Saturday, October 11, 2014

GIRLS AGAINST BOYS (2012)

Written & Directed By: Austin Chick Cinematography By: Kathryn Westergaard Cast: Danielle Panabaker, Nicole LaLiberte, Liam Aiken, Matthew Rauch, Andrew Howard


After a series of bad experiences with men, Shae teams up with her co-worker, Lu, who has a simple, deadly way of dealing with the opposite sex.

The film paints a lunatic Character, but gives us a real reason for her behavior. I can understand of the films point. That violence can be for a minor reason a times and random, but the purpose in this film makes it clear there is a complete warped reason behind the violence. It's just an it comes to a certain character they seem there just to move the action forward. No real motivation or real character though it takes pains to show and tell us what the lead is thinking and her reasons for her actions

You could say this is more a feminist movie as only one male character is a decent human being. No real male innocents here, just some who don't deserve the extreme punishment they get. Punishments yes just not the extreme brand

The bulk of the New York street scenes were shot without permits

The film seems to have the innocent character find herself under the influence of the lunatic who seems to work as her id and towards the end of the film we wonder will she break free and be herself or succumb to the lunatic and end up just like her.

I can understand the reasoning is of plenty of films that glorify violence or serial killings against female victims. This film sort of tries to go the same way only against men. Though it seems to take the easy way out by making most of the victims somewhat bias, evil, hateful or giving a slight to heavy sense that they deserve it. In only one cast does the film paint a victim as innocent we there is hell to pay for it.

The film is mostly full and seems like it is trying to flesh out the character and atmosphere. When it doesn't need too. It seems to try to be offensive also but then tries to back it up with reasoning. Afraid the audience will take the views of the characters as the views of the film or it's makers?

While not gratuitous or necessary the film only seems to come alive during the violent excursions that at the beginning are hocking then routine. So that the audience looks forward to these scenes as finally the film begins to move.

The two leads do a good job. They are both talented and fetching. They just deserve better then what they get here. Nicole LaLiberte plays more of the over the top caricature. More than a character.

Danielle Panabaker who I usually enjoy in other films needs to find better material between this film and PIRAHNA 3DD as I enjoy her performances just not the films she is in. Supposedly the character of Lulu was originally written as an Asian-American. Moreover, a Chinese actress was initially cast as Lulu, but ultimately backed out because she didn't want to do any nudity.

The film feels like it tries to be a low digest indie that is trying to say something before quietly falling into the typical genre exercise trappings. That commits the sin of not being very interesting nor having any ideas once it gets there. Nor following thorough with it's message and a ridiculous ending.

Thankfully it's a short film, it still feels long

Grade: F

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