Review of Manchester by the Sea (2016) by Brendan H — 31 Aug 2017

Too much of the film didn't feel real, deadpan actors delivering bland, hackneyed dialogue. Patrick character was just a confluence teenage cliches, portrayed by an unimpressive Hedges. Though the climax was not expected, I can't help but feel that the film would be both more enjoyable and moving if Affleck's character was dynamic and redeeming, instead of remaining his same mopey self for 135 minutes.

In addition, the real tension in the film came from learning Lee's past, and truthfully the rest of the film isn't quite as interesting after this first turning point.