TMG Scale 6.0 P Factor 0.0 MPAA Rating: R
Starring Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Tova Stewart
The old saying goes “close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. TMG would add good film making to the list. At award time, I would announce, “close, but no cigar…no Oscar either.”
Some have described this film as an exploration of paranoid schizophrenia. Really? I think it is much simpler than that. Terrified by a series of visions of death associated with storms, a father sorts through demons whether to expand a backyard storm shelter for his family …or just go nuts. This is really the biblical story of Noah and the Ark. The trick is knowing where to place your boat. Or, in the case of this story, building your storm shelter in the right place. “Location, location, location” real estate agents always warn. Well, you cannot get everything right all the time. In a sense, this movie is just the tale of your average suburban dad trying to plan for his family’s future. Get it right and you are a hero. Get it wrong, and your wife and the entire neighborhood will think you are crazy.
This movie failed is in its delivery. It had a great idea and a huge set up. A set up that went on far too long. It keeps your interest just enough to wonder “Is this guy a troubled prophet or really just a nut ball?” Of course, that is the question most suburban housewives have about their husbands every day of the week. So, the messages in this script were good ones. If you have bad dreams and you wet your bed, get some medical help. Don’t borrow company equipment without asking first or you might get fired. Everyone looks really weird and stupid in a gas mask. And, be sure to discuss all household improvement projects and bank loans with your wife first, or she will be really pissed. On those points alone, this movie was worthwhile.
The little daughter named Hannah (played by Tova Stewart) is deaf. This has nothing to do with the story at all. If that is a spoiler for you, I am sorry. There is nothing more I can say other than to note that little Tova’s parents knew at birth their daughter would have to be a movie star…or perhaps a professional tennis player. Who else would name their baby, Tova?
This movie kept my interest, but it needs to be sent in for a rewrite. TMG and Joy Lynn took the time to watch it because it sounded provocative and we had zero interest or a remote care who penned Shakespeare’s plays. (aka Anonymous) Does anyone really?