sonjaboyce1974

This film is superb.

An absolutely brilliant piece of writing that is performed beautifully by all the cast and is shot to perfection. A special mention must go the young lads who star in the film whose performances really are outstanding. The Director and writer of the film, Jeff Nichols, has created a touching and raw coming of age story all realised with beautiful photography of the Arkansas landscape. It's Stand By Me, meets Huckleberry Finn meets Great Expectations....It's just great! If you haven't already, give yourself a real treat and watch it now.

You won't be disappointed!

What a shame! Having watched the trailer for this film and the blaze of publicity it received prior to its release I had high hopes for this film which were completely dashed within the first 5 minutes. I kept on watching in the hope that maybe it would improve with time, or perhaps I might warm to the vile (and unbelievable) characters but no such luck. It dragged on and I was dragged down with it. The film seems to be aimed at a thirty-something audience but the humour is sub-thirteen juvenile fodder. (and that's an insult to thirteen year olds!) How on earth they found the financial backing is beyond me and then to secure that great cast, what was everyone thinking? The premise is an interesting one but SO badly executed. I found myself constantly cringing in disbelief. Even great actors like Olivia Coleman were reduced to giving unbelievable and unbearable performances. I don't know who this film was made for or how and why it got made. If I were you I'd save yourself 97 precious minutes of your life and give it a big fat miss!

I was lucky enough to see this film while I was on holiday in Arizona and attended some screenings at The Sedona Film Festival. I didn't know anything about the film but have always been a fan of Cumming so chose this as one of the films to see. I wasn't disappointed, in fact I think it's fair to say this film completely blew me away and I left the cinema a bit of an emotional wreck! Some of the plot points at times may feel a bit rushed or contrived but if you just go with it you can enjoy a really beautiful, moving human drama. That's exactly what I chose to do and moved I was! The performances from all the cast are top notch, but Alan Cumming really is outstanding. I've never seen him better. It's really nicely shot and scored. The costumes and hair (!)are bang on period and the film flows seamlessly from beginning to the shocking end, which I had not anticipated and left me reeling! Would I recommend this film, in a word YES!