Straight A's (2013)

Although it is classified as a "comedy" there is absolutely nothing funny in this movie. That being said, I enjoyed every minute of it. Ryan Phillipe is really good in this movie and so is the kid. The rest of the characters are somewhat irrelevant in my opinion. Without giving too much away, the ending where they're just sitting the two are sitting enjoying eachtohers company reminds me of my wife and I and really was a great moment. I recommend this movie to everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I watched this film on netflix and to be honest I am kind of used to watching crappy movies on there but today was definitely a pleasant surprise.

I thought I'd heard most vulgar and profane language. I even thought I'd heard it often. But this film took the prize for having the most often, and most varied, use of bad language I have ever seen. Truly. I have seen hundreds of movies, and never have I been so dismayed.I'm not a hypocrite, I have been exposed to it. I did choose to watch it. I have used bad language in my youth. But to use it gratuitously for no reason, with young actors and actresses being exposed to it? Yeah, eventually they will hear it. But for a parent to agree to letting their son or daughter be in a film of such language? Sorry, I could not do that kind of damage to my own.The director, had no sight at all of what he was doing. Netflix said it was a Romantic Comedy. Uh, sure. Netflix described it as an Indie film, and that was true. The director had 4 previous films to his credit. And it showed abundantly. This film was for an audience that I could never be included in.Those that enjoy it, please, do not let me take that away from you. Those that have values, morals, ethics, then beware.

"Straight A's" is a simple family drama. The mysterious Uncle Scott (Ryan Phillippe) and his drug use and slacker attitude is a bad influence on the Henderson kids. Uptight Katherine (Anna Paquin) just wants him out of the house and wants her distant husband William (Luke Wilson) back home. The kids are pretty separate from all of this - they have their own story line where Scott shows them that "there's more to life than getting straight A's.""He loves her; she loves his brother" - the tag line from the film's poster suggests that it's a comedy. Because that's just how love triangles usually play out. But here they went for drama. The drama of a marriage in trouble, the drama of strained family relations and the drama of an immature adult teaching life lessons to children. These are three different themes and stories, and the amateur editing didn't do them any favours. The parts don't add up to a greater whole even though they look like they could be fairly compelling.The main problem as others have alluded to is that it just interesting enough. The actors are all good. Ryan Phillippe in particular is channelling a young Brad Pitt with a Texas accent, a swagger and killer looks to support that swagger. Anna Paquin is way more grown up than we've seen her before - mature with a subdued but strong determination. Unfortunately Luke Wilson is left to fend for himself since all his scenes are removed from the Southern family dynamic.The kids are really just used as filler (and for some reason the title as well) probably to help ground the adult drama - to give their relationship dynamics more substance. But I would like to think that if the character of Scott was solidified a bit more he could have done that himself. Scott is a little strange - sees the image of his dead mother, and it's hard to say what his intentions are with Katherine. At least he's sweet and funny when he's with the kids."Straight A's" has some structure and pacing issues - it moves way too slowly at times. I also think that's what holds the story back. The family definitely has things to say about family dynamics; some of which get dragged out with lack of interest, some of which are a little strange but also a little bit intriguing, and some of which have been told before but there isn't much harm in telling them again. The film is a little too staid to appeal to many people but those who like the Texas/Louisiana culture with some country twang to their family drama should like it a lot.

that kind of movies who rolls questions. beautiful cast. nice story. and same charm of Ryan Philippe, delicate manner to do her role by Anna Paquin and Luke Wilson with personal art to build a reasonable character. it is not an impressive film. only necessary. because it represents one of soups for soul. few drops of magic, an original character, crumbs of love and a sacrifice - the Aztecs are not only detail - as price for happiness. and, sure, adorable children. short, nothing original. only delicate scent from a slice of life. naive but realistic in few lines, it is only fly of a sparrow. or, only, its shadow. a little story about profound things. a lesson. almost pink but far to be boring.