Labor Day Reviews

Even though this movie didn't get much love when it was released, a movie directed by Jason Reitman and starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin definitely sounded interesting so I was still eager to check it out. Well, to be honest, it wasn't really good, I'm afraid. I guess, the main issue I had was that, even though it looked fine and the actors gave some decent performances, the story never really worked in my opinion. Indeed, somehow, they tried to mix some drama, some romance and a dash of thriller and the end-result was some kind of weak version of 'A Perfect World'. This movie also reminded me somehow of 'The Bridges of Madison County', another classic directed by Clint Eastwood. Anyway, the issue with this movie was probably that I never really believed in this set-up. I mean, they gave us probably the least believable meet cute ever and, fast, much too fast, they fell in love and even this process was messed up. Indeed, they gave us Brolin fixing the house, playing catch and, of course, baking some pie because, obviously, that's why you would fall in love for someone. I mean, coming back to the pie, this one was so amazing that the little boy grew up to look like Tobey Maguire and would eventually open his own pie baking shop. That was apparently some seriously  mighty pie then. To conclude, even though it wasn't awful, it was still pretty weak, in fact the weakest movie directed by Jason Reitman so far, but I guess it is worth a look, at least, for the fine actors involved. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I have to admit, I'm having trouble explaining my thoughts on this one, because… I really don't know what to make of it. It's a pretty strange movie.
From the trailer, I got the impression that it was about an escaped convict keeping this woman and her son prisoner in their own home, but she ends up actually falling in love with him. But instead, he turns out to be a legitimately good guy, taking the place of a husband and father figure. The only problem is that he has to keep hiding his presence whenever someone comes to the door. It's just a really bizarre situation, and I'm not sure I mean that in a good way. I guess we're supposed to like the guy, to believe right from the start that the murder he was convicted for was an accident, but I think, in my case, there'd constantly be an ever-present fear that he could snap and kill us at any moment.
For that reason, I was never invested in the situation or cared about the romance. So, during the climax, when he's in real danger of being revealed, they drag the tension out for so long that, rather than being suspenseful, it just annoyed me.
I can't help but think how much better this movie would have been if it was actually about Stockholm syndrome. As it stands, it's just kind of confused and underwhelming.

My rating: 50%

A novel based on family drama of the same name from the director of 'Juno'. A drama that revolves around three characters, a mother, her son and a felon who is on the run. The cinematography was good and so the direction. Recent best performance by Kate Winslet and it will be remembered for Josh Brolin's best appearance in a romance-drama. Fractionally underrated movie everywhere that needs a support from the movie goers. So why don't you try, it may amaze you.

The story sets in the 80s in a small town. An ordinary family of mother and son filled with sorrows living quite a solitary life. Then one day they meet a wounded stranger and enforced to help him. Later they come to know the true identity of the man. The son who is always concerned about his mother feels a man's intrusion may harm her. So, will the family coop with him until he decides to leave is the story that expounds.

A bit of melodrama with tensed scenes often gives viewers wide awake. The highlight of the movie was it is not a Disney movie, but looks like one. You know why, there's no violence like theme like this should have one. At first it was hard to believe in a movie with stars like Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin had no sex scenes. It's better without them and I liked it that way, gives an opportunity for the wider audience.

I don't think losing my father broke my mother's heart,
but rather losing love itself.

Characters wise, it was a sensitive narration, but overall not an empirical. If you watch it you will come to know it that in reality, people's ideology towards outsiders differs. As a movie, it worked well to be called a fine piece of craft which is absolutely an enthralling. It was way, way better than I thought. I guess, somehow it will do justice to your expectation as well if you take a chance on this.

7.5/10