I’m a sucker for anything with Samuel L. Jackson in it, and this afternoon I paid dearly for it. Not to mention, Christina Ricci with a 40lb chain slung ’round her hips. As you can see from the movie poster, it looks quite pulpy and tantalizing.
It is a lurid and voyeuristic journey into the scuzzy underbelly of po’dunk living, the abuse that goes on, the cycles that perpetuate.
Somehow, after a lifetime of trauma, Rae has has a breakthrough after being chained up by Lazarus for a coupla days. A cheesy little number ensues, “I’m gonna let it shine,” performed by Ricci.
I’ve read reviews, implying that the marketing was disastrous, and that anyone looking for the steamy pic the poster suggests will be sorely disappointed. However, they went on to imply that the meaning would be “too heavy” for anyone seeing it based on it’s pulpy representation. To that I say, “fuck you,” because really, I think the fare was too fucking light - cavalier in its portrayal of abuse/trauma victims and their recovery.
But on the lighter side, it really was NOT sexual enough, the ads, trailers and movie posters are grossly mispresentative. It is quite the showcase for Christina Ricci’s beautiful physique as she fights, flails and writhes, all while scantily clad.
Overall, an awkwardly-paced movie that drags out for two hours and trivializes serious issues without even the redemption of being glorious violent pulp. I blame the director, editor and the advertising for misleading.
Great acting, just poor execution overall. Also, God-Shmooking abound in this movie but I was too irritated by other points to be annoyed by it. That says something.
