Review of Jolene (2010) by Thomas W — 28 Apr 2011
Jessica Chastain is beautiful and has some skills. That is actually all I need to say about the movie ... because she is simply the best part of Jolene. Saying that, the movie isn't bad ... it just isn't nearly as epic as it wants to be.
It is a fine character study of a used-and-abused young woman (Chastain -- the upcoming Tree of Life [with Brad Pitt], Wild Salome [with Al Pacino] and The Help [does it matter who stars in this?!!?]) who cannot really catch a break; but the movie isn't polished.
It has a great supporting cast of men who come in and out of her life (generally using the beauty) but none of them have any moments of glory ... as each of them get about twenty-five minutes of film to display their womanizing acting-skills.
Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding, Zodiac, The Family Stone), Michael Vartan (Never Been Kissed, Alias, Monster-in-Law), Rupert Friend (Queen Victoria, Pride & Prejudice, Cheri), Chazz Palminteri (Bullets Over Broadway, A Bronx Tale, The Usual Suspects) and [the female] Frances Fisher (Titanic, Blood Work, Unforgiven) all enter into and out of her life.
It is her strong will and character that makes Jolene surive each of their encounters. Not all of them are simply out for their own good; but they each make Jolene grow and mature in ways she hadn't before.
They all make Jolene the strong woman she becomes. Jolene is a fine film; but not great. If one gets easily bored with trials and tribulations, than I recommend avoiding Jolene. It is a film for those who appreciate character development and true-characters.
Chastain will no-doubt be a star ... there is just something about red hair (no wonder so many people were smitten with her). Swoon ...
This review of Jolene (2010) was written by Thomas W on 28 Apr 2011.
Jolene has generally received mixed reviews.
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