Accidents Happen (2009) User Reviews

average movie - ignore fake reviews

[steventf · 5/10 · 16 May 2010]

This movie did a great job with the period details of 1982 and making Australia look like America and Australians sound like Americans. One mistake though: "Horror Smash" in the newspaper headline is not a phrase you would see in an American newspaper. It's Australian.

The movie starts out alright, but the comic tone at the beginning sadly is not the tone of much of the movie. Then the film tries to be more than it is. Near the end there was this heavy emotional scene where the viewers are supposed to be moved and cry with the characters, but it just didn't work. The "Horror Smash" accident scene around which a lot of the story revolves actually looked pretty minor and how anyone could have possibly been hurt is hard to imagine.

This film has some stellar reviews by IMDb users so far. Look closely and you'll see a lot of those reviewers have never reviewed another film. Gotta make you suspicious. Maybe if you are closely tied to the production, you would really like to believe it is a monumental movie, but it isn't.

Unfocused, meandering plot about a dysfunctional, accident-prone family.

[david-2829 · 6/10 · 23 March 2011]

Confusing movie that can't decide whether it wants to be a dark comedy or a serious and sad drama. This confusion seems to stem from the over-the-top bad luck of poor Billy Conway. I mean, how likely is it that a driver in a residential area has a fatal car wreck while swerving to avoid a bowling ball? Or somebody gets fatally burned (opening credits) while firing up the BBQ? Sure, accidents happen... but not like this.

The acting is fairly good, with Gina Davis playing a dysfunctional mom who has a talent for creative word nastiness. Too bad the other members lacked her verbal flagrancy, if they talked at all. And some of the more interesting characters (the overly sorry girl at the wake... the addicted aunt) are left woefully unexplored.

A few times I also thought it was going to turn towards a teen coming-of-age storyline, but those moments quickly passed in what must've been an attempt to show us that teenage Billy is going through normal stuff for his age? Overall a depressing movie that lacks any insight or specific message. It does show us a slice of dysfunctional family life, but we're never sure what the point is and why we're watching. Some good acting brings it up a notch or two, but can't save a poor script.

Dysfunctional family not funny in spite of promotion as comedy.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 3 June 2011]

Yes, there is some irony in the tragedies that the Conway family undergoes, and I can understand Geena Davis's dark character of Gloria Conway amusement at finding out that her one-time date Bob's wife was electrocuted while using the dishwasher. It's tragedy upon tragedy that makes this odd demise of a character we never meet a bit humorous in an off-beat sort of way. But this is a family that is really hard to watch at times, because they just don't seem all that real to me. Gloria isn't the most likable mom out there (even Kathleen Turner's Beverly in "Serial Mom" was surpringly likable, even knowing that she was a psychopathic killer), and the break-up of her marriage to husband Ray (Joel Tobeck) isn't explored enough to be believable. I actually understood the kids more than the parents, identified with their childish pranks (the scene at the drive-in theatre was quite amusing), and really felt bad for the poor son Gene who ends up in a nursing home after a car accident that killed his sister, Linda. As for son Billy (outstandingly portrayed by Harrison Gilbertson), I felt his pain as well, feeling that he knew that everybody wished it was him, not his twin Gene, who ended up basically a vegetable. Even the drunken brother Larry I could identify with, knowing how deep the pain of loss and not understanding why everything so bad keeps happening. This is a family that needed major therapy, and unfortunately, the poor kids (minus Gene and their late sister, Linda) had to deal with parents that were too selfish to see how their behaviors were destroying the entire family.

This was a courageous role for Geena Davis to take on, much more challenging dramatically than even her role in "Thelma and Louise", and she is excellent. The problem is that from the beginning (when we see the Conway's neighbor killed in a fire caused by an exploding BBQ) there is such a negativity surrounding this family, and the mother is at the forefront of it. Their interaction with the Post family (their other next-door neighbors) is deeply explored, and when tragedy strikes that family (thanks to an intended harmless prank), the two are drawn together. I would have liked to have seen more development of the relationship between the two mothers as they struggled to deal with their grief, anger, and subsequent forgiveness. A powerful moment comes when Mrs. Post (Sarah Woods in a very good understated performance) whispers "thank you" to Gloria after the truth comes out about her husband's death.

