I must say. . .I was excited about the reviews this film's been generating. I prefer Indie and/or foreign films, and have enjoyed the following: "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", "Brothers McMullen", "Boys Don't Cry", "You Can Count on Me", "Maria Full of Grace", "Real Women Have Curves", "Born Into Brothels", and "The Sea Inside".
Unfortunately, I can not add "Off the Map" to the library of films I've enjoyed. Moreover, I nearly walked out on this film (something I've never done before). Painfully slow to develop. The plot really doesn't exist. Yes, the father suffers from depression but the story never explores the emotional toll it's taken on the other characters. Joan Allen had a nice performance, but not great enough to save this boring film. And the IRS character? So misplaced and only added to the scattered storyline. The only redeeming thing about this film was the complexity of Bo's character and her emotional dynamics w/ George, the family friend who symbolically becomes the father figure. Yet, 5 minutes of hope doesn't save the remaining 2 hours (which seemed like an eternity).
I'm surprised because I never think so harshly of an Indie film. Yet, I feel obligated to warn others who have high expectations. You'll be disappointed, much like I was.
Unfortunately, I can not add "Off the Map" to the library of films I've enjoyed. Moreover, I nearly walked out on this film (something I've never done before). Painfully slow to develop. The plot really doesn't exist. Yes, the father suffers from depression but the story never explores the emotional toll it's taken on the other characters. Joan Allen had a nice performance, but not great enough to save this boring film. And the IRS character? So misplaced and only added to the scattered storyline. The only redeeming thing about this film was the complexity of Bo's character and her emotional dynamics w/ George, the family friend who symbolically becomes the father figure. Yet, 5 minutes of hope doesn't save the remaining 2 hours (which seemed like an eternity).
I'm surprised because I never think so harshly of an Indie film. Yet, I feel obligated to warn others who have high expectations. You'll be disappointed, much like I was.