White Oleander (Widescreen)
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Movie Reviews of White Oleander (Widescreen)
Movie Review: Film Noir Worthy
Summary: 5 Stars
Perhaps it's because I'm a huge fan of film noir where women got to play just unrepentantly 'wicked' fun characters but I loved Michelle Pfeiffer's character in this movie. She was devastating. I couldn't wait to see what she would be up to next. I think Alison Lohman's character (Astrid) was so comfortable with the russian woman at the end because that was the only person you felt could have gone toe to toe with Ingrid. Their philosophies of life were very similar.
I'm not identifying the characters much or giving out plot points here because it's been done in so many other reviews (too many plot points if you ask me).
Robin Wright Penn and Renee Zellwegger were both revelations here and every other character was also played pitch perfect. Alison Lohman of course was outstanding. I'd never seen her before and now I will seek her out. Ms. Pfeiffer once again validated everything I've ever loved about her. You can just picture Barbara Stanwyck playing the role of Ingrid and in case you don't know, that's a huge compliment. Where the heck is that Oscar fer cryin out loud?
Apparently it's a good thing I never read the book. This movie should stand on its own merits. I just finished watching it, I'm recommending it to all my friends and I believe I'll go watch it a second time right now.
Hmmmm ..... bet you can't say 'Film Noir Worthy' three times fast.
Movie Review: A movie that teaches you a lesson & stimulates your brain
Summary: 5 Stars
The cruelest part of the movie, for me, was when Ingrid Magnussen (Michelle Pfeiffer) flings her voodoo magic at Claire Richards (Renee Zellweger), her daughter's 2nd foster mother, to get her to commit sucide so that her daughter, Astrid (Alison Lohman), will be unhappy again ... which she constantly wants. At that point, you realize that she's only happy for her Astrid when her life is getting flushed down the toilet. Ingrid's life, you see, wasn't that great, and she makes herself feel better by always making sure that her daughter's life is utter & complete hell. That way, she (in her mind) will always feel good about herself. It's how she got her kicks. In any case, her daughter (at that point) decided to finally cut her mother out of her life, which, towards the end of the movie, is key in Astrid finally getting to find the hapiness she's been looking for all her life.
Also, Ingrid is shown to be somebody who thinks that the world revolves around her, and that doing anything to keep this delusional reality she has is justified, even if it includes murder. And, no matter what, she never appoligizes, or feels sorry for what she does. In the end, there is no doubt in your mind that she deserves to rot in jail & never get out. This movie is a great piece of work. One that, I think, will stand up for years to come.
Movie Review: Amazing performances!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Listen guys...do not get put off by the fact this movie appears on the surface to be a 'chick flick'. Yes, the storyline is all about 'mothers and daughters' and yes, much of the dynamics of those kinds of relationships will escape even the more sensitive of my gender, but wait. This movie also contains three of the most outstanding performances by three talented women I have ever witnessed. Relative newcomer Alison Lohman does her 'trademark thang' (in case you haven't seen Matchstick Men or Where The Truth Lies, Alison has an uncanny ability to pass as a young teen or a 20-something woman) very well in this movie and watching her work is, in itself, worth the price of admission. But even better than what Alison does with her central role are the positvely mold-breaking performances from Michelle, Robin, and Rene. Pow! Your eyes may still be high and dry at movie's end, but I guarantee you'll be nodding your head, or pumping your fist, or genuflecting in acknowledgment of the way you were pulled past the very attractive surfaces and sucked into the characters of these four women. Where'd I put that replay button?Movie Review: One of the BEST movies I've ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
White Oleandar is a very "between the lines" type of movie. Very intense drama up front as Astrid deals with different foster homes. She is the young daughter of a mother who kills her boyfriend. It gives one a glimpse of the perils of the foster home system, yet, has an underlying message of a child who grows into a woman, and has to divorce herself from the controlling influence of her mother. I watched this movie again, in order to understand all of the underlying hidden messages. It also has a wonderful cast. Michelle Pffeifer is as usual strong and beautiful. Allison Lohman who plays Astrid, is wonderful as a child of 12 maturing into a teenager, and a young woman. I loved Robin Wright Penn as Starr, the jealous foster mother. Renee Zellwegger stands out as Claire, Astrid's second foster mother, who is loving, but insecure. She also is a threat to Astrid's own mother, who is jealous of the relationship between Claire and her daughter.. I recommend this movie to anyone. It is a classic... The book is just as good as the movieMovie Review: Great Movie! Michelle Pfeiffe SO deserved an Oscar!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, imagine how hard it would be to make an adaption from such a great and loved novel. Well, it was pulled off and with memorizing preformances, to a haunting music score, White Oleander was one off 2002's best films! It is so devastating to see that the Acadamey Awards did not regonize this film. Alison Lohman was Pitch Perfect, Robin Wright Penn brought a character to the screen that was increadible, Renee Zellweager was amazing capturing Clare and Michelle Phiffer- I'm lost for words. Her prformance as Astrid's mother was mind blowing. Powerful, stunning, heart wrenching- mixing evil emotions with good is something only a true actress could pull off. Micheele Phiffer may have not gotton a nomination but to me and other viwers she will be seen as this year's best supporting actress. If you want to know what the movie is about go watch it- I just want every one to know what and amaziong movie this is and that Michelle Pfeiffer so deserved an Oscar.