October Baby (*½)
What makes October Baby so disappointing is not just the “cheese” that’s spread all over the film like a tray of orderves at a church cocktail party or the uninspired and forceful humor we’re suppose to laugh at; it’s the poor attempt at taking a seemingly interesting premise, a girl who finds out she’s adopted and was a failed abortion, and executing it like third grade love story that “Curious George” could have told better.
Making her film début, newcomer Rachel Hendrix tries so hard to give something to awe at, failing to elevate the pretentious and abysmal writing by the quad writing team of Jon and Andrew Erwin, Theresa Preston, and Cecil Stokes. The Erwin Brothers direct the film as well, showcasing nothing more than a Lifetime movie on steroids.
The only person showing any semblance of acting ability, and surprisingly is quite effective in her scene is Jasmine Guy, best known for her work as “Whitley” on the hit-show “A Different World.” Guy shows vulnerability, tenacity, and sheer dominance of epic proportions. The entire one-and-a-half star is hers and hers alone. She’s the only one who goes above and beyond the call of duty. And if you’re a fan of American Idol, Season 6 10th place finisher Chris Sligh has a role in the film that tries extremely hard to be our comic relief. What’s sad is it might be funny if the writing wasn’t so inexplicable. Sligh may have some acting chops in there. Didn’t get to see it though.
The film is available on Blu-Ray and DVD.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (***)
Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith shine in John Madden’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a harmless British drama about a group of elderly people who take a trip to India to spend their last days in Indian culture. As the film rides the line of cliché melodrama in some of the stories, writer Ol Parker develops one story (Wilkinson’s) in a unique and heartwarming manner.
Judi Dench delivers once again with Bill Nighy showing a more sensitive side. Dev Patel unfortunately is hyperactive version of Jamal from Slumdog Millionaire. Not the actor’s best outing. Stars of the film are the great Tom Wilkinson, who I cannot believe hasn’t had a following for this performance, which stands as one of his best. The other is Maggie Smith, whose career resurgence in this part of her life is quite incredible. Both are on point and in charge.
The film is out on DVD and Blu-Ray today!
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Tags: Andrew Erwin, Bill Nighy, Blu-ray Disc, British people, Chris Sligh, Dev Patel, DVD, Entertainment/Culture, Information science, Jasmine Guy, John Madden’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Jon Erwin, judi dench, Maggie Smith, Ol Parker, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Tom Wilkinson, Writer
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