Review of I Care a Lot (2021) by Renjuro — 09 Jun 2021

You really want me to be entertained by the exploits of a manipulative lady imprisoning elderly people against their will? I’m supposed to be invested in the goals of a lady that liquidates their assets to fuel more of her scams? Really? Don’t tell me the movie doesn’t use film language to make you root for Marla. she’s always framed as some sort of bad ass, boss babe. “I’m not intimidated by men! They don’t expect a woman to stand up to them!” Who cares- you threw away your chance at making a “feminist” statement when you made a business out of imprisoning people. I’m not impressed by her at all.

Other reviewers keep saying something about satire? B**ch where? There were no moments where I found myself being persuaded through exaggerated circumstances. I hated Marla for what she did, and that never changed. a movie going, “LOOK AT THIS BAD PERSON THAT DOES THIS BAD THING!” Isn’t satire, it’s just stating reality. There was no twist that gave me a different perspective.

I expected some sort of karmic justice, some sense of retribution. An assassination is the very least Marla had coming. She even expressly states in the film that she isn’t afraid of death. Taking away her freedom, like she did to others, in some karmic fashion (for example) would’ve been satisfying and left viewers pondering. Why am I supposed to be okay with a half baked, predictable ending? The ending isn’t good enough to defend.

I hate her girlfriend too. Their romance is set up as some sort of beautiful thing. You can’t deny the pathos this Film gives its monster main characters. The scene where Fran pleads for Marla to pack so they can escape the consequences of their actions; Their steamy romance scenes; Marla sobbing over Fran’s unconscious body while whispering “oh baby no!”; the bit where Marla’s like “we can run away… or get revenge!” **** you can’t get revenge if people are giving you what you deserve. Okay, you’re hot, you’re a lesbian, you’re so stylish (the movie really wants me to see how goddamn stylish you are)- you’re actively ruining people’s’ lives and profiting off of it. Go break a leg while crossing a river and drown to death. I never rooted for the “protagonists,” I kept waiting for their demise. The mafia was weak af, would’ve killed Fran straight up or held her hostage as leverage against Marla. Or Peter Dinklage would’ve killed Marla the moment he had his mom back and Marla’s trust. OR the mafia would’ve sent MORE GUYS TO GET THEIR BOSS’ MOM AND DONE MORE RECCON SO IT WOULDN'T GO SO PISS POORLY. Bloated script too. I wanted to scream every time we had to watch Marla WORK OUT UUUUGH. Screenwriter had to direct because they were too embarrassed to pitch their script. “Oh it was so fun- oh it was so stylish and sharp!” How is it fun…? Cause it’s colorful and has pretty actors and crazy action scenes? That’s all some people need to gloss over the sickening premise? Not thoughtful screenwriting, good payoffs, and a clear message? The dialogue and plot weren’t even that polished. There’s some goofy ass lines in this movie that you’re supposed to take seriously. “She was a cherry… but there were to many strings attached… she’s becoming a spider!” Lmao wtf.

Long story short, main character is in a business absolutely no one can rationalize. The film tells you through its language that Marla is an “anti-hero,” standing up against tough guys in the business world. But she isn’t. She’s perpetuating the system that creates the oppression that she also loves to make herself the victim of. There is no thoughtful story telling or character framing that makes this film palatable. Critics can call it slick and smart all they want- it’s nothing new. It’s a standard “outlaw goes against the grain” story. But the main character is not likable, NOR compelling. They gotta be one or the other. I’m not watching a movie where I don’t like anyone and I’m not compelled by their goals. Screenwriter expects the crazy visuals and fast talking to mesmerize you into buying their cynicism as “capitalist satire.”.

Movie gets a 1 for actors only, story makes you feel disgusting. The only thing it was good for was making people aware of scams like this.

Better movies about awful people using barely legal methods to gain money/success/control:

-Nightcrawler (protagonist is inherently mysterious. He is disturbingly comfortable with immorality. It’s suspenseful to see his plans come together. Satirical take on “the american dream” and our obsession with work ethic.).

-Gone Girl (Characters are compelling without being likable. Nick is a cheater, but doesn’t deserve the death penalty. Amy is cunning and you get why she’s angry, but you know she’s a monster.