4 1/2 Stars:
Sometimes when you’re married the only way to see a “guy’s” movie with your wife is to sit through a “chick flick.” I had no idea what “My Sister’s Keeper” was. It stars Cameron Diaz (“There’s Something About Mary”), Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Jason Patrick (“Speed 2: Cruise Control”) and Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”). As you can see this cast has a history of hilarity. I challenge you to find a funnier movie than “Speed 2: Cruise Control.” Needless to say I was in for a surprise when I didn’t laugh once.
“My Sister’s Keeper” is no “chick flick.” I’m not just saying that because I liked it either. “My Sister’s Keeper” is about a little girl named Kate Fitzgerald played by Sofia Vassilieva (“Medium”). At a very young age she is diagnosed with cancer. Neither of her parents (Cameron Diaz & Jason Patrick) nor her brother are matches to be donors. Kate’s parents decide to have a test tube baby specifically for spare parts for Kate. Out comes Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin).
The story kicks off when Anna is eleven. It’s getting near the end of the road for Kate. Kate needs a kidney from Anna, but Anna is having second thoughts. Even with Anna’s kidney, Kate may still die. Anna may die and she won’t be able to play soccer or be a cheerleader. What if Anna needs that kidney later in life? Anna hires a lawyer played by Alec Baldwin to sue her parents for medical emancipation.
What is good? The performances are top notch. Sofia Vassilieva is deserving of an Oscar nod. She was fearless in the role. Cameron Diaz was great. It is good to see her in something other than a comedy. She can be funny, but she proves here she’s a great actress. Jason Patrick holds the movie together. Being a dad myself I found myself relating to his character and liking every move he made. Alec Baldwin shows up for his typical scene stealing cameo that he’s becoming famous for.
I don’t know if it’s because I have a daughter or if it’s because I lost a college friend to cancer, but this movie really got to me. I can’t imagine my daughter going through something like that. The thought of it eats me up. Additionally, Kate reminded me of my friend. His name was Ben Peters. Before getting cancer he just seemed like the ideal guy. Good looking, incredibly smart, and likeable and I’m not just saying that because he’s dead. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, his amazing attitude never changed. As cheesy as this sounds, I could see him in the character of Kate. Maybe that’s why I like this movie.
What is bad? I have read online that many people who have read the book can’t stand the direction the movie went. I haven’t read the book, but I have looked up how it ends. In my opinion, this movie ends much more realistically. I don’t think the book would have translated to the screen based on what I’ve heard. The movie isn’t just about the rights of the little girl, but it’s about how the family spends their final moments together. The impression I’m getting from what I’ve read about the book is that the book is about the little girl’s rights. It makes for an interesting argument, but in the end 90% of the kids in the world are going to want to help out a sibling. If I’m wrong I apologize, like I said I haven’t read the book, so I’m relying on hearsay.
For all you guys out there who want to go see “Bruno” or “Transformers” but can’t because you’ve already seen “Star Trek” and “Wolverine,” and the wife or girlfriend wants to go to one of her movies, give this movie a shot. I found myself gritting my teeth trying to avoid tears through almost the entire movie. I realize that the only movie guys are allowed to cry at is “Brian’s Song,” but this is a tough one not to get a little emotional at. Go ahead, take my man card, “My Sister’s Keeper” is a great movie and I recommend that everyone check it out.
BYLINE:
Bob Zerull is a frequent movie and concert goer who talks about his ventures to arenas and theaters more than any person should be allowed to do. Now, he puts them down on paper. Visit: www.cadaverchristmas.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment