Short Term 12 (2013)

Short Term 12 is an incredibly moving, progressive film about life inside a group home for at-risk teenagers. It follows Grace (Brie Larson), the dedicated head of the line staff, as she deals with the increasingly unstable kids, slowly opening up about her own troubled past in the process. The melancholic undertones throughout the film are balanced with witty, casual humor and the easygoing, carefree demeanor of line staff member Mason, also Grace’s boyfriend. There is a masterful balance between their careful, quiet relationship’s growth and the development of the kids’ lives and issues, stringing themes of patience and trust through both facets of Grace’s life. The kids themselves offer incredibly thoughtful depth and movement in the story, excellent acting portrayed through sarcastic, bullying Louis; the too-young fire cannon Sammy; the too-old, quiet rapper Marcus; and sassy, hurt Jayden, the girl whom Grace finds herself opening up to as she realizes that only she can help Jayden. Brilliant acting, a beautiful soundtrack, well-placed humor, and a heartrending, honest plot come together to make Short Term 12 an excellent must-see for anyone who wants to take a moment to appreciate their world for what it is, and realize what it could be.

5/5 Stars

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Tomboy (2011)

Tomboy (2011) is an independent French film about a ten year old tomboy who moves to a new neighborhood where she uses her androgynous looks and boyish clothes and figure to pass herself off to the other children as a boy.  However, after her new friend, Lisa, falls in love with her boy personna, she is forced to unveil her true identity and that she is actually a girl.  This coming of age story deals with dramatic themes with great relevance to common issues today such as gender identity, and loss of innocence.  Thumbs up for Céline Sciamma’s Tomboy. 

 4.5/5 Stars

The Jacket (2005)

The Jacket (2005) is and independent psychological thriller film about a Gulf War veteran, Jack Starks who suffers from amnesia and is framed and convicted of murder and is sent to a mental hospital for the “criminally insane”.  There he receives untested and unauthorized treatment that includes placing him in a straightjacket and throwing him into morgue drawer for hours.  However, while in the jacket, he is able to see events that will happen in the future, and after a few sessions of “treatment” he is able to piece together valuable information about his own fate.  The Jacket is a very intense film filled with lots of action and emotion.  Adrien Brody gives a spectacular performance as the lead role, and definitely “makes the film.” Thumbs up for John Maybury’s The Jacket.   

5/5 Stars