Why such bad ratings/reviews?
Although I didn't think this movie was the best ever, I didn't think it was that bad....
shareI'm with you on that. I wondered the same thing which led me to ponder the question of why films, like this one, often receive poor reviews from critics and viewers alike. The acting could be used as an excuse to discount the effort by those with exacting standards, outside of that, I just don't understand the distaste for something that so thoroughly bares its soul to the audience in a most humanistic way.
It's understandable that some of the content might offend or cause uncomfortable feelings for some, as there is quite a bit of abuse and psychological turmoil. But within this realm of the human psyche lies a purity that rings quite true; especially if you can relate on any level to what the characters are dealing with. It reveals in a somber, yet gentle way, how victims become victims and how they deal with the effects of being victimized as their lives progress.
In my opinion, the script, camerawork and acting all deserve high marks. Mariah Carey may not have been the first choice for the lead, but I'm not disappointed that she wound up in this role. Her acting was superb for the part, a perfect fit. In the roles of the two brothers, Adam Rothenberg and Ethan Peck also shined. I don't want to get into the description of the film or the characters in detail, but I found them to be especially authentic and quite effective.
This isn't what could be classified as a "feel good" movie, but to say it wasn't good simply because of a lack of insight or capacity for emotion is criminal for a true film lover. *IMO*