Movie Review Monday 01

Today I am thinking I will review movies on Monday. I typically see at least one movie, every week, and sometimes two to three, depending on scheduling. Having a 13 year old daughter who has discovered that Friday nights are movie nights with friends, I see at least one current movie every week. Most of which will never make my review column.

We also belong to the Blockbuster on-line video club. Here you get three movies checked out at any one time. You can rent as many as you get watched in a month for $ 16.00. We usually manage to watch about 7-8. I let everyone in on the selection process, so I end up choosing about 2 movies a month.

Mostly, I will tell you about the movies that I think are worth consideration, but I might sneak in an occasional stinker, in the effort to save you some time.


The Upside of Anger
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Starring Joan Allen as a grieving, abandoned wife and Kevin Costner as an interested, drinking buddy/friend, this movie examines the temporary insanity we all experience when anger becomes an overwhelming emotion.

When you settle in to watch this, strap yourself to the couch; because, this is one wild ride. Hilarious peaks and deep dark valleys toy with your emotions. I am guessing this is by design, to place you, the viewer, in a better position to empathize with the lead character.

I found myself wanting to scream at Joan Allen’s masterfully played character! “Get over it and move on you cruel b____.” To evoke that emotion in me requires a skillful director. I am typically fairly unemotional during most movies.

So, is it worth watching?

I think so. There is a very interesting twist, at the end of the movie and then a monologue by the 15 year old daughter, who is actually our story teller, throughout. I would recommend the movie just for the lesson that the ending and the monologue have to teach.

I was telling a few friends about the roller coaster ride, which was my experience of the movie. All three said, “Just like real life”, which is interesting to me, since it was three separate conversations at three different times.

I give the movie three hourglasses.

I am presenting the monologue here, because I think it is the most significant aspect of the movie. It really sums up the overall lesson I garnered by watching.

I do not think this monologue will ruin the movie for you, but you may want to stop here just to make sure. I would not want to spoil the ending for you!

I tried to write this, as the girl stated it. The formatting may not be perfect, but it seemed particularly poignant, as recited in the movie.


Anger and resentment can stop you in your tracks.

That’s what I know now.

It needs nothing to burn

but the air in the life that it swallows and smothers.



It’s real though;

the fury.

Even when it isn’t

it can change you,

turn you,

mold you and shape you

into someone you are not.


The only upside to anger then, is the person you become.


Hopefully, someone that wakes up one day

and realizes they’re not afraid of it’s journey.

Someone that knows that the truth is at best a partially told story

but anger, like growth

comes in spurts and fits

and in its wake

leaves a new chance at acceptance

and the promise of calm.