flackjacket
This movie paved a new road to a previously unknown art form. Something I've never seen before on screen, or in real life.As many have pointed out - it has sub par acting, poor script writing and looks as if it was directed by a high school media student who gets bad grades. But that's all been done before.There was one thing that this movie had that no other movie before ever had. That is, the art of audible smoking.I've known a lot of smokers over the years, both male and female, young and old. And I've never seen (or should I say heard) any of them smoke the way the lead "actress" of this film does. This audible smoking technique runs throughout the film, but the most notable example is the scene in her brother's kitchen where she is standing in front of the wall phone.There's the loud inhale, a brief pause, and then the louder exhale carefully skewing the mouth sideways so as not to blow smoke at the cameraman.Another example is when the biker enters her room. Once again, the loud inhale, a brief pause and then the louder sideways exhale.I've been on earth for over half a decade. Like I said, I've known a lot of smokers. But I've never seen or heard any of them smoke like this.
Scott LeBrun
If nothing else, "Sherrybaby" is a fine vehicle for the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal, who's memorable in the role of a (supposedly) recovered drug addict and former jailbird who's now out on parole. Sherry is released into a society where she often feels ill equipped to cope, and does the best she can, even if that means giving a man a sexual favour in return for a good job prospect. Key to the success of the film is certainly Gyllenhaal. Sherry may not always be terribly sympathetic, but you do root for her to a certain extent due mainly to Gyllenhaals' riveting, realistic performance.Sherry finds that life outside prison walls is hard to get used to. Her daughter Alexis (adorable Ryan Simpkins) is now being raised by her brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Lynette (Bridget Barkan). Sherry finds that reconnecting with her little girl is difficult as Alexis sees her mom as practically a stranger and Lynette actually encourages the child to address Sherry by her name and not as "Mommy". These and other circumstances are now things that Sherry must deal with as she readjusts to "normal" life.Writer / director Laurie Collyer refrains from ever getting *too* maudlin or melodramatic, which does help matters. Overall the story is not completely satisfying - too much remains to be dealt with - but at least we do get a sense by the conclusion that Sherry is going to be making more of an honest effort from now on. Gyllenhaal is very well supported by a strong cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito as a tough parole officer, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's father, Kate Burton as the fathers' wife, and Danny Trejo, veteran of bad ass roles, who shows more sensitivity and depth in a change of pace part.Overall, a reasonably engaging indie drama that does have its heart in the right place.Seven out of 10.
Woodyanders
Tragic and troubled recovering drug addict and former convict Sherry Swanson (a remarkably brave, touching, and fearless performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal) attempts to get her life back on track and reconnect with her estranged daughter Alexis (a fine and moving portrayal by Ryan Simpkins) after being released from prison. Writer/director Laurie Collyer maintains a tough, gritty, and resolutely unsentimental tone throughout, firmly grounds the seamy story in a plausibly sordid everyday reality, brings a surprising sexual frankness to the edgy material, and wrings plenty of wrenching poignancy in an unforced and organic manner. Moreover, Collyer warrants additional praise for not only handling an upsetting incest subplot with admirable taste and subtlety, but also for not offering any pat answers or simple solutions to the harsh issues addressed in the narrative (indeed, this movie astutely captures the bitter messiness of untidy real life). Gyllenhaal holds the whole picture together with her astonishingly potent and heartbreaking characterization of a deeply flawed, yet still sympathetic protagonist. It's also a definite treat to see Danny Trejo display a rare gentle and sensitive side as basically decent and tender ex-junkie Dean Walker. This movie further benefits from sterling contributions from Brad William Henke as Sherry's caring and supportive brother Bobby, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's loathsome sexually abusive father Bob Sr., Giancarlo Esposito as hard-nosed parole officer Hernandez, and Bridget Barkan as Bobby's disapproving wife Lynette. Russell Lee Fine's no-frills cinematography provides an appropriately naturalistic look. Jack Livesey's spare and obtrusive score likewise does the trick. An absolute powerhouse.
Chrysanthepop
With 'SherryBaby', director Laurie Collyer depicts the 'lower class' culture through the story of Sherry Swanson, an ex-convict and former drug addict who attempts to rebuild her life and her relationship with her daughter. She finds that nothing is the way she left it and her brother and sister-in-law, who're now raising her daughter, have become strong parental figures and Sherry resents that and feels threatened. At the same time, she struggles to readjust in society, coping with her addiction, getting along with people and finding employment.While the film touches on some heavy themes as it depicts Sherry's fight, it thankfully doesn't go into full depressive tearjerking mode. At the same time, 'SherryBaby' is almost devoid of humour. Through Sherry's perspective, the viewer witnesses how difficult it can be for the 'lower class' Americans to get by with decency and how they're easily judged and blamed.'SherryBaby' works best as a character-driven piece. Through subtlety, director Laurie Collyer and actress Maggie Gyllenhaal portray the abnormal relationship she has with her sleazy father. While, on the outside, Sherry is a not-to-be messed with tough chick especially around other women, and an 'easy lay' to men, her vulnerability and helplessness are confronted in her private moments and sometimes in the scenes with Dean.'SherryBaby' showcases Maggie Gyllenhaal's acting as she delivers yet another tour-du-force performance with her down-to-earth portrayal of the title character. It's a very balanced performance that appears natural on screen and the actress depicts the character's frailty, frustration, confusion with excellent conviction. The supporting cast is very good too, especially Danny Trejo (who is cast against type) and Brad William Henke as the brother who's trying to do what's best for his niece while giving his sister a second chance.'SherryBaby' is a sincere effort on the director's part. She captures the realness of Sherry's circumstances very effectively but it is her leading actress that very much leads the film carrying it off with a transcendent performance.
AD
