Side Effects Review
RYAN: Side Effects is a new drama from one of Hollywood’s most prolific writer/directors, Steven McSoderbergh.
CAROLINE: First off, I’d call it a thriller. It’s got some real noir elements. And Mr. Soderbergh claims that this is his final movie, but I think we’ve heard that from him at least three time already.
RYAN: Yeah, he’s the Cher of film directors.
CAROLINE: This movie stars Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum, who must be BFFs with Soderbergh after last year’s Magic Mike. And I couldn’t help but notice that CZ Jones was also in a previous Soderbergh film, Traffic. Nice to see her working more these days.
RYAN: The cast is stacked and they each give stellar performances. This movie is one to watch because like a good mystery, it’s intriguing and unpredictable.
CAROLINE: At first I was sort of annoyed that Rooney Mara could barely be bothered to open her mouth when she spoke. But I had to get over it, since her character is supposed to be über depressed. I thought she looked really pretty in this movie, though I wasn’t sure if she was wearing a wig.
RYAN: Hmm, I don’t know about that. But she really is so gorgeous when she looks like a normal person, aka not like the girl in Dragon Tattoo. But she’s also just a really good actress.
CAROLINE: There’s something about her that I may not like; she seems like she might be irksome in real life. Though I agree that she’s talented.
RYAN: She definitely seems like a cold, awkward person. Very professional but not super friendly. Shall we move onto Channing?
CAROLINE: Yes, let’s. I read a funny interview about him wherein he said, “I finally get to play a college graduate.”
RYAN: That’s hilarious. Come to think of it, wow, he does usually play the brawny dumb guy role. And even when he’s the romantic lead, he’s always the guy from the wrong side of the tracks.
CAROLINE: I like him a lot and am happy for his success, but LBH, he was merely fine in this role. Nothing special.
RYAN: To be fair, his role isn’t huge. But I’m also glad of his success. I enjoy him and hear he’s a super nice guy in real life. Meanwhile, CZ Jones has never looked better or thinner. I’m talking even better than in Chicago. She must have lost weight for this movie. She looked like a porn librarian, in a good way.
CAROLINE: I’m sure she’d take that as a compliment. She’s aging well. Speaking of which, Jude Law is just letting that receding hairline all hang out! Good for him.
RYAN: I can’t even comment because I think he has more hair than me, but it was nice to see him again in a leading role. He’s done a lot of supporting stuff lately, and this was a big part for him.
CAROLINE: I really liked him in this and was rooting for him. It’s definitely a twisty dark movie and his character bears the brunt of the drama. He’s very convincing.
RYAN: It’s an incredibly well paced, exciting movie. It kept me guessing for sure.
CAROLINE: I gasped aloud at a certain scene, and I think you know which one I mean.
RYAN: I did too! That was crazy and so unexpected.
CAROLINE: The twists are good and not obvious. I appreciate a movie that can keep me on my toes, especially at this time of year when not-so-great movies are coming out.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: This is the kind of movie where the less you know the better. All you need to know going in is that it’s a good drama that will catch you off guard.
CAROLINE: Again, I’d say it’s more of a thriller/mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not every January/February release has to be a clunker. Thanks Steven Soderbergh!!
