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jsargent04
Reviews
Running with Scissors (2006)
Good depiction of the book
I just got back from a screening of 'Running with Scissors' and it was pretty darn funny and emotionally charged. There was definitely a lot of crying and it certainly looked genuine. This movie really captured the spirit of the book. I feel like I'm loving this movie the more I think about it, despite some unfavorable reviews.
One thing that I would like to address as a Wes Anderson fan is that this movie in no shape or form is comparable to any of his films. I'm tired of all the references people have drawn between WA and this film. Wes creates entirely different worlds with his films, as if an alternate reality of the real world. RWS looks and feels like the real world. It seems like people associate Wes Anderson with 'quirky' and anything else that's quirky in any other film must be a Wes rip-off. This movie is definitely quirky and funny, but in it's own right. I love Wes Anderson and I love this movie. But this isn't about Wes' films at all.
This film faithfully depicts Augusten growing up with his pill-popping mom and the insane/loving Finches. The movie is heartbreaking in some moments and gut bustingly funny in a few. I'll mention the poop scene (both I guess) as some good ones. The acting is amazing. Annette Bening is so believable as a psychotic in this film that I'd be scared to be in the same room with her. There is such a heartbreaking scene where Augusten comes home to celebrate his birthday with his mom. He gets there and Neil, Dorothy, and his mom are there. She looks completely dead and drug-addled. She's in such a complete daze and stupor that Augusten can't help but cry. It's such an engaging scene. Brian Cox also delivers a stunning performance as the very funny and memorable Dr. Finch. He brings a much needed sense of humor to the film. Dr. Finch is definitely a shocking and amazing character. Brian is such a good actor and I've seen all of his films. If you haven't ever heard of him, you're probably lying since he's been in every film that's ever been released. Almost all of the verbatim and scenes are lifted entirely from the book. I'd say it's an amazingly faithful adaptation of Augusten's book. If you read the book, and at least liked it, then you'd be able to appreciate this movie. I don't want to ruin any other parts for anyone so I'd suggest you get off your arse and do something besides surf the internet. Go and add to the Running with Scissors average gross for the weekend. Love it or hate it, that's what makes the world great.
In Celebration (1975)
Real Drama
This is what they should reserve the word drama for. Very powerful and real performances all around. Alan Bates gives a rousing portrayal as the older brother Andy, who constantly berates and somewhat belittles everyone of his family members. He is the star apparently, but little known Brian Cox also shines as the younger brother Steven. He is pretty young in this one, but his acting has and always will be phenomenal in almost anything he does. The movie itself is a bit lagging in terms of pace and story. All the brothers come home and tension ensures, not much more I can give away than that. It's worth checking out for Brian Cox fans, such as myself. I really enjoyed this film and it's more emotional fare than I'm used to. As real to life as any drama can get.