You don't always need a big budget, or an over-sentimental story to
turn a movie into a good drama, as this movie shows.
I don't necessarily see this movie a particularly powerful or emotional
movie, since I didn't felt all that involved and the movie also
progressed in a somewhat predictable manner but I simply do see it as a
well put together movie and drama.
It picks a minimalistic approach, in an attempt to add to its realism.
And yes, it works though I still also had some problems with its style
and approach. Thing that annoyed was that it was trying too hard to be
an independent flick at times, with some very typical things in it,
such as shaky cam and sudden zooms, which is something I got tired off
years ago already, since it all feels far too forced and works as
mostly distracting.
Another thing was the lack of music. Now, the movie probably didn't
wanted to have any distractions from its story and characters in it but
some sequences could had really used a musical score, that could had
emphasized and strengthened some of the movie its drama at times.
But those are all my complaints really. Other than that, this is simply
a fine movie to watch, whether you can relate to any of the situations
or characters, or not. I think that one of the powers of its story and
characters also are that we all know that stuff like this is going on
and everything that got depicted in this movie could really be going on
somewhere, at this very moment. In that regard this movie is also being
perhaps a somewhat important one, that helps to create more awareness,
by putting certain things, that aren't easily and much talked about,
into the spotlight.
The movie is also simply just worth watching for its acting alone.
Again, the movie was aiming for a realistic approach with its acting,
which must had been the foremost reason why they cast mostly unknowns
and inexperienced persons. The big names that are in this movie are big
names because they are big in a totally different field. Singers Mariah
Carey and Lenny Kravitz appear in this movie for instance, in some
rather big and important roles as well.
But it of course mostly is Gabourey Sidibe that carries this movie. And
for a débutant she is doing surprisingly well and really fitted the
role. But Mo'Nique still gives the perhaps most talked about
performance in this movie. And yes, she was absolutely great, though I
also should admit that I couldn't help keep imagining her character
appearing in a comedic movie as well. I don't know, something about it
strikes me as funny, probably because I just can't imaging a character
like her being real, though of course in fact there sadly are plenty of
people in real life who are just like that.
Really all criticism aside, this is a great and still effective,
minimalistic drama!
8/10
Watch trailer
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