The Gift (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Annie Wilson (Cate Blanchett) is a young widow with 3 young boys in 'The Gift' (directed by Sam Raimi). Having lost her husband 1 yr. ago, she must provide for her family by reading cards/telling people their future ... it's her 'gift'. Though you'd think a place like Georgia would seem open to something as hokey as spiritual freedom or precognition ... most of the people in her backwater town disapprove of Annie's psychic magic; thinking it fraudulent. One such character who believes her work to be devilish is Donnie Barksdale (Keanu Reeves), the abusive husband of one of her clients, Valerie (Hilary Swank, fresh off her Oscar win for Boys Don't Cry). One of the only people who actually supports/believes Annie is the emotionally-disturbed town simpleton, Buddy Cole (a riveting Giovanni Ribisi).
Situation arise where a possible romance btwn. Annie & Wayne Collins (Greg Kinnear), the principal at her son's school, is in the cards. Then again, a relationship wouldn't work anyway as he is already dating Jessica King (Katie Holmes), daughter of one of the town's most respected officials. Disaster strikes when Jessica winds up missing, & then dead. Annie doesn't will it upon herself, but she can't seem to shake some visions that keep haunting her. These visions lead her (and the police) to the victim, & Donnie is implicated in the murder. But while Annie seems genuine, the cops question her knowing the location of the body. Did Annie kill Jessica? Why would Donnie do it? Why won't Annie's visions stop? Is something else afoot?
Everything unfolds in a final confrontation btwn. the real killer & the possible killer; and whether for good or for bad ... some supernatural interference helps one of them out. 'The Gift' is an example of how great directing, great acting, & stirring visuals can transform an okay movie (on paper) into a truly gripping affair. For its genre, this movie offers the usual jolts, ghosts, loud noises, & 'twists' at the end ... and it's all executed so very well. For good measure, the film even includes a court room trial. Now, 'The Gift' ends on a slightly silly note, but because the 1st half of the film sets up the situations, the characters, & the mood so well, we gladly go along for the crazy ride. There is a boatload of genuine scares to be had. And suspense is slowly built throughout the entirety of the film. The best movies can achieve this. It's also interesting to note that Billy Bob Thornton was one of 2 writers on this movie; adding his enticingly awkward literary flair.
'The Gift' isn't the most groundbreaking or outstanding film out there; and some characters do some uncharacteristic things late in the proceedings. To cap it off, the climax is a both melodramatic & otherworldly {interesting mix, eh?}. But hey, few, if any films are perfect. Someone who's near-perfect in the lead role is Cate Blanchett. Annie is an uncertain, haunted, tired young woman. She can't help but to harbor the psychic abilities that she does. But as the film progresses, she really grows a backbone & comes into her own. Blanchett lends her subtle touches & innate instincts to an already unforgettable role. And she is aided by a great ensemble cast; there isn't a weakling to be found. Swank & Ribisi are superb. And Keanu Reeves radiates evil as violent redneck, Donnie. Overall, you'll be glad to have witnessed this slightly odd, scary, tense, sexy, twisty whodunit. Just have a pillow nearby to bury your head into during the creepy moments {wink}.
Situation arise where a possible romance btwn. Annie & Wayne Collins (Greg Kinnear), the principal at her son's school, is in the cards. Then again, a relationship wouldn't work anyway as he is already dating Jessica King (Katie Holmes), daughter of one of the town's most respected officials. Disaster strikes when Jessica winds up missing, & then dead. Annie doesn't will it upon herself, but she can't seem to shake some visions that keep haunting her. These visions lead her (and the police) to the victim, & Donnie is implicated in the murder. But while Annie seems genuine, the cops question her knowing the location of the body. Did Annie kill Jessica? Why would Donnie do it? Why won't Annie's visions stop? Is something else afoot?
Everything unfolds in a final confrontation btwn. the real killer & the possible killer; and whether for good or for bad ... some supernatural interference helps one of them out. 'The Gift' is an example of how great directing, great acting, & stirring visuals can transform an okay movie (on paper) into a truly gripping affair. For its genre, this movie offers the usual jolts, ghosts, loud noises, & 'twists' at the end ... and it's all executed so very well. For good measure, the film even includes a court room trial. Now, 'The Gift' ends on a slightly silly note, but because the 1st half of the film sets up the situations, the characters, & the mood so well, we gladly go along for the crazy ride. There is a boatload of genuine scares to be had. And suspense is slowly built throughout the entirety of the film. The best movies can achieve this. It's also interesting to note that Billy Bob Thornton was one of 2 writers on this movie; adding his enticingly awkward literary flair.
'The Gift' isn't the most groundbreaking or outstanding film out there; and some characters do some uncharacteristic things late in the proceedings. To cap it off, the climax is a both melodramatic & otherworldly {interesting mix, eh?}. But hey, few, if any films are perfect. Someone who's near-perfect in the lead role is Cate Blanchett. Annie is an uncertain, haunted, tired young woman. She can't help but to harbor the psychic abilities that she does. But as the film progresses, she really grows a backbone & comes into her own. Blanchett lends her subtle touches & innate instincts to an already unforgettable role. And she is aided by a great ensemble cast; there isn't a weakling to be found. Swank & Ribisi are superb. And Keanu Reeves radiates evil as violent redneck, Donnie. Overall, you'll be glad to have witnessed this slightly odd, scary, tense, sexy, twisty whodunit. Just have a pillow nearby to bury your head into during the creepy moments {wink}.