Hillbilly Elegy

Don't know why there are such low scores and reviews, it was a very engaging movie, and the acting all round was top notch.

While I hoped this movie would be more well made then it was, it was still great to watch. It was nice to see a movie that felt very familiar, especially coming out on a big streaming platform like Netflix. They did a good job with this one. Glenn Close was amazing every second she was on camera, and definitely carried the film. The music was nice too, and the film feels very authentic. It might not be perfect, but Hillbilly Elegy should definitely pique anyone's curiosity and be able to hold on to them for the entirety of the film. Go watch it and decide.

Eeww a liberal. Not a commie though. Definitely worth watching with a good message. Depressing and yet inspiring. Can't help but root for the guy. Probably won many votes.

Though if Mawmaw was running for office, I'd vote for her.

I wonder how much is accurate and how much Hollywood altered with artistic liberty. The self deprecation seemed earnest. I think most people would support someone who is real, flawed and honest rather than some plastic, narcissistic phony politico. Many Presidents come from wealthy arrogant families and don't understand or care about us regular folk.

All the actors were great. Bravo. Wonder why this didn't receive more attention before the nomination.

Trying to figure out why the critics' score is so different from the user score and all I can think is because the former is detached from the reality of rural white poverty. Living and teaching in an area similar to where J.D. comes from, I see his struggle of trying to escape poverty through education and the impact of drug abuse on communities on a regular basis. It's easy to dismiss this as "Oscar bait" and it definitely is...but it's also a movie, though really difficult to watch at points, that tells the uncomfortable reality for far too many.

I thought this film was a great drama that uses flashbacks of the past to explain what's running through J.D.'s mind as he tries to navigate university and his moms constant drug addiction. The acting was powerful all the way through. It has gripping emotions from start to finish that shows how bad you have to work, and to want something, to succeed when all the cards are stacked against you. Some may find this to be a "woe is me" kind of story, but I think it showed the never quitting spirit that Southerners have. Honestly, it's better than the professional critic reviews that I've read.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film and the story behind it. That to say, I can't figure out why this film is getting low ratings, but I think it's worth the watch. Currently it's in select theatres until 24 November when it releases onto Netflix in Canada.