- Sensibility: The opening kidnapping resolves far too smoothly, but even this helps contribute to the dream-like fantasy that makes this movie shine.
- Cinematography: Visually stunning. The lighting and camera work are so unique that they make every scene in this movie unforgettable, even the somewhat jarring transitions and editing oddities play into this effect. Production design and costuming also help contribute to the film's fantastical vibe.
- Energy: It's rare that a movie can be so gripping with no frills. The story is so palpable and the characters are so well-defined and interesting that it's impossible to look away.
- Narrative: This odd-ball story works primarily due to great character writing. The Brown family is so idiosyncratic and yet still relatable. Great dialogue writing, a strong premise, and a spiritual, youthful, and comical character arc make for something unforgettable.
- T-Points: The film received five bonus points: one for a great collage of time served, one for a brilliant sequence where Billy's dad sings to a pretending Wendy and the brutal dinner that followed, one for a well executed and revealing bowling and picture taking sequence, one for a wild imagined murder-suicide, one for a touching hand-holding sequence and the optimistic, romantic ending.
This film is such a unique blend of narrative and visual art that it is unforgettable. It's rare that such a strange story can have characters that feel relatable and has profound meaning.
Number of Watches: 2
