Review of Frankie & Alice (2010) by James T — 23 Apr 2015

The film is not bad, but it feels as though it would have had much more impact a few decades ago, as a movie-of-the-week entry. I give props to Halle Berry. She indeed does all she can and then some with her character.

Dare I say she is actually somewhat "great" in what she has to work with?! The film is an overall average drama, it simply is not the Oscar-bait one it attempted to be. I found the writing and narrative too clumsy to keep momentum going strong.

In terms of movies surrounding psychological disorder and study, this one does not pave any new ground. The twists and final revelations are not too surprising. Perhaps nor should they be, as it is based on a true story grounded in reality of split-personalities, rather than trying to be a thriller, as could have easily be pulled.

And, there are saccharine sweet moments thrown in, including an abruptly wrap-it-up Hostess cupcake ending that just really seem lazy and out of place. There are moments of terrific performance here, but not much else.

Still enjoyable, the film simply isn't one that many will be racing back to any time soon.