I found this hard to give a high rating to, but since I obviously found myself drawn in emotionally and was extremely touched by the ending (concerning the widow of the elderly man killed at the beginning), I ranked this higher than I originally intended. I can only suggest watching this movie with an open mind and open heart because it really is difficult to embrace this family unless you try and understand each character for their own individual pains, which are many.

Sappy Melodrama Dressed as a Quirky Coming of Age Dramedy

[parkinglotreveries17 · 4/10 · 29 May 2011]

This movie hooks you in with the promise of quirky indie cinema and lovable characters, but what you're left with is a pointless, sappy crap.

Awful acting. Awful script. Geena Davis is a saving grace in the film, with barely anything but hokey phrasings and maudlin tone shifts to work with.

The images and music were fantastic, but in between beautiful shots and gorgeous sounds there is nothing but exposition in dialogue, crappy narration at points, and seemingly mindless character motivations.

This is the product of a confused script. It takes from the writer's own childhood, so I can get how it's probably catered towards some sort of reality in the past. But there is no embellishment that makes it into a good story, simply coincidence and misfortune, most of which happens because of the actions of the characters - who contrary to what the movie states, are largely responsible. I mean, the kid throws a bowling ball down the street in the middle of the night and has the balls to say "It wasn't anyone's fault" when a car gets run off the road. Misguided adolescence, maybe. Good filmmaking and relatable themes? Not a chance.

I will concede that the climax of the film, where Davis finally visits her son, is very well done, and probably renders any audience speechless. But this does not save the film, nor does it seem to change where this trainwreck was heading.

I could complain more about the content of this illogical sap-fest, but I urge those of you looking for a quirky indie experience to look elsewhere. There are many better indie films that need supporting.

Showcase of solid characterization, screen writing and performances

[moviebookchats · 8/10 · 28 June 2009]

Accidents Happen – Sydney Film Festival, June 2009 I was sold on this film by a description of Geena Davis who "shines as the screwball mother". The SFF program seemed to promise a screwball family comedy, with Davis' fearlessness in performance carrying the required bravado. So I was surprised when the opening sequence, a slow-motion shot of a playing child interrupted by an elderly neighbour accidentally barbecuing himself, suggested another tone was in the offing: a coming-of-age black comedy. That combination works well here.

To labour the labeling a little, ladling on a portmanteau, ACCIDENTS HAPPEN is a 'dramedy'. It's a realistic story of an early 80s suburban family unit fractured by an auto accident. The emotional weight of their tragedy squeezes absurdity out of the cracks in their stasis. Gloria Conway (Davis) turns her rapid-fire wit to lashing her 'useless' ex-husband but that is clearly a losing game for her as she is not much more on top of her grief for their lost children than he is.

The relationship between surviving but bereft younger son Billy and his ballsy mother is the meat of the film. They present a remarkably compelling take on an interdependent relationship. They made me really care that they would work it out, and a refreshing change from the common film stereotype of merely alienated teens.

The film overall is a showcase of great characterization through screen writing and performances, not just from the poised teen-aged leads but also minor characters like the barbecue-induced widow Mrs Smolensky. She steps startlingly out of being a background character in the payoff scene at the film's end.

That final sequence also left me backpedaling on conclusions I leapt to earlier about the film's symbolism. Up until that point, the crucial role of a bowling ball in the plot lent itself to symbolism of emotional baggage, a crushing burden to carry and destructively out of control when neglected. That ball's ultimate destination revealed over the end-credits indicates the authors either didn't have that in mind, or were pointing us to some other significance entirely. Comments here suggesting what that significance might be are very welcome.

