Review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) by Ivan L — 16 Aug 2011

Two people want ownership of a house. Neither are willing to give up on it. It's a story of relatively decent people with the worst brought out in them. Only problem is, it doesn't really play out that way.

Jennifer Connelly's character is such a horrible person that it's virtually impossible to sympathize with her. She's willing to manipulate and endanger people just to get what she wants, and then cries and whines whenever it doesn't work. Kingsley's character does experience the odd lapse in judgment, but is genuinely a good person. And that's the problem. It's too easy to pick sides. The film becomes about a broken woman who terrorizes a family, which I don't think was the intention of the filmmakers.

Still, 'Sand and Fog,' is well written, impeccably acted, and unexpectedly gripping.

--8.3/10--.