Review of Mask (1985) by Johnny T — 29 Jan 2013

Cher won the Cannes Film Fest acting kudo for playing a non-traditional mother in Mask. Movies don't often grab us as quickly as "Mask" does. The story of Rocky and Rusty is absorbing from the very first, maybe because the movie doesn't waste a lot of time wringing its hands over Rocky's fate, "Mask" lands on its feet, running. Mask is a wonderful movie, a story of high spirits and hope and courage. Stoltz's performance is amazing, with the young actor able to show emotion only with his eyes because makeup covers the rest of his face. The makeup by Zoltan Elek and Michael Westmore received an Oscar. Bogdanovich invests the story with warmth, generosity and considerable power. The film's undeniable impact comes from Bogdanovich's willingness to go too far with practically every emotional moment, while maintaining a distant, classical visual style that gives the film a surface.

VERDICT: "High-Quality Stuff" - [Positive Reaction] This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent. (Films that are rated 3.5 or 4 stars).