Once in a while, a movie comes a long that tests your manhood. It tests your ability to handle a drama so awkward and unusual, you have no idea what to expect but yet you cannot look away. This was the case with Revolutionary Road, a charming yet dark look into the lives of a young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s, as they struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children.
The Truth
The truth is, Revolutionary Road presents to you no real protagonist, or villain, so you are torn which person you are going to side with. Everyone loves the Wheelers, the good looking husband and wife who seem to have it all. Behind closed doors, their lives are a living hell, they hate each other but still hold onto a small chance of finding the love they once had.
April Wheeler proposes the idea they leave everything behind and move to Paris, to rediscover their lives and start a new one. Frank agrees, but soon changes his mind after a few shocking events happen in their lives.
I got wrapped into this movie, like an old housewife is entangled in her soaps.
There was a pile of popcorn below me that resembled the scene of a carnival, and I found myself acting like all ghetto and yelling “Oh No You Din’t” at the tv, far too often. So often in fact, my wife had to come downstairs from watching Grey’s Anatomy and she was immediately drawn into the film.
My like and dislike for both Frank and April Wheeler changed every 15 minutes. You love them, you hate them… you are just glad you aren’t them. I found myself getting far too involved in the WTF moments, I am such a panzie.
Revolutionary Road WTF Moment
When April Wheeler pulls out the 1955 abortion kit, I was confused. I used the same thing to check how good my antifreezer. WTF! A self administered abortion! Are you fucking kidding me?
The Laughs
It was sort of funny when Frank Wheeler’s good friend nails Kate Winslet’s character in the front seat of his car. They don’t make cars, with this kind of room, any longer. You had it good in the 50’s, big cars with lots of room to make out with the women. Us young kids have to find a way to cheat with our best friends wives in a Dodge Neon, and its not easy.
What’s good about it?
The story is a wonderful one, with really nice performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and the mentally insane Michael Shannon as John Givings. I loved how he exposed the Wheelers for what they were, it was beautiful.
What’s bad about it?
Not much, Revolutionary Road was a really solid drama. The ending was sort of depressing, I could have done with a little happiness.
You’ll Like It If
If you are a little panzie like me, and like to get in touch with your feminine side from time to time, you’ll love it. If you like dark dramas, and don’t need a Cinderella ending, voila! This movie is for you!
Revolutionary Road Reminds me of
War Of The Roses, on steroids.
Revolutionary Road The Verdict
Revolutionary Road was a great movie with lots of wonderful moments and dramatic memorable scenes. Winslet and DiCaprio have a lot of chemistry together, this was an excellent movie.
Tags: Best of 2009, February 2009, January 2009, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Shannon, Romance 2009