I went to see 'The Favor' in Las Vegas last Sunday and loved it. I was really struck by how good the performances were, and how strong the writing was. I was surprised to learn that this is Ms. Aridjes' first film, and do not understand why Ryan Donowho and Frank Wood are not well known actors. It is clear from this film that they are both extremely talented, and a bunch of the other performers in this movie were excellent as well (Isidra Vega, Jesse Kelly). Ms. Aridjis' direction seems sober and consistent, as all of the performances were strong and visually the film was quite beautiful. It is a dramatic film and some tragic things happen, but it never becomes sentimental or melodramatic which is always a turn off for me. The film has a great soundtrack, both the score and in its use of pre-existing songs (for instance, the oldies hit 'Let's Dance' in a diner scene), and has some very funny moments as well. Frank Wood plays a character named Lawrence, who is a pet photographer, so there are several comic and light scenes where we see him photographing people and their pets. This adds some appreciated lightness to what is otherwise a very dramatic film. There is also a very funny drug dealer (kelly) who Johnny (Ryan Donwho) does business with, and a sweet love story between Johnny and Mariana (Isidra Vega) which should appeal to a teen audience out there. I found it refreshing that the movie didn't have or feel it needed a twist or gimmick at the end, as so many films these days do. The film is dramatic, moving, funny, and sweet, and my friend said she cried at the end. We both felt it's the best thing we've seen in a while, and we loved the iguana scene!
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tneijens15 June 2006
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marconistico24 May 2008I saw this movie by chance on IFC a few days ago. It was a delight. The premise is really interesting and the acting is superb.This film is Eva Aridjis's first feature and it was a wonderful surprise to discover that she is a greatly talented young director, whose style is already very accomplished and refined. Everything in this film is made with a loving, expert and sensitive hand. From the choice of the locations to the use of the music, the superb editing and the wonderful dialog. The characters are all very interesting and poignant. The strong performances made me want to see more of those actors. I am looking forward to the next feature by Eva Aridjis.
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It was an 'alright' movie, but nothing to write home about. I found their 'bonding' to be a little strange, if not bordering on,well, maybe something bordering on some pedophilia type attraction. I don't think I would be the only person that felt a bit uncomfortable during a couple of scenes between the two main characters,wondering where it was leading. I understood the fact that 'Lawrence' was head over heals in love with 'Caroline' as a teenager, but I found it very odd that he had never moved on. It was sweet, yet TOTALLY unbelievable that a normal person would carry a torch (that burned as hot as the day she left), and that he was willing to step in and be "everything" to her and her family after one phone call, out of the blue. I don't know. I guess if someone told me 18 yrs. down the road that they waited on me as I moved on with my life, and was that eager to be my 'everything', I would be putting as much distance between that person and myself AND my child as soon as possible.