Permanent

Seen at the 2017 Twin Cities Film Festival, Permanent is a funny, charming movie about a family feeling uncomfortable as they start in a new town, based on the director's real-life experiences. Kira McLean is amazing, and Rainn Wilson and Patricia Arquette play off each other very well! Touches on racism.

I find myself wishing that this film could be seen nationally by all my friends, and again in the Twin Cities theaters. Also, I would like to see a toll-free number/contact added for assistance if someone is being bullied.

As someone who grew up in the 1980's and 90's, this movie really takes me back. It has a lot of wholesome life filled lessons and values with a lot of heart, just like the shows and movies of 30 years ago. The story is very simple, but has a lot of complexity between characters. The scriptwriting of the humour is taylored for modern audiences, but avoids the vulgarity that comes with comedies today. There isn't any big laugh out loud moments, but rather a steady stream of smirk happy moments that doesn't get monotonous. This is the kind of film you can watch as a family comprised of almost any and all age group.

Decent watch, probably won't watch again, but can recommend.

The biggest problem with this is that it is just awkward. Rainn Wilson is really good, but odd as a straight man. He was a serious, but goofy character in "The Office", but this is different: he's serious bordering on sad here with a marriage in jeopardy.

The oddest bit is that this is the one movie that Kira Mclean has stared in, she not only leads this movie well, but carries the movie easily. She goes all in with young teen angst in each of the story lines she's in as she's in every story line except for the weirdness with mom almost leaving dad.

This is a fine movie, it's a decent coming of age story, "new kid at the school", renewed love, and "finding self" all mixed together, but it's just presented in the weirdest way possible, which I think is all for the setting of "small hick town".

And family.

This is an odd movie - and I love odd movies. Some people called it slow. I didn't think it was slow at all. Obviously they have never ever had trouble with their hair. And family. Nor been the new kid - at any age facing all kinds of new demands and challenges that seem ..... enormous, unending, unachievable, and just plain stupid.

Is it fast paced? Nope. ROTHL? Nope. Is it worth your time? Yep.

Enjoy.

Like it's time setting, this film reminds me of something that might have meant something to someone from a different era. Stories like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever come to mind. The story is odd but not weird enough, honest but not brave enough, sweet but not memorable enough, but altogether enjoyable and cute. The real stand-out is Arquette in a strange, remarkable, endearing performance that is one of my favorites of her career. Her indelible charm is on display as this peculiar take as a frustrated wife and mother.