Permanente

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.

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.

A coming of age story with genuine characters where the child isn't the only one growing up. Patricia Arquette's performance is so effective that I felt her character's awkwardness. However, the story arc and resolution feels a little too easy, especially in a film where the characters are so realistic and genuine.

An enjoyable feel-good movie with a nice message, but nothing to write home about really. The plot was a bit ropey and it had too many modern cliché's which kept pulling me out of the 80's. The story is charming, with a few laughs along the way and that cast completely knock it out of the park, as strange as some of them are they all bring their characters to life. Special kudos to Kira McLean who plays Aurelie, she is the bright star of this movie, amazing. I still don't know what to think about the score, which I suppose is a good thing as it has me thinking.

All in all, nice evening entertainment to sit down to with the other half.