Review of The Skeleton Twins (2014) by Holly A — 13 Jan 2015
Like every year in film, many movies get lost in the awards season shuffle. Last year, "Enough Said" was one of my favorite overlooked movies. This year, I'd bestow that honor onto "The Skeleton Twins.
" Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig star as estranged twins, Milo and Maggie. Even though they haven't had any contact with one another for ten years, they're still connected by their misery. In fact, the film opens with Milo and Maggie both attempting to commit suicide.
Milo succeeds at trying, Maggie is interrupted with a phone call about Milo's attempt before shoving a fistful of pills into her mouth. It's a comedy, by the way. The film is directed and co-written by Craig Johnson.
Johnson keeps a rather formulaic story fresh and exciting. Occasionally, he derails (if only slightly) - when Milo's and Maggie's mother shows up (played by Joanna Gleason) things feel a bit stuffed and familiar.
But there are numerous scenes with the opposite effect. Some scenes feel like they should derail, but they don't. The greatest example comes when Milo and (eventually) Maggie lip-sync to "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.
" I can honestly say that's not a song I'd ever find myself listening to, yet in the film I didn't feel compelled to skip this scene. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a stupid grin on my face throughout the entire scene.
Credit Bill Hader for that.
This review of The Skeleton Twins (2014) was written by Holly A on 13 Jan 2015.
The Skeleton Twins has generally received positive reviews.
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