Start At The Beginning...Georgia Rule

Every now and then, a certain type of movie comes along that bears the name "Chick Flick", aname that is on the borderline for people and their movie taste.

Let's face it..we all have seen chick flicks even if we do not want to admit it. Chances are we enjoyed them too, even though claiming you found the movie "dull" or "you fell asleep during it." So for the rest of the review, the term "chick flick" will not be used because it often draws away people, mostly males.


The Many Rules Of Georgia

Georgia Rule is a compassionate , moving story about three generations of women.
The movie opens, introducing us to the rebellious teenager Rachel (Lindsay Lohan), her middle aged and stressed out mother Lilly (Felicity Huffman) on a road trip to Idaho.
To pass the summer time, Lilly drops off her troubled teenager to the strict grandmother Georgia (Jane Fonda), who Lilly hasn't spoken to for 13 years.

The first half of the movie we see the growing and frustrating relationship between the up-to-date teenager and the tough grandmother, who often enforces her rules to run the household with the catch-phrase "Georgia Rule".

Thanks to Georgia, she has decided Rachel will not be relaxing around the house all summer so Rachel is forced to work in the office of the local vet/doctor Simon (Dermot Mulroney).

Soon Rachel and Simon grow a close and trustful bond which leads to Rachel soon tells Simon horrifying stories of her past. However, Rachel is known to be a liar and wild so to believe her may be a stretch, but that doesn't stop him from telling Georgia.

The plot soon unfolds leaving us wondering and puzzled. Lilly and Georgia's relationship hits more violent rocks, Rachel accuses a family member of molestation, and other shocking moments that make one surprising summer.


My View Of Georgia

Georgia Rule was released on May 11, 2007 to average box office receipts and fair to terrible reviews from the critics. I do not always agree with critics and their opinions so I waited the months for the dvd release.

I found Georgia Rule to be an entertaining and emotional movie. Is it the best movie ever made? No. Will it ever be considered a classic? Probably not. Will you get your money's worth? Chances are, you will.

Georgia Rule has a wonderful feel to it and is a wonderful story about family, forgiveness, and redemption. Just because the movie is a drama does not mean there are laughs. The movie has many memorable moments that will make you smile. You probably won't laugh out loud, but the moments of humor thrown in add a nice flow to the movie.

The dramatic moments in the movie are just as great as the comedic ones. The drama pulls you into the movie and make you feel for the characters and their situations.
All in all, Georgia Rule is an above average film.


Casting Georgia

One of the strongest points about the movie is the cast, featuring three generations of famous actresses.

The character of Georgia is strong, forgiving, and rule-following woman. Two-time Academy Award winning actress Jane Fonda, known for her roles in On Golden Pond, Barefoot In The Park and many others. I will say this right out that I am not a fan of Jane Fonda. Do not get me wrong, I believe she is a wonderful actress. However, even though I was not alive at the time, I strongly disagree on with her actions during the Vietnam War but let's not go there because we are all entitled to our opinion.
Jane's performance in this movie was exceptionally wonderful. The character she created was amazing on the screen. Jane Fonda was perfect in the movie and I am glad she was cast as Georgia. She pulled it off 100 percent.

The character of Rachel is that of any typical teenager. She can be a rebel and trouble-maker at one time, and a loving trusting person the next. Actress Lindsay Lohan, who we all know from her many money-making movies or current personal issues, stars as Rachel.
This is most likely the finest performance from Lindsay Lohan I have ever seen. She has really matured in this movie, taking on this compelling and challenging role. Lindsay Lohan was the perfect Rachel because she makes you believe she really is the character. Another wonderful casting addition. Oh yes, this was the movie Lindsay got a letter from the studio saying she needs to clean up her act and stop being late. Some trivia for ya.

The character of Lilly is afraid of flying, a former alcoholic, and is the middle-aged, stressed out mother of Rachel. Felicity Huffman stars as Lilly and is amazing. I sympathized with her character many times throughout the movie and made you astonished. Felicity is one talented woman and was the perfect choice for Lilly.

Watching the movie, almost everybody can identify with any or all three of the main characters. Sex is not an option since I identified with the character of Rachel, who goes through common teenage issues at times.

As you can tell by now , the three generations of actresses paid off since the chemistry between all of them is exceptional. I honestly believe without all three of these women, the movie would have been below average.



The Movie As A Whole

Directed by Garry Marshall, known for directing hits like Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, and The Princess Diaries, brings the movie to new heights.
The directing was obviously well done with this movie and every shot seemed more beautiful than the last. The locations of small-town America and the countryside is astonishing. Kudos for Garry Marshall for making this movie far better than the majority of directors out there.

Georgia's Music

The soundtrack for Georgia Rule is just as great as the movie. Sadly, a soundtrack for the movie was never released which is a shame because I would have bought it. The songs range from classical compositions to soft-indie rock. Two thumbs up for the soundtrack.

Dislikes Of Georgia

I had a few dislikes of Georgia Rule but not many. I disliked little things here and there, just a pet peeve issue of mine so I can't really say.

Georgia Rule DVD

The DVD will be released on September 4, 2007. I got mine a few days earlier and let's just say it is great and will be released in Widescreen and Fullscreen.
DVD details include:
-Subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
-English, Spanish, and French Language Track.
-10 deleted scenes with Director commentary.
-Gag Reel
-The Making Of Georgia Rule
-The Women Of Georgia Rule
-On The Set With Garry Marshall
-Theatrical Trailer
-Feature Commentary with Director Garry Marshall.

The movie runs at 1 hour and 53 minutes.
The movie was rated "R" for sexual content and language, which aren't so bad so this movie should be viewable for 13 years old and up. If unsure, watch the movie first before letting a child watch before you make your final decision.


Final Thoughts
Running just under 2 hours long, Georgia Rule is a great above average movie. The casting was perfect, the music was pleasing, and the directing was fantastic.

Reactions To Georgia And Her Many Rules
Recently, Georgia Rule was considered on the website Moviefone.com to be not the best thing to come out in the year 2007. 23% voted to say Georgia Rule was a waste of money and was voted the second worst movie of 2007, losing the first place spot to Norbit. Now it may just be me but I think there was a lot more terrible movies that came out this year.

Georgia Rule can be enjoyed by both women and men. It is a moving movie about the power of love, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older