Customer Reviews

The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a fairly common story of a troubled teen coming of age. The problem is, there isn't much for him to come to age to, as there's nothing terribly new or original. In other words, it's a dreaded "retread".

The plotline was weak, and Charlie's (Kevin Zegers) travails with the "bad boys" in the beginning, which were supposed to introduce us to his harsher personality, were silly and unbelievable. Regarding these "bad boys", they looked more like the geeks they were teasing. I wouldn't have been intimidated by any of them in high school, even if I was a Freshman and they were Seniors.

Gena Rowlands saved this film from obscurity, as did Kevin Zegers, though to a lesser extent. He's clearly trying to add depth to his acting career, and that's terrific. There's still some room for him to grow. Gena Rowlands is *always* terrific. Her warmth infected and graced the entire film.

For all it's failings, it was still an emotionally evocative film at times, with one profoundly moving event at the end of the film. And Charlie did experience growth, which helped him put his family back together.

However, that's the biggest problem I had with the film. Without giving anything away, Charlie wasn't the person that needed to put that family back together (regardless of the silly contrivance that was written in to make it seem as such). It was the mother and the father, because both are pretty horrible people on the inside, but all we see is a father played as a typical jerk, and mother played as a typical drunk. Again, nothing fresh or original about their characters.

While the storyline is a bit weak and seems scrambled, Gena Rowlands and Kevin Zegers (who plays the troubled teen) are superb! They both light up the screen with powerful, moving character acting that is unlike most films today. As the story plays out, the troubled young man has to struggle with anger and resentment towards his abusive parents all the while trying to find his place in this world and meaning of life. After a series of poor choices and getting caught, his school principal gives him the choice of being expelled from school or to pay penance for his actions by helping out Mrs. Ritchie (Gena Rowlands) and her two metally challenged sons. Mrs. Ritchie turns out to be an ailing old woman who hasn't quite got over her husband (who sometimes makes angelic appearances just at the right moments) who previously died.

As the movie moves forward, both characters learn valuable lessons from each other, and Zegers' character learns how to bring his family back together. While the acting is dynamic, the movie would be a complete flop without Zegers and Rowlands. The storyline isn't real solid and often leaves too many open questions. Yet, the film is well worth watching simply for the sake of watching the two great actors give life to dying characters. Truly one of my new favorites but only because of the acting. Worth seeing!

This is a surprisingly emotional and captivating flick. I found this movie to be somewhat cliche at times, but the fact is, I didn't really mind. The simple story and lovable characters drew me in and held me. Gena Rowlands in the title role was, as always, engaging and lovely to watch. The other actors did a fine job as well, but I was particularly intrigued by the rather convincing portrayal of Mrs. Ritchie's mentally challenged son by an unkown actor named Jeremy Raymond. This is a fine movie that can be enjoyed by all, I would strongly encourage everyone to check it out.

A truly fine movie exploring the problems of teen peer pressure, confusion, identity and the need to belong. Gena Rowlands does an exquisite portrayal of a fine "sage" who indirectly comes to the age of a young man in crisis. Kevin Zegers does a marvelous job portraying the troubled teen who is caought in a lifelong struggle of being honest with those around him. A great FAmily MOvie and a wonderful teaching tool.