Originally posted at http://moviebookchats.posterous.com/movie-review-accidents-happen

Dodgy

[eucalyptus9 · 3/10 · 16 September 2010]

Dodgy is the word that comes to mind when thinking about this movie. There's some dodgy acting to the point of amateurism, particularly in scenes between Doug and Billy. Although perhaps it wasn't entirely the actors' fault. Maybe it was dodgy scene setup, dodgy directing, dodgy dialog. Even Geena Davis looked a bit non-plussed at times.

Then there's the dodgy basic premise of the movie. It's called "Accidents Happen" but, as noted elsewhere, most of the incidents that happen to this family are the result of their own rank stupidity.

The dodgiest scenes occur towards the end of the film. Mrs Conway lies to the police, forces one of her sons to lie, and compels the complicity of her other son, his friend and his family. So Mrs Post mouths "Thank you" to Mrs Conway during the bingo game. Why exactly? Her son didn't steal the bowling ball, or fire it off down the road to cause her husband to swerve and die, so he's not going to jail. All that Mrs Conway's lie has done is rob her of her husband's insurance money. And she's saying Thank You?

But the grossest scene of irresponsibility and outrageous stupidity is yet to come. Billy decides, with the encouragement of his frail neighbour who has hidden the bowling ball although she looks as though she could barely lift it, to once more send it on its way down a public thoroughfare. So off it goes, winding its way till it ends up in a culvert, from where it comes crashing like a cannonball out onto a public road, to cause whatever unpredictable mayhem. Perhaps this time it could have smashed into a car containing a family returning from a day at the beach and killed them all. Crikey, that would have been hilarious. Instead, it crashes into the police car, which is presumably meant to be funny. What are Billy and his mother going to do when the police come calling? Lie again? Hopefully, the cops will dust it for finger prints and put Billy and the rest of his family in jail where they all belong. Now, THAT would be funny.

Clever, Dark & Incredibly Entertaining.

[nullmovielover · 10/10 · 17 July 2009]

I recently ventured to the 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival to see the anticipated film "Accidents Happen".

I was aware that the wonderful Geena Davis was in the picture which enticed me but was unaware that the cast had a few outstanding younger actors.

I expected a great film from the first scene but did not expect the outstanding, true and genuine performance that a young new shining talent - Harry Cook gave from start to finish. Every scene was honest & true there was an underlining depth that young actors rarely possess. I am never teary in films, but Cook's incredible performance brought me to tears on more than one occasion.

14 yr old Harrison Gilbertson also stood out in this film to me as someone you genuinely cared for. The cast were fabulous.

It was an absolute pleasure to watch this film & Harry Cook stood out in my eyes as truly remarkable talent that the world has been searching for for quite some time. I'm very impressed by everyone's work & look forward to seeing more from them all in the future.

Jane Griffin review-tribecafilm-accidentshappen09(C)

Garbage your brain can do without.

[Crankgorilla · 1/10 · 14 July 2013]

Quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen. Plot goes like this. Family driving in rain. Kid jumps around in car and causes accident. People die. Morbid stuff ensues. Pointless tangents abound. Some parts are so stupid it defies belief. In one part, he kills the father of his friend with a bowling ball then lies so the grieving family doesn't get the insurance money. The family who's father he just killed turn around, forgive him, then his friend enquires if he'll still be boinking his sister! I don't know why this movie ever got made. And what's with all the stupid slow-mo bits of emotionally torn teens flailing about in the rain? I hated this movie so much there is no way I'm spending any more time writing this. Be warned, this movie is a turd. Save yourself two hours of face-palm and avoid this mess at all costs.

Uneasy mix between black comedy and cathartic drama

[Turfseer · 3/10 · 26 April 2009]

Accidents Happen is a chronicle of the dysfunctional Conway family. I managed to catch it at the Tribeca Film Festival. It begins as a flashback to 1974; 7 year old Billy Conway is watering the front lawn when their unsavory next-door-neighbor Mr. Smolensky (we're told that he was a no-good philanderer by a narrator) accidentally sets himself afire and dies while barbecuing. The scene is done in super slow-motion and is photographed impressively. Nonetheless the director makes the mistake of relying on a narrator to explain the back story for the first ten minutes of the film (the narrator is quite annoying).

