Movie Reviews

From Catholic News Service

Garden State

Offbeat comedy about a struggling, emotionally autistic L.A. actor (Zach Braff) deadpanning it in a lithium-induced daze, who returns to his New Jersey home after 10 years in order to attend his mother's funeral and, through a series of chance encounters with old slacker friends and an eccentric girl (Natalie Portman), begins to reclaim his life, including his estranged relationship with his father (Ian Holm). Well written and acted, the visually quirky film (Braff's directorial debut) offers witty observations on family, loss and America's fascination with pharmaceutical solutions to life's problems. However, the movie's hope-affirming message is weighed down by its catatonic talkiness. Recurring drug content, sexual encounters with partial nudity, and some rough and crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.
 

A Home at the End of the World

Bland adaptation of Michael Cunningham's novel about an unconventional triangular romance about a bisexual (Colin Farrell) who is in love with both his gay best friend (Dallas Roberts) and their bohemian female roommate (Robin Wright Penn). Directed by Michael Mayer and laced with homoerotic images, the tenderly told film explores the human heart's need for love; however, in doing so, it promotes a radical re-defining of traditional ideas concerning family and sexuality. An ambiguous view of human sexuality, including a sympathetic portrayal of homosexual and bisexual relationships, several sexual encounters with nudity, recurring drug content involving minors, a few instances of same-sex kissing, as well as much rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.
 

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Sweet but stale sequel about a young American (Anne Hathaway) who, in preparing to ascend the throne of a small European kingdom, learns that she cannot become queen until she is married, leaving her 30 days to find a groom before she must forfeit the crown to her royal rival, a dashing prince (Chris Pine) with whom she falls in love. As directed by Garry Marshall, the wholesome-toned tale is full of Cinderella-like romance sure to enchant its targeted audience of pre-pubescent princess-wannabes, but which may make older viewers pull a Sleeping Beauty. Some thematic elements and a few brief kissing scenes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences, all ages admitted.