Reply #8: It's a GREAT MOVIE [View All]

[PurityOfEssence]

It's almost this decade's "Dazed and Confused", and I don't say that lightly, since I love that movie. It's not an anti-religious movie in toto, and anyone who says so has some serious issues. Yes, it skewers the fundies--brilliantly, I might add--but the characters have heart, and even the wicked ones are decent sorts under it all. The spot-on performances and sprightly script are an absolute joy.

Mandy Moore's performance is as pitch-perfect as pretty much any I've ever seen; her timing and deft flourishes are stunning, and she just lights up the screen. My jaw was on the floor; I never thought she had it in her, but she's obviously a first-rate actor. Martin Donovan is right on the money and warmly sincere, even in his troubled moments. Macauley Culkin, Eva Amurri (the knockout and devilishly perfect real-life daughter of Susan Sarandon), Mary Louise Parker, Jenna Malone and Patrick Fugit are all wonderful, and the moments of performance are shockingly good.

People who slag anything without seeing it are idiots. There is absolutely NO argument for passing judgment on something about which one knows nothing. It's like all the furore over "The Last Temptation of Christ": it was a deeply religious movie, but because it dared to question, it was roundly condemned; Blockbuster refused to carry it at the time, even though the people deciding hadn't seen it.

Go out and see this movie; it's a joyous little exercise with a heart of gold, and like the best light comedies, it has more true value to mankind than what Preston Sturges called "deep-dish movies".

This could also be a great healing movie, because even believers with a scrap of humor will enjoy it. I encourage you all to go out right now and have a good time; you'll be amazed.