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A+ |
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A+ |
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| Acting: |
A+ |
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| Direction: |
A+ |
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A+ |
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Amazing Movie!!!
by Xin (movies profile)
Jan 2, 2009
7
of
7 people found this review helpful
Okay so I just watched Phoebe in Wonderland and before I begin this review let me just say that as a young lady with OCD I was so moved by the reality in this film...
Phoebe in Wonderland is a phenomenally unique and creative film full of insight and poise. The film follows Phoebe Litchen a 9 year old girl suffering from Tourette's Syndrome. Tourette's Syndrome is basically a neurological disorder in which causes a person to engage in rituals or tics as they are more commonly called. In Phoebe's case she repeats what others have said to her or just blurts out what comes into her mind even though she is aware that she SHOULDN'T say those things. Children with Tourette's syndrome often suffer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) another neurological disorder which is maintained through rituals. The two disorders usually run co-morbid or can be accompanied by other disorders to find out more visit ****.org In the film Phoebe's OCD is manifested in her need to wash her hands a certain number of times or the fact that she is unable to step on every stair... and other ways that you will observe throughout the film. Now that we have all of the technical mumbo jumbo out of the way... on to the film itself.
This film is the most realistic film I have watched in decades. From the troubles the children face in school to the tireless struggle to fit in. Daniel Barnz is a phenomenally talented writer and director and I look forward to seeing more from him!.
Ell Fanning as Phoebe... well what can I say... Elle delivers one of the most refreshingly real and intelligent performances from a child that I have ever seen. She absolutely shines as Phoebe a child with Tourette's syndrome. She is unsure of what is going on and thus feels like an outcast. Uncertain of what is wrong with her she looks to her quirky theater teacher and her imaginary land of Wonderland to help herself cope with her disorder. Real and truthful Elle will tug on your heart strings and have you wanting more. This girl is incredible!
Another child who I have to mention is Ian Colletti. He plays Elle's best friend in the film... Jamie. This kid can act he pulls you in with his mesmerizing performance as a young boy intrigued by girls. He is called many names in the film insinuating that he is homosexual. He receives the role as the Red Queen in the production. Anyways I am definitely going to keep an eye out for this young man he was great!
Patricia Clarkson as Ms. Dojer (Spelling?) She is just remarkable. That's basically all I can say. She embodies her character so well... it honestly made me wish that I had a teacher like her in my life. She is really something and the scenes with her and Elle are perfection.
Felicity Huffman as Hilary Litchen (Phoebe's Mom). I think Felicity did a wonderful job as Hilary was by no means an easy character to play. In the film there is a few scenes between Felicity and Bill Pullman who plays her husband. You see things from their point of view. Felicity does a great job as portraying the nurturing mother but also receiving sympathy from the audience in that she doesn't want her daughter to be “labeled”. Great acting non the less.
Bill Pullman... eh well let me put it this way... the film would definitely keep sailing without him. There was nothing striking about his performance or his character... he was just so so to me.
Bailee Madison as Olivia... again a child who can act without looking ridiculous. Bailee was impeccable as Olivia the sister who is ashamed yet so in love with Phoebe. Bailee did a great job at making us feel for her but also kept us in line with the fact that Phoebe has a disorder and it is not her fault.
All in all... the film is worth watching. It made me laugh, cry every emotion I felt. The thing that is most memorable for me is the fact that I couldn't take my eyes off of Elle. She really hits it... I mean I knew she could act from day one there was no denying that fact... just this is her first sort of MAJOR role and she nails it. Congratulations to her, she is amazing.
Anyways... SEE THIS FILM!!!!! |
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