Review of The Forger (2011) by David H — 14 Aug 2012

It was not a terrible movie, don't let anyone say so. There are points where it does feel a little overbearing, though. The drama is a bit overplayed in certain parts - especially in one moment from Lauren Bacall, surprisingly.

Though, looking at the movie as a whole, and the fantastic cast that was picked, everyone did their best with the material. That's really where the film's flaw is: the writing. I felt all the actors gave very realistic, convincing roles given what they had: Dina Eastwood, Alfred Molina, and Hayden Panettiere especially.

Josh Hutcherson shows a real natural talent, too, much like his character. Spoilers to follow. I just thought it was weird that the norm of this town was breaking into people's places and snooping around or what-have-you.

First, I thought it was just Joshua's thing, but soon everyone's doing it! In a couple of places, the sequence of events feels forced - like Molina's character appearing out of nowhere to chat with Joshua, and Panettiere's brother forcing Joshua to make up with her - there just to get things moving.

But, most awkward for me, was how Joshua felt like he had to keep the painting hidden from Everly throughout the whole last third of the film...if he was just going to screw him over anyway. Obviously, he had put Dennis in place long before he finished the piece, so why not let Everly keep the painting and enjoy a boosted confidence? It made Everly's search for Joshua not at all exciting or dangerous.

Also, putting Dennis the Menace in the painting was genius, why didn't we get a very clear shot of that? I only just barely saw it when they're scanning the painting. And, I admire Ann-Marie "coming out" to everyone at the end, but from a story-teller's perspective, it made the film clunky at the end.

..when her purpose for coming out was already taken care of by Joshua's planning. She felt inconsequential and silly, whereas she could've admitted what she did to Joshua, privately, at the end when he decided to join her anyway (since he already knew she had done forgeries before).

Would have made it more personal, and more redeeming for both of their characters. In the end, I did enjoy it, but mainly for watching a group of actors I seriously enjoy work their craft.