Sharp Stick

Because Jon Bernthal, I watched this film, when I saw its rating, I hesitated for a long time. But I still gathered my courage and opened it. After watching it, my mind was greatly shocked. I simply couldn't believe what I had seen. This film exuded a strange and uncomfortable feeling from beginning to end. Just a few minutes into it, I felt extremely tortured - the plot was incomprehensible, a complete mess, and chaotic... I don't understand why Kristine Froseth acted like this. She made me feel uncomfortable, making her look either stupid or mentally challenged. But I believe she's not that bad. And Lena Dunham, could you please get out of the frame? Her acting was terrible, and I don't want to see her on screen anymore. Jon gave a decent performance and showed off his physique. To my surprise, Ebon was also in this film.

There were too many parts of this film that I couldn't understand, making me want to quickly find some other good movies to cleanse my eyes.

(I wrote the review in Chinese, but the website doesn't allow me to send it in Chinese, so I used a translator to translate it into English)

In writer/director Lena Dunham's edgy, original, cheap indie "Sharp Stick" quietly on-the-spectrum care-worker Kristine Froseth lives in Hollywood with hippy-dippy single mum Jennifer Jason Leigh & wannabe internet sensation sis Taylor Paige (the rising star so good again). At 26 virgin Froseth suddenly undergoes a sexual awakening, first via simple Jon Bernthal (hubbie of Dunham, the parents of the Down Syndrome lad Froseth cares for) then thru various strangers she uses to tick off a check-list built thru watching porn (!) particularly her fave adult-star Scott Speedman. It's certainly out there, with meaning unclear, but is well-cast, original, watchable fare.

As "Sharp Stick" (2022 release; 86 min) opens, we are introduced to Treina and Sarah Jo, sisters in their 20s living at home with mom. Sarah Jo is 26 and still a virgin. She works as a nanny/housekeeper of sorts and one day she makes a move onto Josh, her employer and a married father...

Couple of comments: this is the latest project from writer-producer-director Lena Dunham, who for good measure also stars (as Josh's wife). Even though the movie's premise seems a little unlikely, given the standard of excellence typically exhibited in Dunham's projects, I decided to give this a try. Alas, I shouldn't have. I don't know exactly what happened here, but something went very wrong. Bottom line is that I never bought into any of the characters, least of all Sarah Jo as the 26 yo virgin. And the storyline doesn't feel credible or likely for most of this either. Despite some great acting talent attached to this (including Kristine Froseth. Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Jon Bernthal, just to name those, this movie just didn't do anything for me, sorry...

"Sharp Stick" bypassed US theaters altogether and went straight to VOD upon its release this past summer. It recently started streaming on Hulu, where I caught it. I can't really recommend this to anyone in good conscience. Of course don't take my word for it, so if you are a fan of Dunham's prior output, I'd suggest you check this out (with lowered expectations), and draw your own conclusion.

The good: beautiful photography, with really good actors performing well and delivering dialogues that are truly good. So what's wrong with it then?

The bad: the leading actress (however good an actress she might be) over acts. She acts way too naive to be believable. Perhaps others wont mind this at all. But I got annoyed by this and I couldnt get into the story anymore...

More bad: there isnt really much of a story to begin with though. No real drama. It's more of a slowburning portrait of a girl coming of age in experiencing her first love romances.

It's too touchy feely sentimental for my taste. And (again) the leading actress OVER acts, which is such a pity, because this movie had much going for it potentially....

This was made by the kids that were rejected from the high school drama group. I can't think of a category this doesn't stink. 2/10 for being in focus with clear audio.

The non plot meanders aimlessly as we're slowly and without a hint of subtlety directed to watch the protagonist, because she's obviously going through some stuff. We're also given back story using the heaviest tools... come on... show don't tell!

Overacting from most of the cast can only have come from direction... or maybe the whole cast was high?

I loved Girls, but this isn't even worth your time to find out. Fly a kite, write an awful review or take up building... but give this a miss. 2/10.