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Locnar61
Reviews
Youth in Revolt (2009)
Disappointing Adaptation
A lame rendering of C.D. Payne's uproarious novel. They've left out too much of what made the book such a laugh-out-loud spectacle/send-up of teen angst comedies. Then again, while I read the book, I really couldn't imagine any writer/directors giving it any justice outside of the Coen Brothers....they would have been PERFECT. I thought the same about "Forrest Gump" as well. There's nothing inherently wrong with the casting, but if you've read the book, I think you'd agree with me that this adaptation just doesn't capture the wild, anarchic spirit of it. A shame.
The Trainer (2013)
Mildly Amusing But Could Have Been Better
This largely silly and thoroughly predictable "thriller" is good for some unintentional chuckles, but the plot practically cries out for an over-the-top, maybe even campy approach. Being that this is a made-for-TV movie, that probably wasn't a luxury the filmmakers had. A newly-divorced and insecure career ad woman decides she needs to boost her confidence in both her work world and her personal (love) life. Her choice of a personal fitness trainer with an agenda and psychological problems of her own leads to complications. Copious amounts of sex, nudity and violence could have made this an instant classic. The actors are attractive and talented, but are hamstrung by the muted approach to the material. Instead, it's mostly a bland and forgettable affair.