Featured Audience Ratings

• Universal D

  
  Kevin Bacon, not a name usually dropped in conversations about great actors, delivers a tightfisted, bravura performance in this conventionally unconventional tale about a child molester's attempt at societal rehabilitation. Kyra Sedgwick is more than able support as the woman… More
  Kevin Bacon, not a name usually dropped in conversations about great actors, delivers a tightfisted, bravura performance in this conventionally unconventional tale about a child molester's attempt at societal rehabilitation. Kyra Sedgwick is more than able support as the woman who loves him. It's often difficult to watch, so be warned.

• Cynthia S

  
  Slow and understated, probably to show the struggles of a very troubled soul, this film offers much to contemplate. There are no easy answers in an issue like the sexual abuse of children, and yet who is good and who is evil is not so clear here in this picture. The one thing that is… More
  Slow and understated, probably to show the struggles of a very troubled soul, this film offers much to contemplate. There are no easy answers in an issue like the sexual abuse of children, and yet who is good and who is evil is not so clear here in this picture. The one thing that is clear, however, is Kevin Bacon's performance. He played his role beautifully. DIsturbing, yet eye opening film.

• Drew S

  
  The Woodsman asks a lot of its viewers, and I think it grapples with the issue of pedophilia in a much more organic and realistic way than Little Children did. Movies rarely seem willing to engage in this discussion in a mature way, immediately demonizing the assailant or making him,… More
  The Woodsman asks a lot of its viewers, and I think it grapples with the issue of pedophilia in a much more organic and realistic way than Little Children did. Movies rarely seem willing to engage in this discussion in a mature way, immediately demonizing the assailant or making him, at the very best, a tragic hero; this movie doesn't crucify Walter, but by no means does it forgive him. By aligning our perspective with his, the movie brings us as close as we can get to empathetically understanding everything he goes through, which is standard fare for any given film but almost none with a character this taboo. I think that's the hurdle that Nicole Kassell had to overcome with The Woodsman - pedophilia by nature is so utterly vilified that the best you could do with a pedophile protagonist is a "love the sinner, hate the sin" sort of message. Naturally, pedophilia deserves to be hated, but therein lies the challenge with dissecting sexual deviance in a mainstream narrative. A movie that sympathizes 100% with the actions of its molester protagonist is going to fail completely in the eyes of nearly all its viewers, no matter how interesting it may actually be. So I commend Kassell for reconciling commercialism and palatability with challenging subject matter, even if she somewhat misses the mark in her treatment of the character. Kevin Bacon's restrained performance allows us tiny flickers of contrition, confusion and even happiness (and occasional anger, too, in a showy and generally unnecessary scene that Bacon probably thought would be his Oscar clip). He's willing to explore Walter with us, but not give us any answers, which is refreshing. There's an appeal in the character's unwillingness to be liked. I really liked this movie when I first finished it, even its easy but no less harrowing ending. I took a little time to let it cool in the recesses of my mind, and I can still recall plenty of really great little moments about it. The performers are committed and thoughtful, with the exception of Mos Def as the overly broad, villainous policeman who harasses Walter. I really enjoyed Kyra Sedgwick. Why don't we see her in more roles? I'm not gonna go out and watch The Closer for her or anything, where she plays a character who I guess is cut from the same cloth as this one, but I'd like to see her in a role that stretches her a little more.

• Lady D

  
  Whilst taking on a theme that people usually unite together in hatred against, Kevin Bacon takes on the brave part in possibly his best performance of his career. Not an easy subject to tackle, especially when we are seeing it from the flip side of the coin, yet the storyline is… More
  Whilst taking on a theme that people usually unite together in hatred against, Kevin Bacon takes on the brave part in possibly his best performance of his career. Not an easy subject to tackle, especially when we are seeing it from the flip side of the coin, yet the storyline is based on the power of suggestion as opposed to graphic content, yet still manages to create a psychological discomfort for the viewer. Interesting Drama that will leave you questioning the moral dilemma throughout and the people?s views envolved.

• Arash X

  
  Deals with a difficult subject in a difficult and different way, I don't recommend this to anyone because it's disturbing sometimes, specially the scene in the park when Walter and the little girl talk for the second time is one of the most unsettling scenes that I've… More
  Deals with a difficult subject in a difficult and different way, I don't recommend this to anyone because it's disturbing sometimes, specially the scene in the park when Walter and the little girl talk for the second time is one of the most unsettling scenes that I've ever seen, Kevin Bacon is great and gives a solid performance in this movie

• Jens S

  
  The very calm, serious and touching movie about a pedophile trying to live a normal life after prison. While there isn't much happening in the course of the 80 minutes as we watch Walter's troubled attempts of a normal life, it is Kevin Bacon's vulnerable and very… More
  The very calm, serious and touching movie about a pedophile trying to live a normal life after prison. While there isn't much happening in the course of the 80 minutes as we watch Walter's troubled attempts of a normal life, it is Kevin Bacon's vulnerable and very convincing performance that carries the film. Especially Walter's second meeting with a girl in the park is an extremely strong scene and makes a big point for this being one of Bacon's best performances of his career. While it might be debatable if a pedophile is as aware of his wrong-doings and trying to mend his way as Walter is, the movie at least makes sure to show that they are humans too and sometimes might deserve a second chance. A gloomy movie, but not without hope. Worth seeing.

