Monday, January 5, 2015

The Skeleton Twins

Plot: Milo Dean (Bill Hader) survives a suicide attempt, and goes to stay with his twin sister Maggie (Kristen Wiig) in New York state. Maggie is married to Lance (Luke Wilson,) and she is equally troubled. [imdb]    [photos]

Review: Skeleton Twins is a black comedy about how troubled kids become troubled adults. There are a few wry smiles due to the absurdity of it all, and a few sitcom laughs especially those with their Mom (Joanna Gleason.) The clever dialog was the best part which was smart and penetrating.

Kristen Wiig gives a good dramatic performance, and was unlike her comic persona. Her character was more interesting to me because she seemed normal, but was actually very troubled. Bill Hader was more obviously troubled, and he was less interesting because he was weirder. I thought the gay man stereotype limited the range of emotion or interests that Milo could have.

I was glad I saw The Skeleton Twins and while slow moving, it was always interesting. 

Cast: Bill Hader, Krisen Wiig

Directed by: Craig Johnson

Rating: 2.5 stars: worthwhile, but a little slow 

More: The Skeleton Twins has won a few film festival and critics awards. It can win people over with its earnestness. 

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