|
| Movie Review: Transamerica Alternate Title: Born Again
Story: A funny thing happened
to Bree (Stanley) on her way to her sex change operation. She learns
she has a 17 year old son. Gulp! This poignant film is about family,
self-discovery, self-acceptance and liberation. Director and writer Duncan Tucker's debut film is
uneven and at times plodding but if you like road trip movies I highly
recommend your seeing this one. It has a lot going for it especially in the acting department (more
below). There are a couple of solid laughs, a few heart tugging moments
and some unique on-screen situations. Acting: Felicity Huffman is FABULOUS!.
She has already been honored with a Golden Globe award and it would
not surprise me if she was given an Oscar nomination next week. I believed
her totally as Stanley/Bree. Kevin Zegers as the long
lost son hits his mark as well.
Predilection: I like road movies and am fascinated
by the topic of gender dysphoria.
Critters: A little black dog.
Food: Lots of road food.
Soundtrack: Very appropriate and at times funny.
Theater Audience: Another woman and I were sitting
in an empty theater when five minutes before the film started an usher
came in and said "Are you two guys here to see Transamerica?"
I laughed heartily and asked him if he thought I was a guy. He then
laughed, too.
Quirky Meter: 4
Drift Factor: The uneven script left time for a bit
of drifting.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: I welled up once.
Oscar Worthy: Perhaps.
Big Screen or Rental: If you like to see some award
winning acting then check it out on the big screen. For some other films
that deal with transsexuals, try renting: Glen or Glenda (I Changed
My Sex), Desperate Living, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,
The World According to Garp (1982), The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen
of the Desert, Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde, Silence of the Lambs, Dressed
to Kill, Different for Girls, Paris is Burning, Boys from Brazil, Southern
Comfort, The Christine Jorgensen Story, Second Serve, Boys Don't Cry,
The Adventures of Sebastian Cole, Tales of the City, Come Back to the
Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Orlando and The Crying Game.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
|