writers: Derick Martini, Steven Martini
starring: Alec Baldwin, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin, Jill Hennessy
genre: Drama
Just like Adventureland here’s another film set in the 80’s about a young kid trying to deal with life’s tough ways. And once again its semi based on the filmmakers experiences as a kid. The difference between that film and this, is that this more realistic, substantial, with better character development and overall meaning.
The story is about Scott Bartlet (Kieran Culkin) and his life with his troubled parents and neighbors. Around 15 years old, the only things he could want is a girl and happiness. Like any of us. But as we know sometimes its not always that easy. His parents Brenda (Jill Hennessy) and Mickey (Alec Baldwin) are having difficulties both with different reasons and ways of handling the situation. At the same time Scott is in love with his best friend and neighbor Adrianna (Emma Roberts) who is into older boys. Her parents also have problems and play a integral part to the story. The story is very true and anyone seeing this film will realize that many of us have gone through similar problems with our own family's and that sometimes family problems are a very common occurrence and a sad part of life.
Very realistic reactions of family members and of how life in suburbia can be really got me. The loving over protective mother, the bullied kid, neglected kid, husband caught up too much at work, mom thinking of past mistakes, kids taking sides, all of these things were something that just made me love this film. The amount of detail to how a person reacts to these situations remineded me of my own experiences and of others. Its not often a movie can reflect real life in this way. Many films try and go overboard with drama and extremities. But Lymelife doesn't go that far and gets points across a very effective manner.
All around the film does a great job. It wasn't only the realism and how the script touched me, but also everything else that made this into such great film. The acting from the cast is tremendous, with Alec Baldwin being a stand out. Im happy that he is back again to some dramatic roles after his roles as of late have gone too much to the comedic (not that he is bad at it). Also the young actors Kieran Culkin and Emma Roberts stand out with their inspiring performances and will be a delight to see them in the years to come. But its the handling of those daunting and dark scenes from the director that kept this whole package rolling without flaw.
Review by PaulVery realistic reactions of family members and of how life in suburbia can be really got me. The loving over protective mother, the bullied kid, neglected kid, husband caught up too much at work, mom thinking of past mistakes, kids taking sides, all of these things were something that just made me love this film. The amount of detail to how a person reacts to these situations remineded me of my own experiences and of others. Its not often a movie can reflect real life in this way. Many films try and go overboard with drama and extremities. But Lymelife doesn't go that far and gets points across a very effective manner.
All around the film does a great job. It wasn't only the realism and how the script touched me, but also everything else that made this into such great film. The acting from the cast is tremendous, with Alec Baldwin being a stand out. Im happy that he is back again to some dramatic roles after his roles as of late have gone too much to the comedic (not that he is bad at it). Also the young actors Kieran Culkin and Emma Roberts stand out with their inspiring performances and will be a delight to see them in the years to come. But its the handling of those daunting and dark scenes from the director that kept this whole package rolling without flaw.
Lymelife was a pleasant surprise. A lot of the films that come out of festivals and especially Sundance always have this hype going around them of their high class and superiority. Most of the times the films end up as overrated dramas. Lymelife is an truly emotional film with a very good story and a great ensemble cast. As one of the best dramas of the year this should not be missed.
Personal Rating:
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