wrmees

How in the world this film has such a low rating (a 3.8 as of writing this) is inconceivable. The only explanation I can come up with is that someone involved pissed off the wrong people and those people ensured that this film would a) be unseen by the general population and b) be given zero positive credit in the online review sites.

It is possible that this film isn't relatable to just anyone. This isn't a film about being a lost and confused hormonal teen. It is much deeper than that. It is about being an adult who has only ever felt completely unlikable, has genuinely never been understood or wanted, and who craves to find and be wanted by at least one person. The general mass may not understand where the characters are coming from but they should still be able to appreciate the idea and have sympathy for their struggle.

Daddy Issues is the film we needed - more than another indie dramedy about a supposedly dysfunctional (yet totally functional and normal in reality) family and another woebegone teen. We needed to see the side of the world where families exist side-by-side, not seeing or loving each other. Terrible and awkward situations happen and aren't just laughed about ten minutes later, but are left to rot and fester and be foul the rest of life. Terrible secrets are kept or even happen in front of each other and are never discussed and rear their ugly head years or decades later.

This is a film that addresses that side of reality. It also recognizes the masks and disguises we use to hide our human experiences - sometimes, the more glossy and bright the costume, the more broken and dark the inside.

But when we start being honest with ourselves and others, we can start to heal those wounds - and, sometimes, starting over alone is what that takes.

...as I was when this movie came to an end.

How this film has anything less than a 7.5 rating is beyond me. It should be required viewing - especially for anyone in the arts industry.

Every choice made by every person involved - the writer/director, the cinematographers, the costume designers, the actors (most of whom were clearly given creative freedom to move around and adlib) was a perfect choice.

The whole thing is so genuine and authentic that it feels more like witnessing a camera follow real people around during a random day of their lives. You want to know these people and interact with them.

And as for the incredible dance number at the end: it makes "You Cant Stop the Beat" from Hairspray feel more like an 8 year-old's dance recital. If it doesnt have you on your feet, moving and shaking (or at least sitting there with a gigantic, goofy grin on your face), then you may want to check your pulse for signs of life.

Sure, it isn't a cinematic masterpiece like The Wizard of Oz. Sure, it isn't scientifically accurate (but when was the last time you saw a Hollywood film that WAS?). If you're going in expecting either from this film, then you will be disappointed. If you go in expecting it to be exactly what it is meant to be - an action-packed disaster film - then you will have a great time. Seriously. Just grab some popcorn, turn off your brain for a couple hours and have fun.

**Note: I would normally give this a 7/10, but I gave it a 10 to offset the cinemascience snobs checking in only to trash something they should have known better than to expect so much of.**