Reviews

The movie itself is just OK. None of the actors really stand out. But the story of an underdog making his way up despite the cards being stacked against him never gets old. Add his lifelong love, abusive father, his devotion to his sons, and I'm definitely in. Racism was like that then, and sometimes now, too. I'd much rather eat a bean burrito than a baloney sandwich! Of course I had to Google and find out more. Apparently, this story is not actually true. I'm not sure how to feel about the movie now that I know. But I rated it based on how I felt when I watched it. Check out the LA Times article.

Toni Colette is amazing. I will watch her in anything. The general plot is good, but they take a few too many twists. Why oh why is the daughter so destructive? Yes, finding these things out is upsetting. But you had a wonderful childhood. Stick by Mom and you will work through everything. Instead she puts herself in harm's way unnecessarily and takes ridiculous risks. Love the writing and acting, but some key points just ruined it. So disappointed.

First of all, I'm no mathematician, but I'm not sure how it's possible for someone to get out of jail at age 55ish after 20 years, but she was 15 years or so at the time she went away? And the would-be love interest is 10 years younger with no comment? And the adoptive father of teens is 70? And the work Sandra had on her face makes her look older somehow. It was hard for me to get past this. On a plot note, a 5 year-old is not going away to jail so why not admit the truth? Both lives would have been saved. And the attorney and his wife doing so much for someone they don't know at all? And the brother doesn't want to get back at Ruth until his brother who had the idea in the first place sleeps with his wife?

I love indie movies, especially those about human relationships. When I heard about Lady Bird, I was so looking forward to seeing it. What a disappointment! All of Lady Bird's experiences seem so superficial. I didn't find humor in anything. Lori Metcalf is one dimensional. I just ... don't get it. I'm glad she came to appreciate her mom and hometown, but just because she heard a choir after getting alcohol poisoning? I found nothing charming about Lady Bird.

Pros: (1) Simply gripping. Gritty and unapologetic. (2) The atmosphere is wonderful. I felt like I was in high school in a small town. (3) The acting is great. I never cared for Mrs. McDreamy, but her performance shines. (4) The characters are realistic. If we had physical bullies at my high school, I wasn't aware of them, but there were "popular" kids who could give a certain look and had a certain vibe that would intimidate you. Bryce definitely nailed that. I root for Clay. No one was 100% good or evil (although Clay is 98% good and Bryce is 98% evil).

Cons: (1) Clay didn't finish the tapes in one sitting?! How is that possible? (2) It's been a while since I've been in high school and I definitely remember short lived friendships, but Hannah's friendships would be pretty intense and last about a week? I didn't buy that no one would be her friend, drama notwithstanding. Why didn't she and Clay hang, even just as friends? Are "sluts" ostracized anymore? (3) Why the *&% did she go to Bryce's party? I know Hannah had a bad day and wanted to be accepted, but … JUST NO. (4) I know Tony was trying to honor Hannah, but he was downright creepy toward Clay. Unnecessary. (5) Everything takes a long time to unwind, then it ends rather abruptly.

Criticism of some other reviews: (1) For those indicating that the movie could do more around suicide awareness, it's not an after school special. (2) Hannah does not blame Clay for her death. In fact, she specifically blames herself for pushing him away. Still, if she had Clay, she probably wouldn't have killed herself. That seems likely to me. (3) For those of you saying Hannah is selfish, teenagers are generally selfish. For those of you saying. "How could she do that to her parents?," people who are depressed are not able to think clearly. I experienced 1% of the humiliation Hannah did and I loathed high school.