Edition:
July 3, 2009
Public Notices - DBA Info • CONTACT
US: News Department • Display
Advertising • Classified
Advertising
|
||
Movie Reviewers, The Friday Flyer
Far from being the feel good movie of the year, “My Sister’s Keeper” is an intelligent and thought-provoking melodrama. It is a certified three hanky weeper that addresses a dreadfully difficult topic that is equally difficult to watch. Based on the Jodi Picoult novel, it is heart wrenching, heart warming and did we already say heart wrenching?
Director/writer Nick Cassavetes (“The Notebook”) and co-writer Jeremy Levin have proven they know how to effectively wring tears out of their audience. Now, in the case of a child with terminal cancer, they combine some thorny ethical and moral issues to produce so much more than the featured Lifetime tear jerker of the week.
The primary topic is the medical emancipation of a minor. This proclamation would allow 11-year-old Anna (Abigail Breslin, “Little Miss Sunshine”) the right to deny her own parents the authority to make medical decisions regarding her body. Specifically, Anna could deny anyone access to her body parts without her say so; even to help her sister Kate (Sofia Vassilieva, TV’s “Medium”), who is dying from an acute case of leukemia.
They say we are all born for a reason, but Anna was born for a particular purpose, “To save my sister’s life.” Years ago, when parents, Sara (Cameron Diaz) and Brian (Jason Patric), learned of Kate’s fate, their only hope was to have another child; but not just any child. This would be a designer baby whose body parts would be a perfect match for Kate.
In theory, the idea of a genetic savior within the family sounds even better than eHarmony.com. However, when the process involves a stream of painful, invasive surgeries and procedures on a child for the purposes of harvesting spare parts, the issue is worthy of discussion. There are no easy answers, so it is treated in that manner.
Anna saves enough money to see one of those TV attorneys who promises to “fight for you.” Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin) advertises a 91 percent success rate. Campbell assumes Anna is in his office to sell Girl Scout cookies. But, when she presents her case, he is astounded and agrees to represent her in a court of law.
Sara, the Mom, is a former attorney who quit her practice to care and feed Kate when she first learned of the illness. Now, Sara must dust off her law books to stand up for her parental rights; and hope she doesn’t break up her family in the process. The showdown leads to a courtroom battle where the judge (Joan Cusack), is a spirited veteran of the bench. To complicate matters, she has recently and tragically lost her own daughter.
Interestingly, each of the main characters seamlessly exchanges narrations to various parts of the story, so we hear their respective sides of these controversial issues in context. The movie is often manipulative, but doesn’t preach a particular point of view. And, Anna succinctly summarizes “We are a dysfunctional family that loves each other.”
This movie is not for everyone, but presents a sobering set of topics in a respectful manner. Cameron Diaz, who is both beautiful and goofy, can unequivocally qualify as a serious actor. Alec Baldwin and Joan Cusack are terrific and both young ladies (Abigail Breslin and Sophia Vassilieva) are remarkable. Dakota and Elle Fanning were originally set to play the sisters, but Dakota refused to shave her head for the part. The industry is such that even the once sensational Dakota Fanning can quickly be yesterday’s news.
“My Sister’s Keeper” is 109 minutes and rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, sensuality, language and brief teen drinking. We were grateful the movie didn’t stoop to the typical “movie cough of death.” You know, if a youngster clears his or her throat, they are immediately destined to an untimely demise.
A cynical person could tag this “The Breeder’s Cup.” But, the topic demands a serious tone. So, after watching a story that is both effective and affective, we’re reminded that God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow and sun without rain. But, He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.
Ron’s Rating: B- Leigh’s Rating: B+
|
|
