Steven McDermott

I wanted to like this film. From NPR interviews to print media, I was excited and intrigued. Within the first 5 minutes I was asking myself "why is everyone yelling?" and "this is just a complete film featuring stereotypes and caricatures. The museum subplot was ridiculous and embarrassing in every aspect. A director in THAT position would not behave the way it was portrayed, both professionally or personally.. Actually, no one in the film resembled a REAL person from the community, instead, the writer presented over-inflated, mocking and angry versions of our brothers and sisters. Moreover, the coupling of the two leads would never, ever happen in real life. I wish I could go to a movie about my community that wasn't so filled with anger and bitterness and resentment. I was embarrassed as I watched alone, for the writers who were unable to remove themselves from their hurt feelings and inabilities to be accepted within their own skin, let alone other "groups". Instead, this "dream" of an angry and bitter world is so disappointing and farcical it leaves exactly that, a bitter taste and an exhaustion with writers and actors who have the opportunity and resources to tell truthful, enjoyable stories but instead use the viewer for their angry soapbox.

A very interesting film, but very vague in fully describing the "how's" regarding the curse, if it IS a curse, and how the boy possess the power to cast it. There are too many dangling questions left for the audience to wonder, leaving the viewer unable to attach, completely, the dots at the ridiculous ending. Visually stunning, Perfect and engaging performances, beautiful cinematography, just needed about 10 more minutes of additional dialogue giving the viewer a fuller understanding of the players thoughts and actions.