Lady Bird (2017)

Home is where the heart is, and for Christine McPhearson aka "Lady Bird", that is not in her native home of Sacramento, California. "Lady Bird" is the self-given nickname for her and she only wants to be known by that name. What's in a name anyway? This film chronicles the rebellious teenager as she struggles with her family life, friends and personal identity. I haven't seen this good of a coming-of-age film since 2014' s "Boyhood". Though this film didn't take nearly as long to film, it's very similar to that film, when it comes to the subject. This film is an amazing, highly rare film of the indie genre that goes unrecognized at times.

Job well done Ms. Gerwig! Making her sensational directorial debut, Greta Gerwig, uses heart at the center of this emotionally charged film. It's also a film that has the usual teenage, adolenscent, drama that insues for what feels like an eternity, but it isn't. There is an ocassional slip of dry humor but, overall, dull. This film is mainly a drama. But can also be labeled as a Dramedy-(Dramatic Comedy).

The performances in this stunningly, relatable film, are absolutely jaw-dropping. Starring as the self-titled nickname, Saoirse Ronan plays a very convincing teenager, in reality Ronan is much older than 17. Ronan plays "LB" in a gracefully combative way. Her character is the pinnacle of this film. She is immense in her rebelliousness and it's extremely well performed. Also, making a shine at it, is Laurie Metcalf. She plays LB's mother in a protective, overbearing way and it may just well be one of the best performances of the year for actresses. Same goes for Ronan.

The film does have wonderful performances, but it also has amazing stories and dramatic efforts too. It plays out on screen playfully among the other characters seen in the film. This film is a whirlwind of drama.

She's bold. She's fierce. And she's determined. For "LB" life as a teenager was rough. She has wanted to make a pathway of her own. This is one film, along with other films possessing similar quailities this film must be seen by teens everywhere-(Not because I'm telling you too. But because you can relate to this film on all it talks about. I have no doubt in my mind I will be rooting this on and it's creator and performers during this award season.


Rate: A+ 

Director: Greta Gerwig 

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracey Letts, Beanie Feldstein, with Lucas Hedges and Timothee Chalamet

MPAA Rating: R-(for language, sexual content, brief graphic nudity and teen partying)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes 

Synopsis: In Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig reveals herself to be a bold new cinematic voice with her directorial debut, excavating both the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between a mother and her teenage daughter. Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home.

   


Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.