Review of All the Real Girls (2003) by Chance F — 17 Jul 2009

With this film Gordon Green perfectly captures the feeling of an important relationship from it's idealistic beginnings through to it's unfortunate denouement. Watching the film feels like floating back through memories of the past and dreams of what's yet to come and it is for the most part a pleasant ride, with some luscious scenery and strangely hilarious dialogue. The film does however fail to some extent to evoke any of the powerful emotions which are required to make viewing this kind of film a success.

While the obtuse editing and pure realism performances strongly bolster the feel of the film they also act to alienate us from the story delivering only a sort of longing that differs to the peaks and troughs of the on screen couple. It is otherwise a very good film, it's just somewhat lacking the punch it requires to become great.