The second accident is also described through the narrator. The Conways are driving home after attending a drive-in movie when they're all involved in a car accident. The daughter is killed and another son, Gene, is left a vegetable in an irreversible coma.

We then flash forward to 1982 where we're introduced to the present day Conway family. Billy doesn't get along with his brother, Larry, who has a drinking problem. Their mother Gloria (played by Geena Davis) constantly relies on foul-mouthed epithets to berate her children and is on the verge of divorce from Ray, the emotionally distant father.

Billy ends up befriending Doug Post, a teenager who lives next door. Together they shoplift items from a convenience store while wearing nothing more than ski masks. When Billy rolls a bowling ball down the street, Doug's father swerves his car to avoid it and ends up dying in the ensuing car wreck. The police conclude that the father committed suicide because there were no skid marks. Billy and Doug finally confess that they were responsible for the accident but Gloria convinces the police that the teenagers had made up the story in order for the Post family to collect the insurance money.

The film ends with the death of comatose brother Gene. His death leads to a catharsis for the two living brothers and both parents embrace them at the end signaling a new beginning for the family.

The film's scenarist can't decide whether we should laugh or cry for the victims of all the accidents that happen in first half of the film. Are we watching a black comedy as the narrator cheerfully chronicles the demise of the hapless Smolensky? And what about the unfunny scene where the Post family friend pays an overly emotional, over-the-top condolence call to the family following Mr. Post's death in the car accident? While Gloria still pines away for her dead daughter and bemoans the fate of her comatose son, she's more the stuff of black comedy with her foul language and odd behavior. The same goes for Ray's ditsy fiancé who is depicted as completely lame-brained.

I had even more trouble with the second half of Accidents Happen. Now we're asked to have sympathy for all these quirky characters who we've grown to dislike in the first half. We now understand why the teenagers were acting out—they were unable to connect with their emotions due to earlier traumas where either family members were killed or severely injured. Everything is forgiven when Billy and Larry are able to 'emote' after Gene's death. If only adolescent angst was so easily resolved in real life! In the end, 'Accidents Happen' wants to have it both ways. As a black comedy, it seeks to laugh at the dysfunctional characters who inhabit a dysfunctional universe. But then the film's scenarists reverse themselves—the loonies are not loonies after all; in fact they're all a bunch of sensitive souls! If you believe in such transformations, then perhaps I can also convince you to buy a share of the Brooklyn Bridge.

An affecting little film.

[Troy_Campbell · 8/10 · 25 April 2010]

Sydney director Andrew Lancaster did well to lure Geena Davis to our shores to star in Accidents Happen. I suspect he didn't have much hassle with a screenplay as biting and sharp as Brian Carbee's to use as bait. During a Q&A after the Australian premiere Davis herself admitted that she has always been drawn to interesting characters that challenge her; Gloria Conway definitely fits that mould. Carbee arms Gloria with acerbically humorous dialogue throughout – her quick wit a shield for the hurt that lies beneath – in addition to providing an idiosyncratic story about how different people cope with tragedy.

It's hard to imagine someone else filling the lead role, Davis finds such a perfect blend of steeliness and vulnerability that she embodies Gloria completely. The non-spoken instances are given extra gravitas by the Oscar winning actress whilst Carbee's words are delivered pitch perfectly. At the other end of the age scale, the young Gilbertson (also seen in the recent Beneath Hill 60) is one to watch out for in the future. He almost runs away with the film as the emotionally-uncertain Billy, displaying a tremendous power in the dramatic scenes. Best of all, he and Davis share an excellent mother / son chemistry in the movie's most important personal connection, their dynamic relationship is a treat to watch.

