Review of Ben Is Back (2018) by James T — 16 Dec 2018

Managed to see "ben is back" yesterday. I had looked forward to seeing the film since it was announced because quite frankly, I still love Julia Roberts. While some are saying it is her best role ever, I got more hopeful... but, in the end, I disagree. This is again Julia attempting to win her 2nd oscar. Dont get me wrong, she is pretty damn good in it. She has two (maybe 3) scenes that brought me to tears. But, the film itself, despite me being entirely engaged in it, was not hitting the levels I expected... Lucas Hedges was finally "good" here to me. Not gonna lie, I dont care for him. He left me completely blah without feeling in BOY ERASED and prior to that, his best moments were seen too many times in trailers. But, he resonates here. His forced excitement, his smug demeanor, his lack of emotion and heldback moments of denial started to resonate. The story, told in a held back "race against time" way is effective... the mystery builds on there really being no mystery... but you are ready for the next step or clue... or "how do we deal with this now?" In sight, the film is not the addiction film we have become accustomed to. We dont have the downward spiral into drugs or the violent moment against loved ones... the cliche sweating and chomping at the door for one more chance to prove themselves right. This cut the Lifetime movie of the week and skipped to the subtle horrors of addiction... being that, even those overcoming it and wanting to do well can faulter via their own methods or those of the past... and in trying to save someone, having already seen the "end"... there is an addiction in trying to save what may already be lost. The film ends in a vague place. It ends with a punch to the gut of helpless sadness... and hope... For me, it ended in frustration. I enjoyed the film for its rawness. I liked how it felt a bit unpolished and kind of a "what happened...? Really? For that!" The ongoing addictions to drugs, mothering, "that one goal of the night" work in the end. And yet walking out, I felt "eh, it was okay...".

That was before I got to my car, closed the door, took a deep breath and it hit me. The floodgates opened. The sadness, ANGER, "what if", questions and reflection on those we have lost, forced their way in. In the end... the movie works... it works almost too well. It needs to be viewed... but, as it enters the territory of officially being a "Christmas movie" be warned... the holidays are not always sparkling lights, smiles and presents.... the holidays can be downright depressing... I can use some HAPPY Julia Roberts right now... a comedy sounds grand!!!