“LIFE ITSELF is by far, One of the BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR!” – Kathy Kaiser, Matinee Chat
LIFE ITSELF – Rated R – 1 hr. 58 mins.
DIRECTOR: Dan Fogelman
WRITER: Dan Fogelman
STARRING: Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Annette Bening, Mandy Patinkin, Jean Smart, Olivia Cooke, and Antonio Banderas
As we meet passionately in love College Student Will (Oscar Isaac), he has fallen for the beautiful and mysterious Abby (Olivia Wilde), as they attempt to find a common ground through which to embark upon an amazing life together…
Flash forward as Will is now in deep in despair, and seeking the help and advice of Psychologist Dr. Cait Morris (Annette Bening), who is trying her best to reach him, and to pull him out of his misery…
As we venture from present to future, it seems that many lives have been touched by tragic events, including Will’s daughter Dylan (Olivia Cooke) who is struggling with more pain and anguish that any one child should have to endure…
Now, as we venture back in time, we find that the many interactions of our lives, some of which we know, and some we have no idea about, ultimately become the essence of our own existence…if we take the time to take it all in…
I give LIFE ITSELF a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN! THIS FILM IS ONE OF THE BEST FILMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED ALL YEAR! Get ready to blown away by Dan Fogelman yet again, with a film that entrenches you in the frailties, joy, and tragedies of Life, all while you experience how each of us not only affect the lives of those closest to us, but how we affect the lives of everyone we come in contact with. Oscar Isaac should be Oscar bound for his incredibly moving and profoundly shocking performance in this film ~ as it’s been a long time since I have seen such a powerful performance on screen. Bening and Wilde are also perfectly cast, as they too bring a sense of profound clarity and realism to this film. I was also intrigued by Antonio Banderas’s performance throughout this film as well, as his character is integral to this film, from the moment he appears on screen. Moving and emotional, and at times, blatantly gut-wrenching and heart-stopping too, LIFE ITSELF is one of those films that will resonate with you long after you leave the theater. It’s poignant view of love, happiness, and yes, even the disappointments, tragedies, and the breathtaking frailties of this thing we call LIFE, is on the screen, in full view, for us to take in, and deeply experience. LIFE ITSELF is one of those films that you have to be prepared to encounter, as, take my word for it…this film, and its characters are going to grab ahold of your emotions, and not let go…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 