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I started this blog as I entered my 40th year, and now firmly in my 40s, I continue to learn so much about life. I'm learning that life rarely goes according to plan and that there's something new to learn every single day, be it a subtle nudge or a smack in the face.... This is my blog about muddling through my 40s-working hard, writing a book, being an ammateur photographer, trying to exercise and eat well, endeavouring to be the world's best aunt, as well as having fun and laughing out loud every single day.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

A Dear Rocky - August Osange County


Dear Rocky,

Instead of reviewing films in the traditional manner, for the A-Z Challenge, I've decided to discuss a certain character or relationship. 

Although I saw August months ago, it's a film that has stayed with me.  More recently, I've spent more time thinking about the vulnerability of Abigail Breslin's character Jean, the daughter of Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor.  Not bad going if those genes ever united in reality... but let's look at Jean's level of vulnerability.

Here is a 14 year old girl whose parents have separated and whose father is sleeping with one of his (much younger) students.  What messages may this send to a teenager about beauty and attraction, right smack bang in the middle of the most self-conscious period of her development?

Her mother is emotionally absent, a product of her environment, doing her best to hold it all together.  Wiser than Jean, she's completely powerless in the struggle to keep her child safe.

Jean has clearly learnt the art of self-medication as she smokes marijuana and drinks alcohol, which is what gets her into trouble (almost) with sleazy Steve.

This situation speaks volumes to the argument of instilling healthy amounts of self-esteem in our young people, from an early age.  Unfortunately, this is often not possible within the family home, although statistics show that parents only have to be 30% on a satisfactory scale to be good enough parents!  Not even half way.

Fortunately though, healthy relationships outside of the family home are just as effective at assisting a young person to develop a whole sense of self to take into adulthood. 

Let's hope Abigail Breslin has a very different experience to Jean.

I could go on and on about all the performances in this film, but instead, I'll just score it out of 10.  I give it a 7.5/10.

What are your thoughts?

Jodie

Read Rocky's review here!

I know this is not Abigail Breslin,but I just think Julia Roberts was stunning in this film.  I hope this is how she looks in real life and that she is truly ageing gracefully.






11 comments:

  1. My first stop for A-Z. Looking forward to watching August. Abigail Breslin is great.

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    1. Well I'm really flattered this was your first stop Tim - I'll be sure to check in on the Life of Riley

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  2. Great write up! I liked this film - I'd love to see the play.

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  3. I will have to put this one on my very long list of movies to see!

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    1. Andrea, do you ever worry there isn't enough time in the world to see all the movies you want to see or books you'd like to read?

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  4. Hi, visiting here from Smurfin' The Web where my A-Z is also movie related. This one was one I never got around to during the awards season and I have to say that I still don't fancy it that much now. McGregor is hit and miss for me and I don't really like Julia Roberts much either, so its a bit of a non starter for me right there. Glad you enjoyed it though, I look forward to "B".
    Dale

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    1. Thanks Dale, I'll be reading your reviews too! Wonder if we'll cross over on any?

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  5. Welcome Jodie to A to Z! I didn't see this film but wifey did. I like happy endings. Like The Muppet movie that's out. Oh, and it didn't have any wormholes either.

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  6. I haven't seen this yet but wanted to since the day I first saw coming attractions. Great write-up though--it makes me want to see it even more! And great comments for thought...

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  7. I'm looking forward to seeing August to, thanks for the write up!

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