Infinitely Polar Bear Review
RYAN: This new indie drama stars Mark Ruffalo as a bi-polar father of two and is his most brazen performance to date.
CAROLINE: I love him but haven’t heard much about this movie.
RYAN: It’s not without it’s issues. It’s half-good. And it’s a bit short, clocking in at about an hour and twenty minutes.
CAROLINE: Odd but I’d rather it be too short than too long.
RYAN: True.
CAROLINE: Why is it only half-good?
RYAN: There are a bunch, like too many, musical montages that actually break the momentum of the drama – which is quite good. Some of it is even disturbing where, as a father, he neglects his two daughters. Those young actresses, B.T. dub, are really great. Some of the dialogue is intense and I really enjoyed the moments in the film that feature actual scene work between the actors. But the writer, director, Maya Forbes, tries to cram in some more storytelling into these annoying montages. The first was ok, but after, like, number seven, I was, like, “Are you kidding me?”
CAROLINE: That’s cray. What about Zoe Saldana?
RYAN: She’s wonderful and I love her with Mark. It’s kinda fun seeing the Hulk and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy share the screen at this point.
CAROLINE: Of course they weren’t those characters – but I see what you mean.
RYAN: I never thought of that during the film because the material is strong and they both give forceful performances. It’s a real look into how complicated this mental illness can impact relationships. I just kept feeling so bad for those kids.
CAROLINE: I can imagine.
RYAN: The tone is good. It takes place in 1978 and he was a chain smoker. You don’t see too many smokers in movies anymore.
CAROLINE: Yes that’s even been controversial at times.
RYAN: It’s also at a time, really, before all the modern medicines we have today to treat depression and things like that. His bipolar disorder was completely debilitating to the point he couldn’t work. And then he becomes the single parent out of necessity and it’s just crazy and amazing to see the story unfold. Ultimately, it’s a touching, roller coaster of emotions. You keep thinking his character is acting crazy, and that’s just the thing – his disorder gets out of control.
CAROLINE: So how do you rate this one?
RYAN: Due to the choppy nature and inconsistency of the flow with the montages, it’s not a must see in the theater. But if you like a good drama about family struggle – this is a great rental.
