The Resident (2011)
Brief review: Finnish TV director Antti Jokinen's first full-length feature, "The Resident" (In Theaters Feb 17), is a so-so cat-and-mouse thriller about an attractive young doctor, who starts to suspects she's not alone in her new loft, after realizing her landlord has formed an obsession with her. Though pretty disturbing and moderately gripping, "The Resident" fails to deliver on many levels, mainly due to Jokinen's flawed direction and unsteady pacing, and the clumsy editing by Stuart Levy. Not only that the film starts tediously slow and lacks any thrills in its first half, but it reveals too much in its middle part, and as a result it becomes instantly uninteresting, less suspenseful, and sadly, even more predictable. One of the most talented Hollywood actresses, Hilary Swank, delivers a typically solid performance as the incredibly sympathetic, yet emotionally confused Juliet. Plus, she has never looked better - her body is stunning, and her sun-kissed skin is glowing. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, does a great job with the material given. He's as charismatic as he's disturbing in his role as Max - an antisocial, voyeurism-obsessed middle-aged man, haunted by his repressed past, and you can't help but like him, and being afraid of him at the same time.
Overall summary: Aside from its thrilling final act, and Swank and Morgan's more-than-adequate performances, "The Resident" is just a mildly tense, uneven, and rather predictable voyeuristic thriller, that never rises above mediocrity.
12 comments:
Darn it! I was hoping for so much more from this. I love Hilary and Jeffrey Dean. And I was thinking that a film starring the both of them would be outstanding. "Never rises above mediocrity" This is gonna have to go onto the Netflix list. I wanted to see it on the big screen, but I was hemming and hawing over it. Now...I thank you for saving me ten bucks, my friend. :)
Mel, I was also expecting a lot more from this one, but it left bad taste in my mouth. During the first half I was thinking: "The Resident" may ruin Hilary Swank's wonderful career, just like "Gothika" has ruined Halle Berry's. Thankfully, it didn't end up as bad :) Save your money and put it on your Netflix list ;)
can only echo what Mel said, I'm surprised this wasn't better, should doubt I will bother now.
OMG, did Dempsey Sanders really leave this comment? I can't believe it! I thought you totally forgot about my existence. :)
Not gonna lie, I'll probably end up liking it. It sounds like one of those Lifetime channel movies that I always end up enjoying even though they are pretty awful.
Knowing that Hilary Swank is in it I can at least expect decent acting out of it unlike those Lifetime t.v. movies. : )
Nicole, I was quite impressed with the previews, but sadly, it didn't meet my expectations. It's quite watchable though. Oh, and the final part is pretty intense. You should give it a shot.
dl this one, haven't got time to watch it though :)
Jaccs, I was so happy when I saw it ripped and uploaded before its theatrical release, but it left me unsatisfied.
nope not forgotten about you george just been ill for a long while, and trying to catch up with blogs :) (though I havn't seen you over at themovie411 for some time ) Anyways hope all is well buddy
I know you've been ill, Demps. I hope everything's fine now. Glad to see you back! :)
Demps, I visit the Movie411 every time it gets updated, though I barely comment, probably because I miss your comments here on CineMarvellous! and that kills my enthusiasm.
your one of the best reviewers I know, I'm back and better now so expect me here more often, would hate for that enthusiasm to die off. \:)
Thanks, Demps. And you're one of the coolest lads I know :)
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