Jack (1996)

Jack has a rare disorder that causes him to age at 4 times the average speed and has been sheltered his entire life to spare him the bullying this would invite. But he's 10 now and his parents have agreed to let him join his peers in the fifth grade. Problem is: there's literally nothing interesting about Jack other than his disorder. Also, why does he act like he's 5 rather than 10? Are we supposed to consider that part of the disorder? Or are we just supposed to read it as "homeschool kids are kind of inept"?

This entire script is so tone deaf and dumb. I get that it's a magical situation, but this leans more toward drama than comedy so it should at least make me feel something other than irritation and boredom. I hated this movie so much and I was embarrassed for everyone involved.

F

Babes (2024)

Though Dawn (married with kids) and Eden (still-figuring-it-out singleton) have been best friends since childhood, it's been a challenge to maintain their closeness since Dawn moved to the suburbs. Eden's pregnancy after a one night stand further tests their bond as Dawn is stressed with her own family's needs just when Eden wants to lean on her most.

I went in expecting broad, funny and shallow and was pleasantly surprised to find only the first two applied. There was a real incisiveness to the script and the difficulties of maintaining relationships when paths diverge. It definitely falls into the "lightweight" category -- if one has to be chosen -- but there are also moments of real depth.

B-

Babette's Feast (1987)

Two spinster sisters selflessly head a small religious community in a Danish seaside village, having long ago chosen to serve their pastor father rather than to leave him for families of their own. A former hopeful suitor writes to beg them to help a Frenchwoman who has lost her entire family to war and, though they cannot hire her, they do bring her into their home. She quickly takes over the cooking and household budget, improving the lives of her benefactors.

This is, simply put, a wonderful story. I just love the way the villagers' initial trepidation of the feast Babette promises slowly melts away with each course and sip. That the joy of the indulgent meal also melts away long-held pettiness was exceptionally believable to me -- this world was meant to be enjoyed and shared!

Lovely.

A