White Oleander

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Dani G So-so drama, with good acting. A porcorn movie, nothing more Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/19/24 Full Review maddie g The book is soooooo much better the movie leaves out so many details and doesn't fully encompass the way Ingrid really is, could just be the actress but also has to do with the writing and screen play. Obviously books are always more detailed but this movie would've been so much better with a little closer attention to detail. In my opinion it feels like the writer of the movie did a brief read through of spark notes on the book. I was really looking forward to watching it after reading the book multiple times but I was disappointed honestly. I wouldn't say it was a waste of my time but I feel like if I hadn't read the book I'd struggle to follow along and also would be bored Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/22/23 Full Review Ken R It's a grim view of the Foster Parent scheme that's offered up in this dark and often depressing story - of a young girl's nightmarish journey for loving ‘support'. From a selfish mother to multiple foster failures, we follow Astrid (perfectly played by Alison Lohman) as she experiences varying levels of the ‘careers' from hell - before finding her own place in the world. This cast is professional all the way with some of the best female stars of the day - showing us the way it should not be for a young girl to grow into young womanhood. The script is above average, complete with failed ‘Christians' (and we, unfortunately, know some are out there) but, also suggests maybe the writers could have a scant understanding of what constitutes a ‘true' Christian...as against the deluded. The ending is about compromise but also shows a maturing - that sets Astrid on her way to a balanced life. Direction seems a bit erratic to begin but settles down to a well-informed last half. The large degree of handheld Cinematography at times feels claustrophobic (good for some scenes) but while not as shaky as we all too often see - needed better visual style for a smoother feel to the broader, involving moments. Powerful entertainment, and strong indictment of a failed social structure within too many modern family units, and the welfare state that tries to save what it can - with limited resources leading to many failures for those who seek something to believe in, and a place to call home. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/26/21 Full Review andrea w It was a good movie, but it just seemed to be trying too hard at times to be artsy. Some of the characters seemed too forced. Otherwise, it was an okay watch. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Michelle Pfeiffer's character is rather interesting in this movie. She plays such a toxic, controlling mother, who goes to prison because she poisoned her boyfriend with white orleander. Her poor child. This movie is discussed in the narcissism niche with Michelle Pfeiffer's character identified as a narcissistic mother. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review steve d Powerful performances make this a strong adaptation of a great book. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

White Oleander

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