What can I say about this movie? To start, the all-star cast was just wonderful! Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts' roles were very different than anything I've seen either of them do before, and they were both very convincing and committed. Also, did not expect this, but Benedict Cumberbatch was in this! So, if there are any of you Sherlock fans out there (and I know there are), you should probably check out August: Osage County for him, if nothing else. His role wasn't huge, but it was definitely done very well.
The actual storyline was a bit mediocre. It would rise at times, causing one to anticipate what would happen next, only for it to fall shortly afterwards and drag on for what felt like eternity. At one point, there was a scene where Streep's character told her daughters about a crush she had had on a boy in high school and her mother's influence with it. The story showed her relationship with her mother, which, to me, seemed very similar to her own daughters relationship with her. At first, I thought, "This is good. Perhaps they'll change their perspective on their mother now." But, then nothing happened. That information didn't seem to be used once that scene had ended. At least, I didn't notice it being used. There were multiple incidents like that throughout the film, and the end itself was left very open. I left the theatre confused and a bit frustrated that I spent $10.00 on such a dumb movie. The actors/actresses were wonderful, and the way everything panned out was of no fault of theirs. I'm sure the writer(s) could have (and maybe should have) done a better job of creating the story. I was quite disappointed in it.
However, my favorite scene, was when Julia Roberts' character was telling her mom (Streep) to "eat her fucking catfish." and it became a screaming match with "eat the fish, eat the fish, eat the fish," and "I'M NOT HUNGRY." and swears and...it was great.
Even though this movie kind of sucked, I would recommend seeing it. At least once. Maybe not on the big screen, since I wouldn't even pay $5.00 to see that again, but maybe once it's available on netflix or DVD/BlueRay. Watch it then, at least once. Just so you can see and appreciate the actors/actresses that took part in it, and their roles of the film. They were ALL very good.
OH! I almost forgot!!! I went to see this with my lovely friend, Catie, and she is DEFINITELY Margo Martindale's character (the fat auntie). Like, really. She's SO her! We couldn't stop laughing!!
I give August: Osage County 3 out of 10.
