Cherry

4 out of 5 stars.

Cherry is a good crime drama film about a ptsd former army vet struggling with addiction. Strong performances by Ciara Bravo and Tom Holland. Powerful moving drama. For Anthony And Joe Russo next direction effort post Avengers films. Going back to the grounded serious drama roots.

What worked?

The plot was strong moving. Following Cherry (Tom Holland) whos feeling lost and wanting purpose. He fell in love with Emily (Ciara Bravo). When dealing with her wanting to move away. He joins the army. Going through boot camp and sent to Iraq. He faces loss and traumatic moments that changes him forever. Emily and him still keep in touch with there love for another. Once home, Emily notices Cherry is dealing with ptsd. His addiction with drugs becomes worse. Which leaves him struggling for money to robbing banks.

Great performances with the cast ensemble. Lead by Tom Holland and Ciara Bravo. From there moments of young love to dealing with addiction that over takes them both.

It is a powerful direction that does move at a pace with Cherrys college life. Meeting Emily. Than the military experiences. And his ptsd struggles. The film does build a strong emotional connection with the characters and there performances.

Henry Jackmans music score is also good with the film.

What did not work with the film?

The films narrative structure works until it breaks the fourth wall barrier which gives an uneven tone and style for this kind of film.

Overall, it is a good film to check out with a strong moving drama. And great performances.

Tom Holland's acting was phenomenal, 11/10. Showcased his true talent - magnificent. The Russo Brothers over did it with how they set things up though; trying to be too smart in my opinion.

Tom Hollands gives a fantastic performance in this powerful and insightful movie. The story speaks so well about PTSD, drug abuse and crime and how war veterans are so poorly cared for. Tom Hollands shows what a truly talented actor he is, wonderfully supported by Ciara Bravo. There are some really nice touches with side dialogue to the camera and sign posting.

Spider-Man has grown up and definitely come home. This isn't a movie to watch with the kids and it certainly isn't happy viewing for the most part, but it is nevertheless great viewing and kept me interested throughout. Looking forward to seeing more from the grownup Tom Holland.

In my point of view this movie sheds light on two social problems in the US namely the opioid epidemic and the treatment of veterans which are combined very well.

Cherry (2021)

7/10 🍒

"The Russo Brothers return to the director's helm for a solid entry that may be shaky here and there however is worth the watch for Holland and Bravo alone."

Cherry is a film that isn't for everyone, and that says a lot already. Sure, it's a book adaptation which already sounds like a red flag because many of them aren't as good as the source material, however Cherry can be called an exception to an extent. The film definitely boasts a beautiful style in camera work and craft because of how smart these techniques are used. The Russos definitely make their mark and do it ever so boldly. The real issue with Cherry however is the way it explains itself. The pacing and tonality tends to be misguided by an almost TOO formulaic approach, however doesn't make for a bad viewing experience either thanks to Holland's gut-wrenching performance as Nico Walker. Holland loses himself in the role so masterfully, I nearly forgot that this was the same actor that helmed the Spider-Man throne. I'd never felt more sorrow for a character since John Coffey in The Green Mile. Ciara Bravo also steals the spotlight constantly with her transitional performance that quite honestly surprised me. Onscreen together, both Holland and Bravo, is nothing short of perfect chemistry. Even if the writing gets cheesy sometimes, it's a relieving cheesy rather than a revolting type. This film did away with itself and it shows.

Verdict: Cherry is a solid attempt at something different for the Russos and a great excuse to give Holland and Bravo a good taste of grueling acting. The film may not have been what we wanted it to be, but I feel that it still has something good, if not special, to offer.