Sherrybaby (2006)

Wow, Maggie Gyllenhaal is absolutely brilliant in this as an ex-junkie who upon release from jail tries to turn her life around and get custody of her young daughter that barely knows her.Sherrybaby is a gritty, unflinching indie film that surprised me. For the most part its an emotional character study, with interesting hints of abuse from the father and all-round messed up family relationships.But there are just so many layers to this movie that wouldn't have been visible without Maggie G's stellar performance. I also enjoyed seeing another side of Danny Trejo who doesn't just "machete" stuff, he can really act. Always good to see Giancarlo Esposito from (Breaking Bad) as well. 10.13

If nothing else, "Sherrybaby" is a fine vehicle for the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal, who's memorable in the role of a (supposedly) recovered drug addict and former jailbird who's now out on parole. Sherry is released into a society where she often feels ill equipped to cope, and does the best she can, even if that means giving a man a sexual favour in return for a good job prospect. Key to the success of the film is certainly Gyllenhaal. Sherry may not always be terribly sympathetic, but you do root for her to a certain extent due mainly to Gyllenhaals' riveting, realistic performance.Sherry finds that life outside prison walls is hard to get used to. Her daughter Alexis (adorable Ryan Simpkins) is now being raised by her brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Lynette (Bridget Barkan). Sherry finds that reconnecting with her little girl is difficult as Alexis sees her mom as practically a stranger and Lynette actually encourages the child to address Sherry by her name and not as "Mommy". These and other circumstances are now things that Sherry must deal with as she readjusts to "normal" life.Writer / director Laurie Collyer refrains from ever getting *too* maudlin or melodramatic, which does help matters. Overall the story is not completely satisfying - too much remains to be dealt with - but at least we do get a sense by the conclusion that Sherry is going to be making more of an honest effort from now on. Gyllenhaal is very well supported by a strong cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito as a tough parole officer, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's father, Kate Burton as the fathers' wife, and Danny Trejo, veteran of bad ass roles, who shows more sensitivity and depth in a change of pace part.Overall, a reasonably engaging indie drama that does have its heart in the right place.Seven out of 10.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of those polyvalent actors you mistake for someone else, at least until you've seen enough movies in which she delivered a performance that leaves you with a lasting impression. So she did for me in a few movies; her portrayal of a person with a certain mental disorder I can't identify by name and which would take way too long to describe, assured I would remember her even if I still can't pronounce her name correctly most of the time. That movie was "Secretary". It is not a movie I'd recommend to anyone I don't know well enough, nor is "Sherrybaby". The former, because I might be mistaken for a pervert, and the later because hard luck stories tend not to be entertaining or of interest to most. Gyllenhaal plays the role of Sherry Swanson.The IMDb storyline is adequate enough to give you an idea of the kind of movie it may be. If that storyline does not turn you off and you should decide to watch the film, you'll be more than satisfied. Gyllenhaal is most convincing as Sherry; I can't begin to understand how or what method she uses, but talent is a must to be sure. I need to repeat that this movie is not for everyone; it depicts a very rough life you soon understand is one that started when Sherry was younger. It is a conclusion obvious to draw. This will be hard to watch if you are the mother of a young child. The director probably made a conscious effort to avoid clichés and she was effective in my opinion. If you see any, it's because you don't like the acting as much as I did. Can you remember a movie in which Danny Trejo is a kind and caring person character? Get this; he's believable in that very role in this movie. Now imagine what good stuff Laurie Collyer, the director pulled off with the rest of the movie.

Throughout the entire movie, by the style of clothing, the kinds of cars used, the lack of cell phones, etc...I just assumed that this movie took place in either the 1970's or 1980's, however, during the "family dinner"...when Sherry's Father, Brother, Sister-in-law, daughter, etc were eating dinner, the discussion turned to a viral email that was being passed around at work...THEN, after she sings for her daughter, Sherry's Father suggests that she try-out for American Idol! I'm confused!!!...am I the only one? This movie is one of my favorites, I can watch it over and over! I know that they are trying to portray the whole family as being "trailer trash" which could be why I potentially mistook the time period!