Petunia (2013)

I'm not sure why this film gets such weak ratings and reviews. I certainly enjoyed it. Maybe it's because I didn't know what to expect so I just "went with it", or maybe it's because I'm older (>50). Regardless though, it's a good little flick.It's a quirky story told in a quirky way and it works. Everything (direction, plot, dialogue and acting) is exaggerated just enough to make it teeter near an edge but it never falls off and that gives it a fresh, slightly bizarre delivery. There's no doubt it's a dark comedy but it doesn't feel like one. Creating that sort of mood isn't easy but Christian navigates it well and the actors are right in step.All in all an enjoyable ride. If you get a chance definitely check it out.

What will you learn of this movie?a) Sex addiction can be cured if you get together with a woman that is plump. Plump means every girl with actual thighs qualifies. Because you will be so grossed out, that you'll never think of sex again. No, that is not ironic, just wait until the last scene of the movie, if you can.b)If you're dieting and talking about it, it's because you have a problem, not because society will treat you like the plump girl above. The lesson is to be skinny and pretend to eat anyways.c) Psychiatrists or therapists don't know what they talk about. Their methods are bullshit and they're horrible mothers.d)If your marriage is down the drains you can restart it by taking Viagra.e)Older women are hilariously vapid and ridiculous with their fillers and such. So same lesson here as in b) Look young and skinny and do everything for it, but DO NOT tell or you are to be made fun of. f) If you do not want to have a kid or give it up, you're despicable and do not deserve or are able to give love! You must be portrayed as a drinking, heartless whore! What else could you be? There are other characters, but they are too boring to even comment on them.Basically this is a movie about how much the director or writer looks down on women.

This was a pleasant surprise. "Petunia" revolves around an extended family. The children are grown up and relate to their parents as adults.These characters are narcissistic, they abuse drugs and alcohol, and mostly they are desperately searching for meaningful lives in our fast paced world.The drama is quite heavy at times, and always fascinating. It's broken up by some truly funny situations. The acting is good, as you should expect from a film like this. Charlie, the lead, is especially impressive as the meek but affable middle son who actually holds the family together.I suppose if I had one criticism, it's that the characters all seem independently wealthy. Apart from that, this is a pretty compelling portrait of modern life. I recommend it.If you liked this, then please check out my other reviews. I try to review the movies which not many people see.

OK. Good premise, good cast, good money. And then - a kind of slow, almost leisurely, but basically rather sad, car crash. Nobody cares about anybody. The parents are so self-obsessed I felt like putting a brick through the screen. It's a good attempt, well (enough) done, but there's really just no-one to like. At all. In the press (here in the UK) there have been a few pundits saying there will be fewer films but they'll cost more. This wasn't cheap, and has decent production values. It's the script, I suspect. If you're a BIG fan of a cast member, then go for it. Otherwise it's a stretch.4 out of 10. Not awful, just a damp squib.