Review of Lady Bird (2017) by Tex S — 01 Dec 2017

Lady Bird Gets out of its Own Way to be a Great Film.

Lady Bird is a coming of age story of Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, and it's a well done slice of life. Her mother is overbearing and abusive, a bit of a cliche', but because the character is in the hands of the adept Laurie Metcalf, it works. And Saoirse Ronan is nearly perfect in the starring role. In fact, all the acting is top notch. Moreover, the script works. Clearly, the author, Greta Gerwig , took the time to edit and craft dialogue carefully so that it is natural.

At the beginning of the film, the animosity between Lady Bird and her mother was over the top. But as the film and the charcters developed, the dialogue made more sense. Her mother was unhappy and overly critical, but it was real. The mother isn't a pleasant character, Lady Bird is a bit too dismissive and dad (great acting by Larry McPherson) is caught in the middle. Yes, mom is annoyingly cloying, and Lady Bird is inconsiderate. And that is the way mothers and daughters are toward each sometimes.

The boys in the film are also developed enough to not be stereotypes. It's amazing how a woman can write such realistic male characters. I would never think a woman could do that! The music mainly stays out of the way, and while some scenes go over the top, overall, it succeeds.

Rating: Pay Full Price.

Good acting makes up for a few trite moments.

Peace,.

Tex Shelters.