Review of Welcome to the Rileys (2010) by Sherry H — 09 Feb 2011

Cast: James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart, Melissa Leo, Lance E. Nichols, David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin, Joe Chrest, Tiffany Coty, Ally Sheedy, Eisa Davis.

Director: Jake Scott.

Summary: Devastated by their daughter's death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope.

My Thoughts: "The story is sad, depressing, and dark. It never really lightens up. The story is flawed as well. But the performances and these character's are so honest and raw that it doesn't hurt the film too much. James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo, and Kristen Stewart, all give great performances. I was surprised at just how raunchy Kristen Stewart's character was. She shows herself as the mess the character is. Dirty, gritty, foul mouthed, and trying hard to be tough. But then you see how broken she is, and how hard it is for her to come to an understanding that this man (Doug) doesn't want anything from her, just to help her. In a way it's like Doug has set his eye's on trying to save this young girl because he failed to save his own daughter. Although this was the Riley's story, I would love to see a film based on Stewart's character Allison/Mallory to see what happened in her life that has landed her in the life she's leading. I also felt the ending of the film was unsatisfying. Mostly because it left me wondering what happened to Allison/Mallory. It's a slow burning film that probably won't be for everyone.".