Review of Monster's Ball (2001) by Krisstolliday14 — 06 Oct 2016

Bleak and depressing which doesn't make for an overly enjoyable film. The performances are touted as the standout of the piece and it's hard to not say that if it wasn't for them this film wouldn't be worth watching at all.

The casting team really take the credit for any high scores the film receives. The performances are top notch individually however the chemistry between the leads is lacking. Their is little to believe in that these two would become a couple .

Contrivance also plays a large part to how they meet. Whether this is to do with the writing or direction it is hard to say but although Thornton's performance is excellent (he is fast becoming one of my favourite chameleons), his character border on the line of stubborn hard nut to naive and feeble.

This is obviously supposed to be the transformation but it feel unheralded. The inciting incident that instigates this journey is rushed, unmotivated and confusing which leaves a sour taste right from the off.

The problems far outweigh anything else. Not enough Ledger, far too slow in places, too morbid, lack of explanation or pay-offs and a resolution that resolves little. Perhaps it is too close to how people live in that some people's lives are just tragic but as a piece of entertainment to watch on a Friday night it is the opposite of what you want to see.

Few scenes strike a cord but not as highly as the performances warrant.