My review:
A good friend of mine who also joined the same Indie group that I'm apart of, and fellow Indie fanatic, suggested I watch this film convinced I would absolutely love it to pieces and rave about it on my blog. She was so right. It’s great when your friends know you well enough to give you scoop on all the goodies in life. Jane C, you complete me…true story. It’s also great to know that there are still writer and film makers out there who are brave enough to tell true-to-life stories in such a marvelously unconventional way. Gritty enough to retain your interest, yet sentimental enough to capture your heart and leave you with a sense of connection to the characters. This type of riveting film making was never capture more beautifully then Welcome to the Riley’s.
I love it when I can watch a film and feel as though I recognize the characters. Without hovering any further into a gush induced spasm, I’ll just say this. I loved it, and I hope you will too.
Alright ramblers, let’s get rambling.
The story:
Welcome to the Rileys was written by Ken Hixon, directed by Jake Scott, and stars James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart, and Melissa Leo. The film debuted at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
Doug and Lois Riley (Gandolfini and Leo) have endured their fair share of grief. They recently suffered a tragic loss, the death of their daughter Emily. As if their daughter’s death was not emotionally heart-wrenching enough, they both are now beginning to drift further and further away from one another as well. Lois buries herself in guilt over Emily’s death ultimately barricading herself in her home and shielding herself from almost everyone she knows. Meanwhile Doug emotionally detaches himself so completely in an effort to cope with the tragedy, he finds himself entering into an affair with a local waitress Vivian. Still emotionally raw from Emily’s loss, Doug is faced with the painful reality of death again, when Vivian dies suddenly. Feeling emotionally broken and alone, Doug leaves his home on a business trip to New Orleans, where he wanders into a local strip club and meets Mallory (Stewart), a 16 year old stripper.
Dough is immediately shaken at the sight of Mallory who strikingly resembles his deceased daughter. He immediately begins to feel the need to protect Mallory, and accompanies her home to ensure her safety. Once at her dilapidated downtown apartment his protective instincts are further heightened, and he offers Mallory $100 dollars a day if she will supply him room and board until he can get on his feet. Reluctant, but in need of money, Mallory takes him up on his offer and allows him temporary domesticity.
Back at home Lois begins to realize just how out of control her agoraphobia has become- She is determined to get her life back on track, and salvage her marriage even if that means leaving the comfort of her four walls, and entering into the world after nearly 10 years of social hibernation. When Lois is able to finally locate Doug, and realizes he has been taken in by an under aged stripper look-a-like of their deceased daughter, she begins to regret her decision of facing her fears and trying to save her marriage. After Doug explains his motives of only wanting to help Mallory straighten herself up, and give her the opportunities he regrets never giving to his daughter, Lois has a change of heart and decides to stay in New Orleans alongside her husband, and quickly receives Mallory with open arms. As the story unfolds the viewers are taken on an unconventional, yet heart-warming path of finding happiness after sorrow, and family where you would least expect it.
It was sad, it was raw, it was radiant, but most of all…it was brilliant. Hope you get the chance to see it, and enjoy.
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