Comments on: Movie Review: WINTER’S BONE

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:19:11 +0000

The best word I have for this film is strong. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance was amazing. [I have to say, her slight resemblance to one of my sisters made the movie a bit more tense for Brian and I.] John Hawkes put me in mind of Harry Dean Stanton as well. And you’re right, saying I loved the film doesn’t seem quite proper when you consider Ree’s world; but I did love this film.

“…looked like they could erupt into violence at the drop of a hat and it made me so tense, bracing myself for it.” I couldn’t agree more. Just couldn’t relax completely even if the character seemed to be “assisting” Ree. Teardrop definitely, but the women gave me the greater sense of being unpredictable.

A few scenes just killed me with their emotional punch. 1) Ree asking Sonya if she can take on their horse; 2) Ree meeting with the recruiter and 3) Begging her mom to help her “just this once”. I think I was more angry when the recruiter was basically telling her that she’s just got to hang in there and pull herself up by the bootstraps than when the women dealt with her. I just kept thinking, “Buddy, you don’t know from tough.”

Meeting Daniel Woodrell at Bouchercon in October was a pleasure and highlight of the convention! The book is in my TBR pile and really looking forward to reading it! I’m especially pleased that those who’ve already read the book were not disappointed by the movie.

BTW, I’m a fan of your tag-team review, as well!

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:57:45 +0000

Them’s unicorns flying out back there? Thanks for clearing that up. All this time I thought it was something I ate causing those sharp pains.

By: LolosLetters

LolosLetters — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:00:29 +0000

Somebody has to balance out the unicorns dancing out of your a**.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:52:16 +0000

You’re not a Pollyanna type? What are you doing on this site? Don’t you know I only write about rainbows and Care Bears?

By: LolosLetters

LolosLetters — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:44:32 +0000

Funny, I was just coming on here to write the same thing. To me, while the topic and some of the events are certainly sad, tragic, depressing, this was a story of strength and hope and overcoming. And I’m not a half-glass full optimist of a person. 🙂 Maybe I’m drawn to movies like this because seeing people fight through circumstances rougher than anything I have or likely ever will endure gives me a kick in the ass, hope in humanity, whatever. But I’m drawn to them. Totally get the other view, however.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:31:29 +0000

You don’t like to be depressed and made to feel like you want to throw yourself off a bridge, Shell? Truth be told, if I didn’t get to go to free screenings, I’d probably also hesitate to spend my money on tickets to hell. But this is a good movie that made me feel more enlightened if not happier afterward.

By: Shell Sherree

Shell Sherree — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:56:49 +0000

Nope, I’ll be passing on this one. Call me shallow, but I do my best not to voluntarily put myself through the wringer for entertainment. I like to be transported to my happy place! But thanks for the excellent review, PCN and Eric.

By: LolosLetters

LolosLetters — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:49:33 +0000

Just finished 61 Hours. No bets made, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. 🙂 Or perhaps let’s say I’m just too honest to cheat, yeah, that’s it. Hmmm, liked some things, didn’t like others. We’ll have to chat when no fear of spoiling for anyone.

I have the populace aversion as well. But some things override. I, too, beat the Larsson rush, or it might have fallen prey. But it also depends who is recommending. I actually DID read Da Vinci Code and liked it. A fast, entertaining read has its place.

I’ll let you know about Matterhorn and Passage. Passage seemed to perhaps be more about the detective and the girl, which I found interesting. As for Matterhorn, I’ve heard many raves and also have a strange feeling of obligation to read about some things, Vietnam being one of them.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:40:43 +0000

I don't think I can deal with Matterhorn or Passage. I don't read a lot of Vietnam War stories and don't like vampires, either. I also have this weird aversion to reading something I've heard too much about. (Refuse to read Da Vinci Code and luckily found Stieg Larsson before his books exploded over here.) Let me know what you think of 61 Hours after you're done. Did you end up making any bets at all with your friend? No free dinner?

By: LolosLetters

LolosLetters — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:10:24 +0000

Thanks for those links, E. You saved me from HFS, and now I will no longer wonder if I’m missing anything. Great i’view with the sisters McCann. Dumbass that I am, it didn’t even occur to me that the role was played by sisters of a different age. Very cool. They were just so cute and seemed like young girls I would have liked to hang out with rather than…well, let’s just leave it at girls I wouldn’t want to hang out with. 🙂

Interesting you share the 300 page syndrome. There are exceptions, of course, but it takes a lot for me to take the plunge. I just finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, which I adored, even though it could have been shorter. And I have recently buckled and bought both Matterhorn (sucker for that type of book, especially one so well-received) and The Passage. Much more reluctant about this one as the whole ‘vampire’ thing is beyond my interest (way beyond my interest) but so many people have said “It’s not about THAT!” and raved that I caved.

Invictus was good, I think I was just expecting more. Shutter Island defies my description, I’m still not sure what to think other than that I was disappointed. Then again, it wasn’t my favorite Lehane book, either, so that might have had something to do with it.

Finishing 61 Hours today. Reacher rocks. Per usual.