Bringing Up Bobby (2012)

I liked Famke Janssen's directorial debut, which was made on an austere budget and shot in Oklahoma in just 20 days, well enough to want to see her next film, which I hope there will be, as it is difficult to make this kind of independent film and release it.In this film, Milla Jovovich is what she excels in being, which is enchanting and mesmerizing on several levels, as she portrays a loving but dysfunctional mother in a way that draws you in and makes you empathize as well as sympathize.Famke Janssen's story is original, the locations are great, as is the cinematography, and the scenes are cut together flawlessly, building a sensible arch of narrative and emotion to a worthy conclusion.In other words, a very good job from writer Famke Janssen, director Famke Janssen, cinematographer Guido van Gennep, producers, cast and crew.

A stab at a comedy mingled with drama. It doesn't entirely work, even if the actors at work do try their best (even if it doesn't feel like that at times). The story being told from the point of view of Milla is interesting. It might have been more interesting, if we'd seen the whole thing through the eyes of the son. There are times when you wonder what is going on there.Apart from that you have a stellar cast together. Which of course might have to do with the fact, that Famke Jansen is directing. Not a bad try for a movie and I'm sure the script did sound great too. The making it into a movie process, is entirely different of course and there are quite a lot of flaws to be found here (character but also plot wise). A nice little movie then

"I just don't want Bobby to end up like me and you." Olive (Jovovich) is a single mother/con-artist who is trying her best to raise her son Bobby as best as she can. Bobby starts to act up in class but Olive doesn't see anything wrong with what Bobby does. When a freak accident causes Kent (Pullman) to come into their lives Bobby has a chance at a better life, but Olive has a choice to make. This is not a bad movie at all but it is another movie that has a lot of heart but really nothing else. It's not a total nothing movie because there is a plot but it has the feel of a movie that is just made in order to spend money. I'm not saying that this is a bad movie because I did enjoy it and it was a decent watch, but don't expect anything that will make you think. There really is nothing else to say about this other then that. Overall, a decent watch but nothing amazing. I give it a B-.

Leaving the theater I was still emotional from this film. It took an hour or so after the film was over for me to recover. Milla J. has at least one scene in this film that will rip your guts out. Marcia Cross is also surprisingly tender and delivers an incredible supporting performance while Rory Cochrane is so much fun that you are dying to see more. Famke's directorial debut is of her own screenplay. The story is poignant and the scenery in this film is refreshing. She humbly pays homage to past eras and filmmakers that influence her in a fashion that will appeal to the most calloused critic while presenting a wide appeal. It delivers a respectful nod to an honored filmmaking heritage that serves her story so well while remaining relevant. That is delicate artistry.Milla J. plays an Eastern European Con artist that is struggling to raise her American born son with little more than her looks and the charisma she developed watching gangsters in American films. When the veneer finally falls off watch out! Milla delivers! As she throws in the towel on her criminal ways one thread at a time one can't help but find a way to relate to the struggles she and her son are faced with. Spencer List gives a great performance as Bobby. Keep an ear out for songs from Milla and the Flaming Lips as well. Nothing is arbitrary in this film. I cannot wait to see her next creation!