking against, I get it, I get the irony.  It’s got some smart mouth and very funny dialogue but otherwise it wasn't for me.  I wouldn't call it a bad film, it isn't, but I would call it irritatingly smug.  It’s the same director that gave us 21 Grams and Babel both of  which I greatly admired, especially Babel.  Maybe he’s too far ahead of me now and I just don’t get it yet, I’ll concede that; but I have to say, I would hate to have to view it again for a re-appraisal.