I don't usually post reviews because they are after all subjective, but I can make a few exceptions. Here's one from rottentomatoes.com
Welcome to the Rileys, to its credit, doesn't conform to narrative expectations. It's a drama, but a drama on the edge of utter destruction. Kristen Stewart is Allison ... or Mallory, depending on the scene (trust me, this makes sense). She's an exotic dancer in New Orleans, she meets James Gandolfini (who is on a business trip), and we're off from there.
James Gandolfini (as Doug Riley) is a damaged man. His wife, played by Melissa Leo, is a damaged woman. And of course Kristen Stewart's Allison is not exactly emotionally stable. As such, the interplay between the relationships involved is fraught with peril. It makes for an engaging, if tense, viewing experience.
On the acting front, Stewart is a live wire throughout the near two-hour running time presented here. She comes off like a rabid dog, completely unpredictable; it's easy to see why directors see so much potential in her work. She's great here. Gandolfini is also excellent, he continues to pick tremendous scripts (his work in In the Loop was also exceptional).
The intriguing part about Welcome to the Rileys is the innovation level of the story itself. It's not about New Orleans, it's not about strippers, it's not about any one thing in particular, though the broad themes of personal responsibility, grief, and trust are certainly broached. Each scene involves heavy doses of dialogue, but heavy doses of silence and body language, too. It's a patient and deliberate effort out of director Jake Scott and it portends well for his career. Mr. Scott clearly has a deft touch, something that will serve him well should he choose to continue in the genre of indie/dramatic work.
My only knock on Welcome to the Rileys? It's probably too subtle a work to really stick with viewers. The dialogue and settings are so natural that they don't lodge in your memory for long afterward. But you could do far worse. See it for Stewart's electric performance, Galdolfini's papa bear strength, or to scout an up-and-coming director in Jake Scott. If it makes it to a theater near you, give Welcome to the Rileys a few hours of your life. We'll meet back here to discuss.
Grade: B
via Kstewartfans


10 comments:
Am so looking forward to seeing this movie. Hope it doesn't take forever to come out in Australia
What a great review! Not surprising though. Kristen has always been a great actress. I'm glad people are recognizing it. I've always believed in her abilities and will support her in what ever she does. Kristen is sensational : ) LOL!
What a greatreview for Kristen. Ihope the movie does well. I plan on seeing it. Hopefully, it will come to a theater near me.
can't wait can't wait can't wait!im gonna love this movie :) :)
-jcam
Critical acclaim all around....awesome exposure for the BB girl, and she so deserves it!!
Wow wow Kristen your amazing, i will see WTTR in theatre or dvd! cant wait.....
I will take off from work, and if they put me on schedule, I will call in sick.
I will feel sick anyway if I miss it.
Screwmymortgage.
B is good considering how harsh critics can be,but yeah its all subjective. i do not know how many films i saw that were rated A and i did not like, so there you go!
Kris is an amazing woman and she was excellent on whatever she does.
WTTR will be a good movie and i think that film show all the Kristen's great performance :))
Have a great friday everyone,
D.
I think the comment/review of KStew's performance is spot on. Observed her transistion to acting is second nature to her... Instant...the reflexes/reactions of her facial expressions.
She could be sweet, happy & smiling, high spirited then suddenly she can execute that "bitchface" in split seconds.
That's her !!!!
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