The Good Son
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Movie Reviews of The Good Son
Movie Review: "The Bad Seed" Gone Wrong
Summary: 3 Stars
It is ironic that the film that could have elevated the extremely popular, Macaulay Culkin from cliché to substantive actor instead served to showcase his flaws as an actor. In the "Home Alone" movies Culkin was a pretty face that Chris Columbus molded into an engaging child hero in his sadistic series of movies. Never had two lackluster villains been so violently abused. For Culkin that was as good as it was going to get.
In "The Good Son," Culkin lacks the backbone to bring the evil Henry to life. Henry is every bit as evil as the monster in "The Bad Seed," but his portrayal lacks the conviction that is necessary to bring off a psychopath. Conversely, Elijah Wood, who turns out to be the good son, brings a considerable verisimilitude to his role and in so doing further highlights the need for a stronger antagonist.
Perhaps the explanation for Culkin's poor performance was that he burned out at a tender age, or that he was reared in a dysfunctional family. I remember him most as the smart allecky five year old in "Uncle Buck." Here he peppers his hapless uncle (John Candy) with a string of questions that only a child can carry off. Elijah Wood went on to become a fine actor who is perhaps best known for his role in "The Lord of the Rings." Macaulay was to fall further in the coming years, and this is disappointing for those who saw such early promise.
The Good Son
Movie Review: Child Star Bonanza.
Summary: 3 Stars
I was a pretty small kid myself when this film first came out. My parents weren't huge on letting me watch violence, but I was a big Macaulay Culkin fan - so they complied. I remember thinking how horrible the narrative was at the time - but there lies the desired effect, and in that way, this film is a great thriller. It pushes the boundries by making us think of children in such ways, but not to a grotesque Stephen King level.
I was disappointed with Culkin's performance as Henry in the way that he pushes the bad boy thing a little too far. I think his roles in the Home Alone films haven't helped him out any here. Elijah Wood, another rising child star actually takes the gold in this film as his cousin Mark, and I think it shows true now that whilst Culkin's adult career is sinking, Wood recently snagged a leading role in the biggest film trilogy to date. Who has the bigger talent, I do wonder? Like another reviewer said, it is unfuriating that Macaulay Culkin walks away as the poster child for this film.
If you're a fan of Wood/Culkin, thrillers, or just intrigued to see how the child star vs child star thing plays out, definitely rent it. It's interesting to see how both boys progress.
Movie Review: GREAT EARLY ELIJAH PERFORMANCE
Summary: 3 Stars
I saw this movie in the theater when it came out, and never thought it got the recognition it really deserved. The story has admittedly been done several times before, but the thing that stands out about this version is the performance of a very young Elijah Wood. Of course at the time, Culkin was the "star" of this film due to the popularity of the "Home Alone" films. I have never thought that Culkin was that great of an actor, although he does come across as a very convincing troubled kid in this role. The standout, though, in this movie is Elijah Wood. This kid was a winner early on in his career and the proof is in this role. His eyes convey such fear and concern that you really feel his performance is for real. The atmosphere that the director created was also a big plus for this movie. The lighting and sound is excellent on the DVD transfer, and the widescreen presentation is very welcome. Also included are the trailer and a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie, which aren't even listed on the box! Surprise!Catch this one if you can!
Movie Review: The Original Was Better But this is Good
Summary: 3 Stars
I liked this movie but when I saw the original movie The Bad Seed I realized that this movie does not even compare although it has wonderful performances by the children the adults seemed to be trying a little to hard to be a good actor and it just was not working for them. The story is that this boy Mark (Elijah Wood) his mom just died and so his father sends him from New Mexico to Maine to spend some time with his cousins and family while he is taking care of the work that needs to be done. At first it all seems like harmless fun but after a while Mark realizes that his cousin (Macaulay Culkin) will kill him soon so now he is fighting to save not only his life but his entire family's but nobody believes him. I would recommend this to people ages thirteen and up the only reason it is R rated is because of language and violence but it is not that bad. It is suspensefull however a little predictable but if you like movies like this then you will love the movie The Bad Seed starring Patty McCormick. I hope that this review has helped you in making a decision about this film.Movie Review: a big shock for Mac fans
Summary: 3 Stars
I go back and forth with this film. I've liked it, hated it and loved it.
I saw this in theatres at 13, I'm 26 now, and let me tell ya, the impact of it is still very profound. Macaulay or Mac Culkin should not have been
ignored in this film, in fact, he should've gotten an oscar nod, because he played his role very well, he may not have liked this role, and off and
on, neither did I, but I got over that. This film showed his expansive potential as an actor, and for that, he should be thankful. Elijah Wood also did a very nice job. Joseph Ruben did a good direction, and the music
was effectively moody. For obvious reasons, this film is not for his young fans. True, the ending is a shock, but so is the car-crash scene w/
the evil smile on his face. This film is very disturbing, but very well done.