So over the last two nights I’ve rented two movies set in the America of a few decades ago, both dealing with characters struggling with whether or not they want to be adults. Neither was brilliant, but both were solid and had their moments. Of the two I preferred A Walk on the Moon. Of course I do have a long-standing fondness for Diane Lane. But beyond that, it conveyed a vivid depiction of a certain type of family and summer lifestyle in 1969. It also had a terrific turn by Liev Schreiber who walks away with the movie’s acting laurels in his role as Lane’s husband. As to The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys … it was fine. Nothing great, nothing awful. If you think it’s the kind of thing you’d like, you probably will. Generally, it’s fine. Though if anyone wishes to explain the appeal of Jenna Malone to me, please feel free. She’s one ingenue of the moment I just don’t get. Plain, and she stands there except when she over-emotes in an arched yet all-American Helen Hunt style. Is she just thriving off Donnie Darko’s (deserved) cool reputation? Oh, though if you’re thinking of renting TDLOAB because you think you might enjoy a Kieran Culkin movie, I’d like to turn your attention to Igby Goes Down. Now that was a great little movie.
Posted by armand at June 29, 2004 10:34 AM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies