Junebug
Junebug – 4 out of 5 stars
This movie is pretty much a character study of weird people in a North Carolina family and the outsider that married into it. That's exactly what I like about it. It's probably not for everyone. It moves pretty slowly at times, some of the shots are held too long (but again, I think that's some of its charm), and it doesn't go for the cheap joke by making fun of its characters.
Like everyone, my wife and I have some pretty odd family members. It was enjoyable, for me at least, to savor the awkward silences, baffling directionless anger, and downright "what the fuck are you thinking" moments between the characters. There are also some priceless, very subtle moments (very well acted, too) involving the presence of religion in some of the characters' lives. The uncomfortable reaction of the main character is one I've experience many, many times. Thanks to my recent acquisition of a Netflix account I'm getting to see more of these movies that I consider sleeper hits.
I highly recommend this movie for people that like that indie film feel, don't need a laugh track or the joke pointed out for them, and like characters over plot. It makes a good rental, but if you wind up not liking it I won't be surprised. Again, it may not be for everyone. I also can't recommend Netflix highly enough. If you feel like adding me as a friend on there let me know and I'll let you know the account name (it's my gmail address).
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