Ok haters, yes I was one of those that gave this movie a 10/10. I felt your stabs in your reviews. I read your lukewarm opinions and anemic summaries. But hey pal - I am not fake. I am a real person. I am a movie lover and this is why I love this movie. Because it is real in that "you have to keep looking over your shoulder" way.
First, Lorelei punched me in the gut. This is a story about a guy (Wayland) emerging from 15 years in prison and trying to build his life back. I truly connected with the Wayland character played by Pablo Schreiber. It was not because I have been to prison or because I ride in a biker gang (but I do still carry my motorcycle license). I connected to him as man, a father, a survivor. I think this movie is a very masculine journey even though it was directed by a woman. Wayland is part thug/part protector, a broken human being struggling to find his way in a hostile world - I can relate, it feels real. It's LA. He falls for a beautiful woman and that instantly thrust him into the role of outsider stepdad for children he doesn't even know. That lone wolf transition scares off a whole bunch of guys - just ask any single mom.
But it's the bravery of this character that pulled me in. I don't want to say that Pablo singlehandedly earned the rating. But he perfectly portrays that unique dude/dad struggle. The strengths of this film flow over the screen everywhere. The story ebbs and flows with a realism that's almost frightening. The director brilliantly executes this authenticity through the hands of great actors. But I identified with that Wayland guy. I know firsthand what it's like to have a stepdaughter hate you because of their "Real" dad's mistakes. I understand what it feels like to look into the eyes of your biological son that you love but, at the moment, he is filled with hate, and he is challenging you with everything he's got. As a man - our first inclination is to fight (or run). It takes strength and courage to love. This movie is about that particular form of strength. It's a father's tale of compassion and desperation enmeshed into the daily disfunction of a family clinging to that economic life raft. Some real stuff. Heavy, emotional, but real. In Lorelei, you are being punished for your sins and shortcomings as a parent. That's a little bit too real for many of us. My lady was a bucket of tears by the time the credits rolled.
This movie grabs you from behind and locks onto your arm with a vicegrip, just above the elbow - like a cop. It forcibly throws you into an old, wooden roller coaster and slams down the safety bar. You are going for a ride.
For the overthinkers, just sip your latte and move on, If you want a nice, little feel good rom com for date night- don't watch this movie. This is a war story of the heart with actual combat footage. A true love story with a solid dose of reality. It's blue collar: oily and dirty. This movie will leave a mark. It drills down deep into your core. You may want to run out of the theatre because it's so powerful but if you can hang - you will leave spent and warm with a dazed look on your face. Put on your emotional armor before you buy the popcorn and Coca-Cola. This ride is going up high and down real low and it's not asking for your permission. I enjoy that experience - it's transportive. In today's studio-formula, pablum factory, that's rare and that's why I call it a great movie.
First, Lorelei punched me in the gut. This is a story about a guy (Wayland) emerging from 15 years in prison and trying to build his life back. I truly connected with the Wayland character played by Pablo Schreiber. It was not because I have been to prison or because I ride in a biker gang (but I do still carry my motorcycle license). I connected to him as man, a father, a survivor. I think this movie is a very masculine journey even though it was directed by a woman. Wayland is part thug/part protector, a broken human being struggling to find his way in a hostile world - I can relate, it feels real. It's LA. He falls for a beautiful woman and that instantly thrust him into the role of outsider stepdad for children he doesn't even know. That lone wolf transition scares off a whole bunch of guys - just ask any single mom.
But it's the bravery of this character that pulled me in. I don't want to say that Pablo singlehandedly earned the rating. But he perfectly portrays that unique dude/dad struggle. The strengths of this film flow over the screen everywhere. The story ebbs and flows with a realism that's almost frightening. The director brilliantly executes this authenticity through the hands of great actors. But I identified with that Wayland guy. I know firsthand what it's like to have a stepdaughter hate you because of their "Real" dad's mistakes. I understand what it feels like to look into the eyes of your biological son that you love but, at the moment, he is filled with hate, and he is challenging you with everything he's got. As a man - our first inclination is to fight (or run). It takes strength and courage to love. This movie is about that particular form of strength. It's a father's tale of compassion and desperation enmeshed into the daily disfunction of a family clinging to that economic life raft. Some real stuff. Heavy, emotional, but real. In Lorelei, you are being punished for your sins and shortcomings as a parent. That's a little bit too real for many of us. My lady was a bucket of tears by the time the credits rolled.
This movie grabs you from behind and locks onto your arm with a vicegrip, just above the elbow - like a cop. It forcibly throws you into an old, wooden roller coaster and slams down the safety bar. You are going for a ride.
For the overthinkers, just sip your latte and move on, If you want a nice, little feel good rom com for date night- don't watch this movie. This is a war story of the heart with actual combat footage. A true love story with a solid dose of reality. It's blue collar: oily and dirty. This movie will leave a mark. It drills down deep into your core. You may want to run out of the theatre because it's so powerful but if you can hang - you will leave spent and warm with a dazed look on your face. Put on your emotional armor before you buy the popcorn and Coca-Cola. This ride is going up high and down real low and it's not asking for your permission. I enjoy that experience - it's transportive. In today's studio-formula, pablum factory, that's rare and that's why I call it a great movie.