Kicking off his feature film CV, Lancaster has started strongly. His sturdy direction offers some memorable moments – the opening sequence comes way out of left field, but works all the better for it – although the slightly annoying 'Wonder Years' style voice-over probably could have been subdued. Lancaster demonstrates a terrific knack for slow motion; the aforementioned pre-credits sequence, the fateful car accident and a touching scene near the end all showcase the tremendous effect slow mo can have if used correctly. Hopefully this affecting little film marks the beginning of a long career for Lancaster.

With a shamefully limited theatrical run in Oz, don't let this one slip you by: write it down to buy the DVD later this year.

4 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)

This movie proves accidents happen

[EmDee-427-469344 · 1/10 · 14 July 2013]

A not even remotely good movie. The actors looked uncomfortable like they didn't want to be there and the American accents kept changing into Australian ones a lot (like they also did not want to be there). I usually enjoy Geena Davis' movies, but in this one her character was not endearing or even funny when she was supposed to be. I did not find the comments at the wake about Doug's deceased father funny- were they supposed to be? Without comedy and any characters to care about there is no dark humor.

Were we supposed to feel sorry for Billy when he was trying to get out of admitting what he did with the bowling ball (even when his friend was begging him to admit it)? Where we supposed to egg him on when he was more interested in looking for a bowling ball that incriminated him than worrying that his friend's father was dead? Were we supposed to cheer when he got out of it and his friend's family had to live without the life insurance and their father was labeled as someone who killed himself?

Were we supposed to celebrate when he was smoking dope with a girl and laugh when he robbed a store naked? Were we supposed to feel sorry for him when his brother in the nursing home didn't pay attention to self-centered Billy? Was this written by someone high on dope? Because it seems to be the only excuse for this accident. This movie should have been called "Stay away from Billy the uncaring narcissist or your death will be labeled an accident or suicide".

Fresh, funny, sad, curious & whippet smart

[medulsa1 · 10/10 · 12 June 2009]

I was fortunate enough to see this film at the world premiere at the TriBeCa Film Festival. And I have to say I loved it. From the opening frames it proved itself to be a film which is fresh, funny, sad, curious and smart.

Geena Davis is a delight to watch as she inhabits this rather self-focused, wise talking character who surprises us constantly with her ability to move through tragedy and yet still find humor and heart.

Newcomer Harrison Gilbertson, at just 14 years old, shows incredible depth of maturity and range as his character Billy Conway deals with the ups and downs of life.

It's essentially a story of life, albeit a life peppered with tragic accidents. But it manages to avoid being bleak, which is quite a feat given some of the subject matter. It's always human and the writing by Brian Carbee is sharp, funny and poignant.

A great film whose visually stunning scenes will continue to replay in my mind, thanks to the brilliance of first time director Andrew Lancaster and cinematographer Ben Nott.

Don't miss it.

Just awful! Never again, Brian Carbee!

[dancinqueen47 · 1/10 · 5 May 2012]

I just finished watching this on Netflix Instant Play & it was completely horrific. Pointless and depressing. It is not a dark comedy and it is not a comedy-drama. Geena Davis had about two moderately humorous lines - the rest of it was completely lacking in humor.

Let me be clear, IMO, the acting was mostly acceptable & I found no fault with the direction. The problem was the writing...awful, awful, awful. You've gotta feel for the guy who wrote this - I'd hate to have a mind that could create something like this.

I should have followed my instincts and turned this off after the first 15 minutes. But based on good reviews here, I figured it was bound to get better. It did not!

Never again will I watch (or read) anything written by this guy!

Movie goes in all different directions

[chrissyyoung30 · 4/10 · 10 October 2011]

Call me abnormal, but a movie based around families loved ones all dying in random car crashes, is nothing I can digest as a comedy. This movie seemed like it was going for a Indie feel, but didn't have any real edge to it. It was a bunch of tragedies after another, but they weren't really funny or ironic. Even the moments that were supposed to be emotional, were awkward or set up poorly. This movie just couldn't pull things together to connect emotionally with the viewer. That said, one thing this movie did do a good job at was with making the set look like things from the 80s. It looked like it could have been the set from E.T..

