This movie has a compelling direction with terrific acting but, in the end, there are a lot of blind alleys in the plot. The director was at the screening I saw and let it drop that it had been through at least one screenwriter change. That may account for the unfinished feel of the story.
If you go thinking you are going to see "Little Man Tate" (a gentle, early Jodi Foster attached project) you will probably walk out of the theater. Several people did at the screening I saw. However, if you go to the theater remembering early Jodi Foster ("The Little Girl Who Lived Down The Lane" or "Taxi Driver") you will enjoy the experience. No, Ms. Foster does not have a large part but the young stars are all up and comers who play the rolls she did at the same age.
Much is made of the animation and it is a highlight. It is not a stunt and advances the movie very well.
Overall a mixed bag, great film-making, less than great story-telling; . . . but worth your time
If you go thinking you are going to see "Little Man Tate" (a gentle, early Jodi Foster attached project) you will probably walk out of the theater. Several people did at the screening I saw. However, if you go to the theater remembering early Jodi Foster ("The Little Girl Who Lived Down The Lane" or "Taxi Driver") you will enjoy the experience. No, Ms. Foster does not have a large part but the young stars are all up and comers who play the rolls she did at the same age.
Much is made of the animation and it is a highlight. It is not a stunt and advances the movie very well.
Overall a mixed bag, great film-making, less than great story-telling; . . . but worth your time