There are some films that stick out in your mind years after you watch them, and there are some that you enjoy but forget within the week. Though director Gabriele Muccino’s “Fathers and Daughters” presents compelling characters within relatable circumstances, it unfortunately still falls into the latter category—not bad, but not memorable either.
The story follows two threads. In one, we see the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jake Davis (Russell Crowe) as he struggles to keep custody of his daughter, Katie (Kylie Rogers), in the aftermath of a car crash that killed her mother and left him with a manic depressive psychosis and recurring seizures. And, in the other, we see Kate 25 years later (Amanda Seyfried) as she copes with the aftermath of her father’s legacy on her life. Kate works as a caseworker with a young girl (Quevenzané Wallis) who hasn’t spoken for a year, as she simultaneously deals with her own intimacy issues.
The film weaves these two stories intricately together with slow (though apparent) reveals and drama on both sides, introducing both physical and spiritual antagonists. For Jake, the antagonist is Katie’s aunt and uncle (Diane Kruger and Bruce Greenwood), who want to adopt her because of Jake’s condition, and, for Kate, the antagonist is her fear of being left by those she loves—a fear that becomes heightened when she meets and falls in love with Cameron (Aaron Paul).
Despite the complexities of the characters and their conflicts, there is still a certain something that buffs the film’s luster. Perhaps it is the slight incoherence at the juxtaposition of past and future, or perhaps it is the latent sexism strung throughout the central arc (casual sexuality is the constant faux pas that poor Kate gets thrown in her face). But “Fathers and Daughters” is a bit underwhelming past the initial, post-credits conversation.
There is one thing that does shine through the faulty wiring of the film, and that is the cast. Crowe and Seyfried give amazing performances. Jake is tragic and relatable, and Kate deals with her emotions in a very real way. Rogers steals the show with her emotional range, while Wallis is dynamic in her very short, nearly silent role. If anything, let’s hope this part gets them more leading roles.
“Fathers and Daughters” is coming soon to Midtown Cinema.
MIDTOWN CINEMA
JULY SPECIAL EVENTS
Midnight Matinee
“Mortal Kombat”
Saturday, July 2, 10:30 p.m.
Free Outdoor Film Series
“Godzilla vs. Megalon”
(with live commentary by Down in Front crew!)
Friday, July 8, dusk
“Back to the Future”
Friday, July 22, dusk
Classic Film Series
“Full Metal Jacket”
Sunday, July 10, 6 p.m.
3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Princess Mononoke”
Friday, July 15, 9:30 p.m.
Miyazaki Movie Madness
“My Neighbor Totoro”
Friday, July 15, 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 16, 3 p.m.
“Princess Mononoke”
Friday, July 15, 9:30 p.m. (3rd in the Burg)
Sunday, July 17, 4:45 p.m.
“Castles in the Sky”
Saturday, July 16, 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.
“Spirited Away”
Saturday, July 16, 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 17, 2:15 p.m.
Faulkner Honda Family Film Series
“Jumanji”
Saturday, July 16, 12 p.m.
Sunday, July 17, 2 p.m.
15th Anniversary Series
“The Hurt Locker”
Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m.
