I'm kinda disappointed with the dearth of at least 7s for this movie.
It's not a bad movie. As others have noted, the script ain't the best, and the dialogue is lumpy.
So I'll say that the dialogue for most of the adult roles is fine, I think. I wonder if someone else wrote the dialogue for the kids, 'cause it was pretty strained.
River Phoenix was a pretty good actor, but mmm... maybe it was the dialogue, maybe it was the direction of his part, it was a little bit cringe-y. It's like he was being framed as the next James Dean, but this movie wasn't a 50s kitchen sink movie, and he seems to be not comfortable in the role of rebellious teen. The acting seems over the top, I'll blame direction for that. It doesn't fit with the overall feel of the movie, and it doesn't ring true.
Maybe that's the problem with writing for teenage roles? What do I know? Maybe it's difficult to present teenage characters in an un-cringe-y way?
My other quibble is... well, there isn't another one. This is a solid cast, with a decent story, otherwise good dialogue and direction.
I wonder if maybe contemporary viewers are pissed because it isn't a Denzel Washington, slick, Hollywood vehicle? There *are* other black actors, yaknow, just sayin'.
Maybe we've gotten used to seeing such stories presented in a certain way, and this doesn't conform? But they aren't all blockbusters.
I find it just fine.
It's not a bad movie. As others have noted, the script ain't the best, and the dialogue is lumpy.
So I'll say that the dialogue for most of the adult roles is fine, I think. I wonder if someone else wrote the dialogue for the kids, 'cause it was pretty strained.
River Phoenix was a pretty good actor, but mmm... maybe it was the dialogue, maybe it was the direction of his part, it was a little bit cringe-y. It's like he was being framed as the next James Dean, but this movie wasn't a 50s kitchen sink movie, and he seems to be not comfortable in the role of rebellious teen. The acting seems over the top, I'll blame direction for that. It doesn't fit with the overall feel of the movie, and it doesn't ring true.
Maybe that's the problem with writing for teenage roles? What do I know? Maybe it's difficult to present teenage characters in an un-cringe-y way?
My other quibble is... well, there isn't another one. This is a solid cast, with a decent story, otherwise good dialogue and direction.
I wonder if maybe contemporary viewers are pissed because it isn't a Denzel Washington, slick, Hollywood vehicle? There *are* other black actors, yaknow, just sayin'.
Maybe we've gotten used to seeing such stories presented in a certain way, and this doesn't conform? But they aren't all blockbusters.
I find it just fine.