Review of Welcome to the Rileys (2010) by Kvaughn75 — 29 Oct 2010

I trekked up to the Woodstock Film Festival from NJ a few weeks ago to see Kristen transformed as Mallory/Allison, and I was not disappointed. The theater was packed. While I didn't LOVE the film as a whole, it was just ok for me, I loved the characters and performances.

Kristen poured her heart and soul into this role, and I completely forgot about her upcoming last hurrah in Breaking Dawn as Bella Swan. It is a quiet film until Kristen is in the frame, then it explodes with her energy and vulnerability.

Manohla Dargis of The New York Times said she is an extremely appealing screen presence, and she's right. She is mesmerizing. Despite the ratty, dirty hair and pimple-covered face Kristen shines. Whatever twitches there may be it suits this character and does not detract from her believability at all.

Gandolfini (Doug) was impressive and believable as well, Tony who? His scenes with Kristen were my favorite, and I did not have a problem at all with how quickly he takes her under his wing, unlike some critics.

The impulsiveness of that act, to move in and to try to become a father figure for Mallory is indicative of someone struggling with grief and coping with the death of his own daughter the best way that he can.

Leo (Lois) I adore, and she, along with all of three lead actors, was perfectly cast. Again, I disagree with critics who say the unintended comedy surrounding Lois's attempts to leave the house and conquer her agoraphobia to join Doug in New Orleans was awkward or inappropriate.

It was a welcome relief to the melancholy and drama that permeates the film. Lois's vulnerability and fragility is offset with her quiet strength which she displays later with Mallory as she accepts her husband's need to rescue Mallory, or at least influence her in a positive way for the first time in her life.

These characters are real, and the actors portraying them, especially Kristen, should be recognized come awards seasons if there's any justice in this world.