By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Cate Blanchett | Giovanni Ribisi | Greg Kinnear | Hilary Swank | Katie Holmes | Keanu Reaves
Country: united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 111
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0219699
Kevin says: “Cate Blanchett is incredibly good. The film is really spine-tingling and very emotionally involving. The ensemble cast–Greg Kinnear, Giovanni Ribisi, Keanu Reeves, Hilary Swank, Kim Dickens, Katie Holmes–is flawless as well. Not QUITE as good as Raimi’s A SIMPLE PLAN, but damn close.” 4 1/2 cats
Laura says: “The cast is mostly fine with Blanchett elevating the film above its pulp trash roots. Reeves is quite effective as the brutish husband, creating a real fear of violence whenever he appears. Swank follows her tour de force Oscar winning performance by playing it safe in a small supporting role. Gary Cole (A SIMPLE PLAN) makes a mark as an unethical prosecution attorney. ” 2 1/2 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/thegift.htm”
Michael says: “Annie Wilson, played marvelously by Cate Blanchett, lives in a small Southern town, using her psychic gift to do ‘readings’ for her neighbors. But when she gets caught up in an unsavory murder investigation, that ‘gift’ could turn out to be a ‘curse.’
“I know there are a few fans of this film out there, but while I like parts of it, I’m not one of them. This thriller showcases the acting talents of Cate Blanchett, no doubt about that, but the mystery aspects, despite the supernatural elements, are surprisingly conventional. Her big name supporting cast (Greg Kinnear, Keanu Reaves, Hilary Swank, Katie Holmes, Giovanni Ribisi) range from adequate to slightly annoying, and can’t match Blanchett’s subtle performance.
“And, I’m sorry, but I’m tired of films centered around gruesome, vaguely sexual murders of young women.” 2 1/2 cats
Nathaniel says: “I thought this was a ridiculous film myself. The only redeeming thing being Blanchett. The armchair psychology was embarrassing and most of the other actors were miles over the top. I think particularly of Gregg Kinnear, Hilary
Swank (take back that Oscar!) and Giovanni Ribisi, who was just embarassing in this film.
“The script was a mess. Billy Bob, for shame.”
Robin says: “THE GIFT is a showcase for the very talented Cate Blanchett. Since her breakthrough performance as the young queen in ELIZABETH, the actress has shown versatility and is capable of a myriad of accents and characters. With her natural-sounding southern drawl, Blanchett pulls you into her character and the danger and confusion that her gift can cause. Even as she tries to help here clientele with her visions, she denies the impact they have, repeatedly, when they involve her or her own. It’s not the best performance of the year, but it does further establish the actress as one of the most talented in the business today” 2 1/2 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/thegift.htm”