Tanya’s Score: Good-and-a-half*
Rated: 14A
Starring: Hottie Crudup; Gorgeous Phoenix; Liv Tyler
Plot: The lives of two working class brothers (Billy Crudup; Joaquin Phoenix) are entwined with that of three wealthy sisters (Liv Tyler; Jennifer Connelly; Joanna Going) in 1957 small town Illinois.
Tanya’s Verdict: Back in the day, I loved this movie. Which is always a bit of a concern when I’m about to re-watch many years later. But this one is just as good as I remember – if not better.
Despite having a deceptively simple plot, there is a lot going on with the characters. I especially love the dynamic between brothers Doug (Phoenix) and Jacey (Crudup) and how they couldn’t be more different in the way they view the world and others. Jacey’s character is so believable with his hang-ups and mind games and overall unhappiness with everything in his life. He is living a life of blame while Doug chooses to move forward into the future.
Inventing the Abbotts is about choosing the life you want for yourself and then asking the questions required and finding the answers necessary to do so.
Such a good movie – and my daughters thought so too.