Review of Sherrybaby (2006) by Kate . — 20 Jun 2008

There's nothing terribly wrong with 'Sherry Baby'. Its direction is realistic and its acting quality is of a high standard - It just lacks the emotional crunch that melodramas of a similar kind usually have.

Sherry, a recently paroled and recovered heroin addict tries to clean up her act and build up the distant and broken relationship she has with her young daughter. Along the way she is threatened by temptation, addiction and facing up to her troubled past.

Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a superb performance in the lead role. Although the character has many flaws, Gyllenhaal still makes her likeable by giving her a great emotional strength and resilient attitude.

My main criticism of the film is pacing and just general narrative. There is not much in the text that is original plot-wise, and it does seem quite stretched over the considerably short 90 minutes. Having said this, the film is still worth watching, despite it's slight weakness in delivery.

Not bad.