tjschiffer Reviews

Fireflies in the Garden (2008)

Incredible cast, but you knew that...

[7/10 · 5 May 2009]

First and foremost, the actors in this film all deliver incredible performances, exactly what you would expect form such names as Julia Roberts, Willem Dafoe, and Emily Watson. I would say that I was surprised by Ryan Reynolds excellent performance but "Definitely, Maybe" had already convinced me that Reynolds can shine in a mature, non-comedic role. The cinematography also deserves to be noted and adds to the fact that this movie should have been great.

While the character development was somewhere between adequate and amazing depending on the character, this movie absolute lacks a complete storyline. While the father-son relationship is somewhat over unnecessarily overdeveloped, leaving essential all other relationships remaining a mystery. This is extremely true for the odd relationship between Michael and Jane. It was the unbalanced relationship development and less than substantial storyline that left this movie unfinished and full of holes. To me, it felt like waiting for something to happen only to realize during the credits that nothing has, that somehow everything had magically worked itself out during a long blink.

I have to give this film a relatively high rating due to the acting alone and the fact that Ryan Reynolds deserves it. I hope to see him soon in any role he chooses, whether it be comedic or dramatic.

Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Excellent performances and Storyline....

[7/10 · 5 May 2009]

While this movie has a range of great actors enveloped in a tragic but plausible story, there is something to be said about the outrageous amount of multiculturalism that consumes the wedding and therefore the movie. As cultural nuance after nuance are introduced, the audience can not help but become distracted by the array of music, costumes, and exotic dancers that otherwise would have no place in a "Connecticut wedding". I can understand the introduction of subtle influences from the groom's relevant past experiences, but a full blown non-traditional wedding seems out of place in this otherwise obviously suburban world. Also, the camera angles and shaking is a bit distracting but does not detract from the representation of the storyline.

If you can look past the noisy and colorful distractions you will see perfectly executed characters with a background story to match. Kym's troubled mistakes show the audience that the past is always looming, that no amount of 12 step programs or apologies (no matter how sincere or insincere) can ever take back horrible mistakes. The love-hate relationship between Kym and Rachel is expertly depicted while a similar relationship with her mother is equally jarring and moving. I would say that this is Anne Hathaway's break out role but I have seen her stretch her legs before and can not wait to see her next challenging role.

Overall this movie shares an worthwhile storyline with some incredible displays of raw emotion surrounded by a few but prominent unnecessary scenes and details.