Monumental... when I stopped laughing I cried great buckets.

[frantinley · 9/10 · 8 July 2009]

'Monumental' was the word that flashed through my mind during the emotional climax. The film itself or the emotional place it had taken me to, I don't know, but that was the word. Mostly I laughed my way through the film but when I stopped laughing I cried great buckets. I also had to keep relaxing the tension in my face and body as I found it a very stressful journey. Right from the beginning we learn that there will be no easy outs, anything and everything can happen. Like all good films this one let me leave my inner critic at the door and completely surrender to the unfolding twisting tale of searing black comedy and bitter soulful tragedy.

Geena Davis has always been brilliant but has she ever had such a brilliantly written role? Has any female actor? What starts as a dragon that breathes caustic wit unravels to reveal a woman that despite all odds continues to be the foundation, mortar and soulful centre for everyone. I found her character so utterly real and so refreshing for a female lead. She had balls, vulnerability, sex appeal, intelligence and of course great wit.

It must be hard for any nationality to see themselves played by others. One character is one thing but a whole neighbourhood and era could seem presumptuous. I couldn't comment on US reaction, accents or historical correctness, however, I did find it interesting to apply Australian storytelling to a universal tale and then set it in North America. What you get is an almost unbearably tragic but ultimately stoic tale told through an unrelenting, disposable wit and a brevity of emotion which never once falls into sentimentality or over indulgence.

It is sumptuous to watch in its cinematography and art direction and the young cast is deftly directed to deal with some of life's cruelest blows. What matters most is the story and there is so much meat to chew on in terms of character, plot and themes. It moves so swiftly from one cataclysmic event to the next proving not only that in life the only constant is change but also that it is bloody hard to keep up with that change; that life is uncontrollable and we are at its mercy to make sense of its absurdity. This film has a great future for a hip audience. From a viewer's entertainment perspective this film is monumental.

What was that?

[me-ga-sa · 1/10 · 2 August 2010]

They were trying to make it funny in a British way I suppose because I don't understand British humor at all. They were trying to make it funny and serious at the same time but the result was a parody of a movie. I usually hate people who say "acting was bad" because I rarely think so but I must say in this movie some actors were acting painfully bad. I couldn't understand the point of a movie. Were they trying to say something with this? Well, I couldn't get the message. Maybe it was said out loud but I couldn't FEEL it. If I can't feel it then I can't believe it. I was too disturbed by the way the movie was made. I couldn't feel anything for the characters, I was feeling like I was watching some bad parody. I can only ask the question "What was that?"...

A great movie, everyone watch it the first chance you get!

[saadgkhan · 9/10 · 13 August 2010]

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN – CATCH IT ( B+ ) Accident happen, is truly a delightful surprise. I am a sucker for Dysfunctional families and Coming of Age movies and this was a perfect combination of both. The movie is beautifully crafted and the slow motion accidents sequences are wonderfully shot. I really appreciate the director Andrew Lancaster who choose a simple story and portrayed so beautifully plus the comic view of severe issue was a different touch. Geena Devis did a fantastic job & her comic timing was just perfect. She proved yet again that she is a great actress. Harrison Gilbertson stole the show for me, he is cute kid and a great performer. I could see in her eyes how talented he was and standing in front of Geena Davis in such complex yet humorous story was wonderful. I surely can bet he will be a huge once he grows up a little more. Overall a great movie with great ensemble cast. Everyone did a great job making this movie memorable for me. Watch it!

Geena Davis almost saves it

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 28 December 2013]

It's 1982, and Billy Conway (Harrison Gilbertson) lives in a shattered family. Eight years ago, his family was in a car accident that killed his sister and made his brother a vegetable. His father has since left the family. His older brother is an angry drunk. His mother (Geena Davis) is struggling mightily to keep things together.

