Bite-Sized Film Reviews // Fast and Furious and Junebug

Mindless entertainment. That's what this is. It does what it needs to do and it does it well. There are some days when I don't feel like thinking at all, I just want everything spoonfed to me and this film is one of the few that is perfect to entertain me for those days.

The opening scene, I have to say, is spectacular. If it had helicopters, I would have mistaken it for a Michael Bay movie.

Fans of the franchise will not be disappointed with the new installment, some may argue that it's the best (although my personal favourite has to be Tokyo Drift) that has come out so far.

The characters are quite flat and the script, dreadful. But those things don't really matter for movies like this, so it's forgiven.

Forgettable, yet enjoyable. If you've got nothing else to do and you're in the mood for a bit of adrenalin, then see this movie.

The film begins with a twenty-something second shot of trees. Just still trees on the screen. That's a small representation of the film's overall tone. Quiet, serene and still. It is not rushed, there is very little cuts and minimal music. The subjects are shot raw and are allowed to be absorbed by the lens. The atmosphere and feel of a small country town setting is faithfully translated on screen.

But what makes the movie great is mainly due to its characters. Especially the always joyful and very pregnant Ashley (Amy Adams) whose country girl persona is directly contrasted with her city raised sister-in-law Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) who come to visit from the city. Their interactions with one another are the finer moments of the film. Very funny yet endearing, you can't help but just fall in love with these two.

Ashley's character herself is very simple yet Adams and the writers do a superb job at adding layers to her personality, resulting in a beautiful portrayal of a multi-dimensional and complex character. It could have easily strayed into a caricature but fortunately that path is wisely avoided. Ashley is just so warm and welcoming to everyone around her which makes it more heartbreaking to watch what her character goes through in the end. A lovely country film with gentle warmth. Another indie gem.

It was like Sweet Home Alabama but with more depth and character.

Poster links here and here