MovieChat Forums > Welcome to the Rileys (2011) Discussion > 5/10. Here's why:

5/10. Here's why:

posted 9 years ago by IMDB_Vits
2 replies | jump to latest

WELCOME TO THE RILEYS isn't the deep character study it tries to be, but at least Jake Scott's directing overshadows the clichés. James Galdofini's performance is great. There are scenes where it doesn't feel like Kristen Stewart believes the lines she's saying. Too bad, because her commitment to the role was impressive. The scenes with LOIS alone in Indianapolis and travelling feel like a whole different movie. When she arrives at New Orleans, the movie starts to drag.

[–] hppg 9 years ago

I gave it 5 too. I agree with you about the Lois scenes. Other than that, I found it a bit creepy and unrealistic at times. There was no good way to end it. It was clear she wouldn't move in and become a surrogate daughter, but it was also somehow disappointing where we didn't find out much about her Vegas plans.

[–] dapbaum 8 years ago

I loved this film. Such sadness losing a child and the stress the family goes through. Doug loved Lois but a strained marriage causes one to want to reinvent.

Doug found Mallory, a needy, tho she didn't see it, teen working a crappy job when she should be in school preparing for a different kind of future. It's an attractive diversion. James Gandolfini is so good in this, and you feel his need to save Mallory, you want her saved too.
Kristen Stewart was very good in this role, and it was nice her in such a different role. Her neediness was in a battle with her forced independance...she had a rough start and I could see that.
Lois, Mellisa Leo, was a welcome surprise delivering some comedic relief at times. She is a charming woman and I especially enjoyed her and Mallory getting to know one another...the heart of the film.
The ending was sad, yet promising. We learn how life will be for them. The future...no one knows, right?