Posted: 07/26/2010

Accidents Happen

by Michael J. Nicholas

In Accident Happen, Geena Davis stars as Gloria Conway, mother of three teenage sons trying to make sense of the cruel and unusual jokes that life keeps playing on her family and those around her. The results of some of her youngest son Billy’s pranks have created misery but also have brought the family together. Her older twin sons share a bond that is stronger than her own love for them.

I don’t want to explain or describe too many scenes in detail, especially in this film, because it will definitely give it away and be a major spoiler. However, I can tell you that the movie is a dark comedy with a heartfelt, underlying theme that is definitely unlike most features made today. It has won awards at the Sydney Film Festival, Film By The Sea Fest, Giffoni and Catalonian Film Festivals.

The screenplay is excellent and believable, with Geena Davis delivering the goods as a Mom with a sharp tongue and quick wit who is not afraid to edit her language around her family and neighbors. It seems saying what’s on her mind is what gives her strength and keeps her sane in a world that just can’t possibly get any worse for her. Harry Cook and Harrison Gilbertson are two virtual unknowns that play the sons that give her the most grief.

This film will definitely pull you through a gamut of emotions, which in my opinion is the result of the realistic dialogue; even though it is possessing some far-fetched situations, with it being a movie and all. The production is a humorous, well crafted tear-jerker; but not in the vein of romantic comedies or date movies, that’s for sure. I really can’t believe this movie didn’t get more attention than it did- because it definitely deserved more accolades.

Directed by Andrew Lancaster and written by Brian Carbee, Accidents Happen will be available on DVD and Blu-ray from Image Entertainment. Rated R with a running time of 92 minutes.

Special Features on Blu-ray and DVD include:
*Deleted Scenes
*When Accidents Happen
*Glorious Gloria
*Sound Bites
*Trailer

Michael J. Nicholas - a.k.a. Nicky The Note - reviews, opinions & life lessons.

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