The one question I kept asking myself after walking out of of the movie theater was, “Would I have enjoyed this film more if I hadn’t read the book?” As an adaptation, it was okay. It was like a Cliff Notes version of Suzanne Collins’ book. You got the basic idea but none of the nuance. The problem is the nuance is where a majority of the story lies.
It’s a shame this movie came out so long ago. I feel like if it had been released during “Awards Season” more people would be talking about.
The story was intriguing but I’ll admit to getting a little lost towards the end. The real draws are the performances of Jennifer Lawrence as the main character, Ree, and a favorite of mine, John Hawkes as her uncle, Teardrop. This was the first movie I’d seen with Lawrence but based on this, I’d be willing to give anything she was starring in a chance. Hawkes was practically unrecognizable. If I didn’t know he was in the movie, I would have thought he was someone else. I don’t just mean his physical appearance but his mannerisms and the way he carried himself. I’m so used to his role of being the not-so-confident nerdy type. I was blown away by his performance.
Nominations I’d Like To See: Best Actress for Jennifer Lawrence and Best Supporting Actor for John Hawkes
