Review of Running with Scissors (2006) by Lisa L — 18 Jul 2008

This ensemble feature puts you into an environment of excentric characters, weirdness and mental instability. Apparently based on Augusten Burroughs real experiences, we follow his early life patterns mostly connected to his bi-polar mother (Anette Bening) and the difficulties they have to face both together and seperatley. Augustens mother eventually ends up in the hands of Dr. Finch played by Brian Cox, and his at times unusual teraphy methods. This creates new difficulties for them both.

"Running With Scissors" lacks emotional substance (despite heavy topics), a solid structure and dialogue that is believable. This piece suffers as well from massive overacting (mostly Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Cross, Evan Rachel Wood and Anette Bening at times) and it brings out a strange comedy feeling that serpentine its way throughout the running time. This movie has certain connections to "Fierce People" and both are not even close to the goal. Nopes, this is not working.