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| Movie Review: Junebug Alternate Title: You Can't Go Home Again
Story: Visiting family after
you have grown up and left home can be tricky. This very interesting
and engaging film directed by Phil Morrison and written
by Angus MacLachlan does not fall into all of the expected
cliches. It is a slow (emphasis on S-L-O-W) film that sticks with you
long after you have left the theater. George left the southern comfort (or discomfort)
of his North Carolina routes and ventured north to Chicago where he
married 'outsider' art gallery owner Madeleine. He returns to his roots
with her (on her search for the ultimate 'outsider' artist who happens
to live close to where George was raised). Our story begins. Coming home is fraught with north versus south
stereotypes. I was delighted to find that none of the politics that
I expected from the different points of view were depicted. We are left
to draw our own conclusions. The characters we meet are all engaging
and much of the storyline about each character is left unexplained.
That is the genius of the film. We can fill in the blanks ourselves. If you like a fabulous ensemble cast, heavy emphasis
on character driven stories but short on action, check it out. You will
not be disappointed. Acting: Kudos all around. The casting agent should
get an award for this group of talented actors. Special recognition
goes to Amy Adams (Catch Me if you Can), as
Ashley for her terrific performance.Embeth Davidtz
as the gallery owner was marvelous and was George (Allesandro
Nivola). The rest of the cast, Frank Hoyt Taylor, Benjamin
McKenzie, Scott Wilson and Celia Weston rocked. Predilection: None. The theater was close to where
we were and since it was 300 degrees in the baked Apple it seemed like
a good idea to sit in an air conditioned theater.
Food: Lots of home cooked stuff.
Blatant Product Placement: Volvo and Apple
Soundtrack: Original and refreshing. Opening Titles: Jarring
Visual Art: Special attention to the details of the
southern home were noted. Theater Audience: Packed.
Predictability Level: I did not know where this was
headed.
Oscar Worthy: If this film has legs it would not
surprise me if Amy Adams got some nomination.
Big Screen or Rental: If you want to relax and sit
back and watch some character development than the big screen is for
you.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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