Everything That Dies, Some Day Comes Back

Well, given that the climax of this film is the title character getting her first period it's fair to say that I'm not the target audience.  But never mind, I ended up being won over by this adaptation of a Judy Blume novel. Admittedly things got off to a fairly slow start, as Margaret has to come to terms with her parents relocating.   Not that this is too difficult since she immediately acquires some friends.  It all seemed a bit bland and low key. And I couldn't get too worked up by the fact that Margaret's mother has given up her satisfying job as an art teacher. In fact, writing this a few weeks after seeing the film I'm struggling to recall what it was I enjoyed.  I guess a lot of the credit has to go to Abby Ryder Fortson's quietly engaging performance as Margaret, and the care taken with the supporting characters, basically her schoolfriends and her grandparents.  I certainly enjoyed the stuff about the role of religion in Margaret's life, given tha...

The lukewarm response from the critics plus the unenticing setup (ex-con tries to go straight) had put me off this film, but actually it's pretty damn good. Admittedly the overall story arc is predictable as hell, especially since the flash forward at the beginning confirms that Carlito is a doomed protagonist. But it does have a lot going for it: De Palma's stylish direction, Pacino (as Carlito) on good form, a great performance by Sean Penn as a sleazy coked-up lawyer, a beautiful score, and an amazing set piece climax. Even the relationship between Carlito and wannabe dancer Gail which could easily be forgettable was touching.  It benefits from Penelope Ann Miller's performance, and I liked that a couple of her scenes have an element of surprise to them, to keep us on our toes. No classic then, but it moves at a good pace, and is plenty entertaining. RATING : ✓ Cheers