Philomena (PG-13)
17/03/14 21:08 Filed in: 2013
Starring: Judi Dench
November 2013
This review was originally tweeted in Real-time from the back row of a movie theater and appears @BackRoweReviews. Though efforts were made to tease rather than ruin this movie’s memorable lines and moments, some spoilers may exist in the following evaluation. The original tweets appear in black, while follow-up comments appear in red. For concerns over objectionable content, please first refer to one of the many parental movie guide websites. All ratings are based on a four star system. Happy reading!
Sixsmith forced to eat humble pie with a side of grovel sauce.
A BBC reporter’s words, not mine. I’m not that clever.
Desperate Sixsmith decides to accept a “human interest” assignment.
Desperate times…
Philomena returns to the scene of the crime...relives the past.
A truly heartrending flashback.
Sixsmith’s commentary on God’s “weird game” is poignant...a universal quandary.
Philomena goes to Washington. Then goes to see the monument of the tallest president.
Her comment about Abe being tall even while seated is priceless.
“He was smart and he had a firm handshake.” Who could ask for anything more?
A Celtic harp...another clue revealed.
Sixsmith’s “doorstepping” attempt falls flat.
Fortunately Philomena proves more resourceful…and forceful.
They come full circle. Nice T.S. Eliot quote.
Final analysis: another virtuoso performance by Dench. A demanding emotional role and she makes it look easy.
Similarly themed to the indie Oranges and Sunshine, Philomena reveals a dark chapter of Britain’s past.
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars. A sad “true story” that stays just this side of a tear-fest.
It’s no surprise that Dench turns in yet another powerhouse dramatic performance here. What is surprising is just how effective Coogan is in the supporting role. You might remember the actor as Octavius in the Night at the Museum movies. There’s quite a variance in tone between the actor’s typical comedy roles and the straightforward dramatic part he plays here. Characterizing the movie as a straight drama, however, would sell it short since the story contains occasional moments of comic relief, like when Philomena regales the sordid details of the romance novel she’s reading. For the most part though, this is a quiet and heartwarming human interest story that cleverly avoids the kind of mawkish displays normally witnessed in this kind of film. So, if you’re in the mood for effectively told “true story” drama, Philomena should fit the bill rather nicely. And honestly, just watching Dench do her thing is justification enough to watch this film.