Review of August: Osage County (2013) by Frances H — 16 Nov 2014

Why can't Meryl Streep make a movie that isn't as depressing as hell? The cast is terrific, but why do these films about dysfunctional families always have to be so totally humorless? Because the critics love them and they win the big awards.

Well, in a conversation with normal people I had lately, someone said they hadn't seen an an Academy Award winner in ages. I wonder why? Could it be because people who don't go to the movies out of a desire impress somebody with their massive intellect, but to be actually ENTERTAINED, don't want to spend their hard earned money on something that makes them want to put a bullet in their heads? I have nothing against movies that are serious and teach us something about the human condition, but this film only shows one how to be nasty and mean.

If you're going to make a film about an abnormal family, why not put the fun in dysfunctional, like The Royal Tannenbaums did? We can all use a good laugh--it's healthy! And life can be depressing enough--let us escape for a couple of hours when we go to the movies! That's what they're for!