Who We Are Now

Nice little indie flick. I'm a fan of under rated Julianne Nicholson and it's nice seeing Jimmy Smits. I suppose this was a deep moving story but over my head. Every time I see Emma Roberts I think of who she is not her character, takes me out of the movie if you know what I mean.

When I page through my cable guide, I often check out a film that I have not known of before. They have to have high ratings on various review sites or a performer whom I appreciate. I had not heard of this, nor did the premise intrigue me, but when i saw Julianne Nicholson was the first named actor I immediately programmed the film. I was not disappointed. I have been a bigBigBIG fan since Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She is one of the most compelling actors working today. There is never a false moment in this performance (or any other that I have seen, for that matter). She played an unlikable character, that made you root for her even through the self-destructive behavior.

The other actors were fine but no one had more than a supporting role to JN's starring turn. On an side note, to the reviewer who waxed rapturously over Zachary Quinto's performance and said that it would have been a good movie if only it had been about him you have to understand that his role was NEVER going to be more than a peripheral one.

Judgment is a monster that can scarcely be seen, much less fought. It cuts inward as well as outward.

Beth is on the rebound after a long prison sentence and attempting to regain custody of a young son from her sister. Jess provides discount legal counsel to those who otherwise could not afford it. Her antagonists include hot-headed clients, a haughty judge and, most notably, a disapproving mother. Peter is discovering that the war in Afghanistan was just the beginning of his world being turned upside down. Each character grapples with temper, temptation, the cruelty of others and the cold, vice-like talons of judgment. To get the results they deserve and achieve harmony from dissonance, Beth, Peter and Jess may need to lighten their reactions, or to strike fast and hard. Justice in any case is a fragile balance.

Who We Are Now is totally enthralling. It manages to be witty without being pretentious. The characters, aided by fine acting, defy expectations and are suitably multi-faceted and intriguing. The film offers profound insight into the American justice system as well as the human heart, the foundation and life line of the entire system. Underlying the film is the belief that we are capable of change. It will keep you thinking long after the screen dims.

It's a real look of how hard life can be and the choices we have to make everyday. Do we want to be right or happy? I thought the acting was fabulous and the story was original. Two thumbs up

Very impressive. Wonderful performances by Julianne Nicholson and other key members of the cast. The story is interesting and touching and the ending is dramatic but provides the right conclusion.

Highly recommend seeing this.