The boy is an irresponsible destructive selfish brat. It is impossible to root for him. Certainly he makes it hard to find anything likable in his behavior. It is very tiring to watch this idiot destroy everything he touches. Geena Davis does get some great lines. In one superb scene, she almost saves the movie all by herself. She's really the only thing to watch this movie for.

Should be a good movie, but ruined with makers

[andras-ocskay · 5/10 · 18 December 2018]

Story good, and there are so much opportunity to make it great, but the durector ruined it.

The worst is the narrator, He killed the atmosphere totaly.

The caracters so simular, cant see who is who. Boys look alike. Bad choosing by casting director.

Dramaturg is a bit boring also.

I dont know why they ruined this geeat opportunity!? It could be so good film, but ruined:/

I am so sorry tonsaw that:(

Excellent Movie- Why Only 2 1/2 stars?

[searchersd · 9/10 · 11 March 2012]

Just saw this "dysfunctional family because of tragedy" movie on cable. Thought I'd give it a try even though it just had a 2.5 star rating and was labeled a comedy (?!). Turned out someone made a boo-boo on both. I was blown away by the story, the directing, the acting, the cinematography... All I can think of is the fact that the movie is "Australian" might have held it back. There was nothing else that could have done so. Definitely worthy of an Oscar nomination for picture, acting and directing. One expects Geena Davis to give a fine performance, but all the young actors surrounding her made her job so much easier. I was crying along with them. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. Leaves you hanging. But, that's life.

Accidents Happen...Esecially When they Made this Farce *1/2

[edwagreen · 4/10 · 28 May 2012]

The Conway Family goes beyond the definition of tragedy. This dark comedy is ridiculous at best because of the story-line-there are just too many unfortunate accidents occurring on the block where the family lives.

We have an old lady running around after the bowling ball incident that you would swear resembles the late Ruth Gordon.

With it all, there is still a remarkable performance by Geena Davis as the embittered frustrated mother. The car accident that killed her daughter and left her son in a vegetative state affected the two surviving sons and led to the dissolution of her marriage.

The beginning with the neighbor burning to death on the grill and the surviving son's friend whose father is killed when the boy and the survivor toss a bowling ball and the father swerves in his car to avoid a direct hit.

A direct hit was needed in the writing of this mess.

Hidden Gem

[scoup · 8/10 · 6 June 2012]

Having never heard of this movie and deciding to tape it and watch later because Geena Davis was in the cast, I was quite happy with the pick.

Here's why this is a good movie - I actually rewound this movie several times so that I could write down a quote from it:

"I could have prevented it, but more to the point you couldn't have. Nor could you have saved him. Some things are just meant to be, sad as they are. We all pay for our mistakes Billy. You paid for yours long before you made them. Now you gotta stop paying. See what the world has to offer. What am I gonna do with it? "

When you write down a quote from a movie so you can reread it, you have a winner.

If it's not for you, some things are meant to be, sad as they are. What are you gonna do with this movie?

Geena Davis is the whole show here

[RogerB-P3RV3 · 5/10 · 24 February 2020]

Dramedy about how families cope with personal tragedies. Most will move on while some will forever stuck in realm of guilt and anger like the Conway's. They suffered major loss after an accident. Mom (Geena Davis) blames the dad and has turn into an abrasive woman. The youngest child 15-years old Billy (Harrison Gilbertson) struggles to find his own identity at home and in outside world.

The period details are pretty good as the story is set in early 1980's Connecticut, America but made and produced in Australia with local actors doing passable States accent.

Davis - the only Yank in the cast - is the whole show here, armed with wacky and often funny put-downs. She does well considering the thin plot and under cooked characterizations. Marvelous slo-mo visuals by Ben Nott (the opening scene is a showstopper).

Honest, relatable story

[gennifer-sindoni · 9/10 · 29 January 2021]

This is a candid look at a family dealing with issues in very real ways. The characters are well thought out and developed. I can't reveal too much without spoilers, but it's definitely worth watching. It'll make you laugh at times, cry at times, but every minute of this film is enjoyable as you follow the Conroy Family on their journey.