I just watched this last night and thought this movie was REALLY good! This movie reminded me a little of Captain Fantastic, but this was much better. In Captain Fantastic the kids were home schooled, had a bus to travel in, and lived outdoors. In this one, the kids didn't go to school until high school because they would move around so much. Rex (Woody Harrelson) is an excessive alcoholic who would try and avoid the government by moving from one abandoned place to another. Rex would do all sorts of terrible things to his children, but would explain to the kids how he was teaching them life lessons and brain wash them, but you can only use so many excuses so many times before they're unbelievable and don't work anymore. One day, Jeannette (Brie Larson) finally decides that she has had enough and tells her sister's and brother that in order to better their lives, they need to stick together and save up money together to get away from their crazy parents. Unfortunately, things don't work out as they planned and hoped for. I'm not going to say anymore and ruin this movie, but I guarantee you will love this movie! It definitely has an ending you won't see coming. The acting by everybody is absolutely superb and deserves nothing less than 5 stars! If this doesn't get an Academy nod, then there's definitely something wrong with the academy. Read more
Wonderful....both the book and the movie. Read more
This special DVD was received timely and in great condition as I was advised... very satisfied and expecting to be shopping again soon. Rated this item according to decorum and my ability to expect a skilled response... Read more
Heavy film with a solid cast. Well directed, etc. But this is indeed a deep film. Be warned that this is a powerful film. Read more
Woody, Brie and Naomi at their best or at least on par with their best work. This movie evokes an insane amount of emotions for personal reasons but, aside from that, if you know anyone in the throes of alchoholism, this movie will touch you. 4 kids magically swept away by dad's creative promise & vision. 4 kids age up & awaken. 4 kids awake & escape. 4 kids come back home. This is a family born into dysfunction & finds their way out individually & collectively. The dynamics are loving, tolerated, educational, fun, joyfilled, resented, planned, broken and carried out. Throw in abuse, magical thinking, drunkardness, artistry, dreaming & growth and this movie will grip you from some aspect, as a parent or child, you will be taken aback by the excellent acting from the entire cast. You will be touched by the story! Read more
This is a beautifully acted movie and a great adaptation of the book. It gives a window into what life is like for the family of an alcoholic. I saw it with someone whose father drinks, and he said it hit close to home. So much so that it left him emotionally wrecked afterward. Powerful. Read more
I read the book great book and wanted to see the movie and missed it. Have not watched this movie yet but everyone who has seen it said it was a wonderful movie so glad I ordered it now I can watch it multiple times and share it. Read more
This is a great movie. It portrays the life of children growing up with an alcoholic parent and a codependent parent very well. I use it in a treatment setting, where it serves as a compelling and dramatic demonstration of how adult children of alcoholics develop confusion as they grow up. Read more
