A Father-Daughter Story of Hope and Healing

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MOVIE REVIEW
Scrapper
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Genre: Drama, Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): Charlotte Regan
Writer(s): Charlotte Regan
Cast: Lola Campbell, Alin Uzun, Cary Crankson, Carys Bowkett, Ambreen Razia, Ayokunle Oyesanwo
Where To Watch: opens September 15, 2023 at The Music Box Theatre (Chicago)

RAVING REVIEW: Charlotte Regan's directorial debut is a touching tale of a daughter's solitary journey, unexpectedly reuniting with her long-lost father. This film will elicit both laughter and tears, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions.

The film unfolds with Georgie (played by Lola Campbell), a troubled 12-year-old, fending for herself and relying on her friend Ali (portrayed by Alin Uzun) for company. To make ends meet, Georgie resorts to stealing bikes and selling them for a meager profit. Unexpectedly, her father Jason (brought to life by Harris Dickinson) re-enters her life, offering to take care of her. Initially, Georgie is wary and untrusting, but as the story progresses, a profound bond begins to develop, paving the way for an exhilarating and heartwarming narrative.

Lola Campbell delivers an exceptional performance as Georgie, undoubtedly the film's standout talent. She effortlessly commands every scene she graces with her presence. Harris Dickinson, portraying Jason, Georgie's father, also delivers a noteworthy performance, and their remarkable on-screen chemistry elevates the entire film, making it an even more compelling cinematic experience.

The concept of a long-lost father reuniting with their child has been explored so extensively that it has become quite predictable and overused. Therefore, when a film manages to breathe fresh life into this trope and captivate the audience, it truly feels like a refreshing departure from the norm.

Where this film falls short is in its cinematography. Occasionally, Charlotte's experimentation with scene composition disrupts the immersive experience of the movie. While venturing into unique and innovative approaches is commendable, there are instances where it doesn't quite align with the overall narrative, detracting from the film's cohesiveness. In the realm of drama, it's crucial to maintain the audience's uninterrupted immersion in the story, and this film occasionally momentarily breaks that connection, which can be somewhat disorienting.

The film's narrative also contains a few noticeable gaps that, if addressed, could have significantly enhanced the overall quality of the movie.

Overall, this film is a refreshing breath of air that warms the heart, primarily due to the fantastic performances delivered by its leads.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong