THE BEAVER
CAROLINE: The much anticipated Mel Gibson movie, The Beaver, which is directed by Jodie Foster, comes out in limited release tomorrow.
RYAN: This is the one where Mel uses a beaver puppet to talk for him.
CAROLINE: Correct. Everyone’s been anticipating this movie a) because of its unusual premise and b) because Mel Gibson has turned into a raving lunatic so people were wondering if anyone would want to see him in a movie anymore.
RYAN: I can’t say I’d pay money to see this movie, but the story behind it is definitely interesting. How was it?
CAROLINE: It’s decent. I didn’t realize that Jodie Foster co-stars as Mel’s wife. It’s also got that Anton Yelchin kid as one of their sons. I can definitely see why this is getting a limited release though; it’s very intense and heavy and probably not for everyone.
RYAN: Why does Mel’s character use the beaver puppet to talk for him?
CAROLINE: He’s got serious depression, a drinking problem and can barely function. His wife throws him out and then he finds that he can communicate through this puppet using a cockney accent. It’s a very strange premise for sure; but say what you will about Mel Gibson – the man can act.
RYAN: So it’s not a laughable performance?
CAROLINE: Not at all. He totally pulls it off. And it kind of surprised me how intense this movie is. It’s not like we see films about clinical depression every day.
RYAN: That’s the truth. But I’m not sure how many people really want to see that on the big screen. It’s not escapism.
CAROLINE: I think the Mel Gibson curiosity factor might draw some people to the theater. And Jodie Foster is great too; it’s just not a great movie. It’s good though, and worth a rental when it comes out on DVD.
RYAN: Anyone else famous in it?
CAROLINE: Actually, yes; I was surprised to see Jennifer Lawrence in there, the girl from Winter’s Bone. I had no clue she was in it. She’s the love interest for Anton Yelchin and they have a whole sub-plot.
RYAN: It sounds somewhat interesting.
CAROLINE: It is, and I think you might want to rent it some time or catch it on cable. The ending really surprised me; it’s crazy intense. It’s definitely not a predictable or typical movie.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: It’s not every day you see a movie with a premise like this. I’m sure lots of people will be skeptical, but I really enjoyed Mel Gibson’s performance. It’s a heavy, contemplative movie and not necessary to see on the big screen. But if you’re curious about it, it’s worth checking out.
— RATING —
