ViewGuide

Created Dec 31, 2009 10:00AM PST • Edited Dec 31, 2009 10:00AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   A deep character drama that features world class acting as it follows the travails of a Northeastern family and the tragic impact of their son’s relationship with a single mom. See this movie for the surprising twists, the tremendous acting, and its ability to cause you to lose yourself in its new England small town drama.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Kudos to Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson– both are shining stars in this film who show us what beleaguered parents might feel in terrible situations. Marissa Tomei leads a great cast of supporting actors.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    An unexpected use of twists and transformations from a relatively benign drama to plots much more dark and sinister are a good way to expose what people are capable of when confronted with dramatic circumstances. However, in the end – it is the focus on characters that makes this film work well.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

    A few unexpected scenes may cause you to debate my mild rating.

17. Sex Titillating 2.0

18. Violence Fierce 2.0

19. Rudeness Salty 2.0

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

    Surprisingly realistic, when you think about it.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Glib 1.5

24. Physical Glib 1.5