Review of Towelhead (2008) by Little Tony A — 02 Feb 2009

What is Alan Ball's obsession with grown men and their sexual attraction to minors? What I found fascinating is the controversy and discussions generated by the title and that the actual content matter of the movie takes a back seat.

And yes, the title is definitely offensive. And the racism the father exhibits towards Tommy is interesting, almost comical (especially the scene where they actually meet). However, I want to talk about the movie, not the title.

Maria Bello does a great job as an in secure, lonely woman that loves her daughter but is threatened by her beauty. She ships her daughter off to live with her father (Peter Macdissi) to learn what it means to be raised in a more strict environment.

He is a jerk, abusive and oblivious (all of which has NOTHING to do with his ethnicity). This stunning (STUNNING) young woman is going through her sexual awakening, and the only person that notices and/or cares is a neighbor (Toni Collette) - who is fabulous as always.

I also loved Tommy and that he was concerned about their intimacy and wanting to ensure that he was not treating her the same way Travis did. I always love movies that start a discussion, and I appreciate any discussions about racism and the power of words and language.

However, I would also love to see this movie used as a vehicle to give young women a voice or power to say yes and no.