Really thought this was almost unwatchable. I dig a lot of Macy films but this just doesn't work. I won't argue that its got some great acting but the sum of the whole parts just didn't do it for me..
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Initially I had trouble accepting the story too, but then it made more sense. Parents can really *beep* up their kids. You don't have to train your kid to
become a hitman, there are so many other ways - maybe the script could have chosen
something more down-to-earth.
I loved the movie. I also thought all the actors were great and the boy, David Dorfman , was really amazing.
shareI really like this movie.
**Spoilers**
The family dysfunction portrayed is a rather typical one, in some respects, and very odd in others.
Sutherland was wonderful as the father/grandfather who at first just appears as a grouchy old man but then subtly reveals how sociopathic he really is.
The scene in the bar where he 'lays it on' Macy's character and then 'switches' in an instant to smiling and dancing as if nothing had happened, and then the look of full realization on Macy's face while 'Behind Closed Doors' is playing -- amazing.
The 'shaping' of a killer from shooting squirrels, on -- the only way to really please Sutherland -- and then trying to keep it going intergenerationally, like it is just some other 'family business' -- chilling.
The little interactions between Macy's character and 'Sammy' -- nice touch.
The Mom who cradles her dead/dying husband, but does nothing to try to help her shot, dying son. Pretty cold...
I loved all the performances, except N. Campbell's annoyed me a bit -- she just seemed a bit too perky/quirky.
Good little film, unique story (what other film has had a midlife crisis play out like this?), and some fine performances.
11/16/12: The day the Twinkie died :(
i found it almost unwatchable myself,and i'm a big fan of macy.
shareThe boy's dialogue is just too adult. Would a child ever that young remark about his dad "You seem to have a lot on your mind lately." Hmmm. Sounds way too artificial to me, rings really hollow. The squirrel scenes too...children that young aren't going to hit them squirrels on their second tries...the scenes were wholly too heavily contrived.
Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.
Good acting, pointless story. Hollywood makes so many like this one. 😞
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