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558 N. Main St.,
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| White Oleander strong, but not for everyone |
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 | | | Michelle Pfeiffer and Alison Lohman star in White Oleander |
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Dave's Grade | | Dave Richards | | Crook County senior Candice Austin (right) runs over a bridge, a new feature in this year's Crook County Invitational cross country meet, held Thursday. Austin finished third in the 93-athlete girls race. |
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: B
I've heard the book is good, but I haven't read it.
As far as the movie goes, White Oleander treats us to sophisticated characters, whose lives aren't easy, and puts them into situations on a daily basis that are pretty tough to swallow.
We're constantly dealing with tough subject matter here, drugs and violence among other things, so this film isn't for the weak at heart. It's skillfully made, though, and worth taking a look at for those interested.
The heroine is Astrid (Alison Lohman), a 15-year-old girl who changes foster homes quicker than most people change the oil in their car.
Her mother, Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer), is in prison for a crime of passion. She made love to her boyfriend, then shot him after he admitted cheating on her.
The story keeps Ingrid a central character as a prison inmate, but the film is really about Astrid, who finds a way to live her life without her mother. She still frequents the prison, but after awhile, loses respect for her.
As the film moves on, Astrid spends her days in various foster homes, some she likes and others she doesn't. Her favorite foster mother is probably Claire, played by Renee Zellweger, but it isn't long before Astrid is pulled away from there, too.
White Oleander is a tale about a teenager who is forced to become an adult before she is ready. Lohman, who hasn't been in very many films, portrays Astrid well, and if things continue, she should go on to have a successful career.
The supporting cast does well and the ending is satisfying. Be aware of the PG-13 rating, though. This film could pass easily for an R. If the heavy subject matter doesn't phase you, White Oleander won't disappoint.
**** Rated PG-13 formature thematic elements concerning dysfunctional relationships. language, sexuality and violence. |
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