Review of Towelhead (2008) by Jams G — 26 Apr 2009
Alan Ball wants to be the latest Douglas Sirk. Caught between an immature, needy mother and an arrogant, rigid father, 13-year old Jasira falls through the cracks as she approaches adolescence. The problem with this movie is that it doesn't say anything new.
The white, married Army Reservist lusts for the 13-yr old girl, calling her beautiful to her face and "towelhead" behind her back. Jasira's father spews hatred towards those who brand him a "Sadaam-lover" while forbidding his daughter to see her African American boyfriend.
The shock factor blinds viewers to the fact that these underbellies have already been exposed many times. Also, with the tabloid factor of the film: "13-year old girl preyed upon by married Army Reservist neighbor!" combined with his mainstream hit "American Beauty," Ball would have us believe that behind every surburban door there are monsters and skeletons, and that the suburbs are a landmine of pedophiles and philanderers.
The characters are memorable but mostly trite. Toni Collette plays a heroic role as Jasira's well-meaning neighbor, seemingly the only one who has Jasira's well-being in mind (along with her Peace Corps vet husband).
This review of Towelhead (2008) was written by Jams G on 26 Apr 2009.
Towelhead has generally received positive reviews.
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