Flicker-21

Being a long time admirer of Lawrence Kasdan's work (The Big Chill, Accidental Tourist, Grand Canyon), I was not surprised by the way this film swept me gracefully along in its gentle, intelligent way. This is a film that has more in common with a symphony than with a novel. How rare to find an American film these days that is so totally lacking in violence and melodrama while displaying such heart and humanity. What I love about Kasdan is the respect and compassion he shows for his characters, foibles and all. As the song goes, "If anyone should ever write my life story........", I want Lawrence Kasdan to make the film of my life! See this movie.

When Roger Ebert gave this film 3.5 stars, I naturally figured it must have something worth my time, especially as it boasted Jamie Lee Curtis in one of the leading roles. Imagine my surprise to discover a slow, unimaginative plot and wooden performances all around! Not only that, these kids are from Mars or possibly further out. It's as though they actually grew up on one of the TV shows they aspire to living in. This might rate 3.5 stars if you're 9 years old, maybe. For those more mature or discerning, time would be better spent watching something like "Angelo, My Love", directed by Robert Duvall. Now there's a kid with his feet on the ground!

Well, here is a film that you know you need to see, just judging by the distance between the opposing views of the people who have bothered to comment! I have to admit to being at one of the extremes myself, having given this film a 10, something I normally reserve for the likes of "Schindler's List" or "Nixon", or possibly more tellingly, a film that this one somehow reminds me of, "The Sweet Hereafter", another film which coincidentally deals with a vehicle accident in the snow in which a child (more than one in that case) dies.

From the very first moment this film grabs me and sweeps me along, through the combination of visuals, setting, and music. It has a distinct and unrelenting feel and mood, one which I can understand will make some viewers uncomfortable, but which I find heartfelt and strangely reminiscent. It has all the elements of a dream, particularly in the way the camera swoops and spins, and in the often hypnotic sound track. Seeing it for the second and third time I find myself appreciating the craft of it more and more. How often do you find a film where everything comes together and a wrong note is never struck? This is one of those movies for me. This film is in my collection and I know I will return to it again and again when I need a reminder of why I love movies the way I do.