Traci Reason

As an author of a memoir, perhaps I should have read the book before watching this film adaptation, because the book is always better. Amy Adams performance was unconvincing and over-acted. Clearly she has no idea what it’s like to be poor, crazy, or addicted. I wonder to what lengths she went researching the role? Glenn Close, was there even one scene she didn’t have a cigarette in her hand? It was distracting and didn’t add anything of value to her unlikable character. Owen Asztalos/Gabe Basso, young and older JD respectively, carry this movie, as well they should I suppose, being that it’s his story. Unfortunately for me, it is not enough to save this uber depressing Ron Howard film. It also leaves me wondering how compelling the memoir is, that someone thought it would make a good screenplay. Perhaps I will give it a read.