Synopsis: Emily tells her son Paul, now six years old, the story of his life - how she sought motherhood, to be a mom without a husband, to raise a perfect, exceptional child, whom she calls Loverboy. In flashbacks told around a pretend car trip they take - so he can practice driving - we see Paul's infancy, their fun together (sometimes with a manic edge), and his growing desire to go to school and be with other kids. We also flash back to Emily's childhood, with parents so bound up with each other that she's virtually ignored. Is Emily going to be able to let Paul be with others? Or, can she, as in the David Bowie song she sings at a school talent show, construct a life on Mars?
Starring: Kyra Sedgwick, Dominic Scott Kay, Kevin Bacon, Sandra Bullock, Blair Brown, Matt Dillon, Oliver Platt, Campbell Scott, Marisa Tomei, Sosie Bacon, Travis Bacon, Robert Sedgwick
Directed by: Kevin Bacon
U.S. Rating: R
This is a complex and nuanced story about a single mother's obsessive love for her only child. The story explores the psychology of this obsession and the sometimes sublime, sometimes tragic effects it has on the lives of both mother and son. It is an adaptation of a novel by Victoria Redel (Greywolf 2001, Harcourt 2002 in paperback) that I imagine would present some challenges given its non-linear time frame and the careful parsing of its secret twists and turns. The acting is very good and the characters portrayed are funny, endearing, and multifaceted. Marissa Tomei and Kevin Bacon are hilarious as the 70's era, sexed up, deliriously in love and sadly neglectful parents. Kyra Sedgwick captures the complex subtleties of her character, making it easy for the audience to empathize with what would otherwise be, and at times is a difficult and disturbing obsessiveness. Other performances by Sandra Bullock as the sultry and insightful neighbor, Oliver Platt as the nervous and nerdy school administrator, and Matt Dillon as the love interest you can't help but root for. Although many of the aspects of this movie were good, you cannot help but feel horrible at the ending. Emily tries killing her son in an effect to be like Romeo and Juliet (as her own parents killed themselves over their love for each other). The part that really bothers me is the last scene where an older Paul and his girlfriend recreate a moment he remembers with his mother. We are supposed to feel as if he was inspired by her psychotic love; however, I couldn't imagine anyone who would still love and admire their mother after she tried killing them.
What did I like from this movie?
1. This movie had good acting in general and a storyline that kept you wondering how the ending would work out
2. I loved the 70s Kevin Bacon. He was absolutely hilarious in his outfits and acting style
What did I dislike from this movie?
1. The ending was sad and horrible how she attempted to kill her son and herself (succeeding in killing herself though)!
2. I didn't like how the music basically attempted to force our emotions a certain way. I think the movie's music should have allowed for different emotions in parts, since the scenes they assumed were sweet just ended up being psychotic and sad
I would rate this movie with a 2/5
Directed by: Kevin Bacon
U.S. Rating: R
This is a complex and nuanced story about a single mother's obsessive love for her only child. The story explores the psychology of this obsession and the sometimes sublime, sometimes tragic effects it has on the lives of both mother and son. It is an adaptation of a novel by Victoria Redel (Greywolf 2001, Harcourt 2002 in paperback) that I imagine would present some challenges given its non-linear time frame and the careful parsing of its secret twists and turns. The acting is very good and the characters portrayed are funny, endearing, and multifaceted. Marissa Tomei and Kevin Bacon are hilarious as the 70's era, sexed up, deliriously in love and sadly neglectful parents. Kyra Sedgwick captures the complex subtleties of her character, making it easy for the audience to empathize with what would otherwise be, and at times is a difficult and disturbing obsessiveness. Other performances by Sandra Bullock as the sultry and insightful neighbor, Oliver Platt as the nervous and nerdy school administrator, and Matt Dillon as the love interest you can't help but root for. Although many of the aspects of this movie were good, you cannot help but feel horrible at the ending. Emily tries killing her son in an effect to be like Romeo and Juliet (as her own parents killed themselves over their love for each other). The part that really bothers me is the last scene where an older Paul and his girlfriend recreate a moment he remembers with his mother. We are supposed to feel as if he was inspired by her psychotic love; however, I couldn't imagine anyone who would still love and admire their mother after she tried killing them.
What did I like from this movie?
1. This movie had good acting in general and a storyline that kept you wondering how the ending would work out
2. I loved the 70s Kevin Bacon. He was absolutely hilarious in his outfits and acting style
What did I dislike from this movie?
1. The ending was sad and horrible how she attempted to kill her son and herself (succeeding in killing herself though)!
2. I didn't like how the music basically attempted to force our emotions a certain way. I think the movie's music should have allowed for different emotions in parts, since the scenes they assumed were sweet just ended up being psychotic and sad
I would rate this movie with a 2/5
What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?
Enjoy it!... Watch it!
Amy
Amy, interesting review!
I didn't hear about this movie, and it's interesting that it was directed by Kevin Bacon!
It seems to have a good cast, but I saw that this movie collected less than $30000 (total), so it means that at least, it was a total financial disaster
I might watch it though!
Some movies you just have to watch to see how bad they are. haha ;)
Absolutely! That's why I like to read and hear all kind of comments, critics and reviews... but no matter how good or bad they are, I always watch the movie to get my own personal opinion :)
That's the idea of this blog! Express our own comments, likes and dislikes without those fancy words or those "smart" point of views made by film critics (most of the times, I have no idea what they're trying to say in their reviews!)