• Lee ?

  
  An interesting film that deals with the troubles of a newly released convicted child molester (Kevin Bacon) as he attempts to rehabilitate his life in society whilst trying to resist his lust for younger girls. Quite a brave role for Kevin Bacon to take on, and he does act solidly… More
  An interesting film that deals with the troubles of a newly released convicted child molester (Kevin Bacon) as he attempts to rehabilitate his life in society whilst trying to resist his lust for younger girls. Quite a brave role for Kevin Bacon to take on, and he does act solidly throughout. The fact he had his real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick, acting along side him must have made things more comfortable for him. The movie gives you an idea of what goes through the mind of a paedophile and conveys the frustration and inner demons that torture their lives - you can't help but feel for the character at times. The story is very straight forward, but it's the subject matter that really takes centre stage here. It pulls no punches and there are a couple of quite unsettling scenes to sit through, but it is a fairly short film clocking in under 90 minutes so it's not too much of an assault on your nerves. So, overall I'd say it's a film worth your attention, that does make you think and the subject is approached in a mature way. Not a classic, but worth a viewing.

• Mike N

  
  [left][font=Arial][size=2]My co-workers are silly. Thank goodness. Recently, one of them was out of town, and left his sea monkeys on his desk "for others to take care of." After a few days of neglect (somebody clearly botched their assignment on sea… More
  [left][font=Arial][size=2]My co-workers are silly. Thank goodness. Recently, one of them was out of town, and left his sea monkeys on his desk "for others to take care of." After a few days of neglect (somebody clearly botched their assignment on sea monkeysitting), the little critters had died, or were just extremely sleepy. Ugly green water (full of too much food) is the suspected culprit, creating an asphyxiating environment for the hopeless sea monkeys. However, by the magic of science (and green Jell-O and shrimp), the thirst for omnipotence over all things monkey, and the reliability of a good prank, a co-worker & I brought those sea monkeys back to life! *lightning bolt* The co-worker was very 'relieved' when he saw his "little darlings" still alive and kicking. Behold! Vivacious, overgrown sea monkeys (and friend)! [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT61.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT71.jpg[/img] The ensuing scientific analysis and morality debate is documented in this e-mail exchange (beware the work jargon!!)... [color=Red][b] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/b][/color] -----Original Message-----[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead [b]Sent:[/b] Tue 2/8/2005 8:03 PM [b]To:[/b] Daddy, Neum; Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Caveman, Captain; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora [b]Subject:[/b] SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] So, looks like the shrimp/green jello concoction is now chilling out in the freezer. [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] SOS "Spreadsheet Overload Syndrome" is probably a contributing factor. I empathize, although I never froze stuff in jello to deal with it. A little ten minute break with some good music or a brisk walk/run works better.[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] Whomever felt compelled to do this after spending too much uninterrupted time with eyes glued to spreadsheets - I feel your angst and there is help. You don't need to freeze shrimp in jello to deal with this even if this seems like the answer. :-)[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] PLEASE get help[/size][/font] [font=Wingdings]J[/font][font=Arial][size=2] cheers![/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2] -----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Captain Caveman [b]Sent:[/b] Tuesday, February 8, 2005 10:12 PM [b]To:[/b]Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) Actually, I was suffering from ERDOS ([/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]ERD Overload Syndrome). Although it did start making a lot more sense after me and Neum threw it in the freezer. Who would've thought? [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Neumdaddy [b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:03 PM [b]To:[/b] Caveman, Captain; Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] *applies Sherlockian deerstalker cap*[/color][/size][/font] [i][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Dr. Watson, er Painted Forehead & myself, having [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]endeavored a more intense investigation into the "shrimpsicle" phenomenon in the break room freezer, have deduced that a thawed overgrown sea monkey has a .00006% chance of becoming re-animated (I'm using big words so you really can't *not* trust me). If that is so, I fear for the safety of the plastic scuba man whom is also entrapped by green Jell-O ice, because that shrimp had a pretty mean look frozen on its face. Grarr.[/color][/size][/font][/i] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff][i]Presently, our frozen science experiement rests at Mr. Edgar Alien Poe's old workstation (an environment, we discovered, with enough of Edgar's leftover muskiness to hasten the melting process), so if you care to gawk and witness the miracle of sea monkeys in frozen green Jell-O, we encourage you to ogle your brains out. However, my esteemed colleague & I will keep you all updated on its progress, but we hold great hope for the sea monkeys' survival. Godspeed, shrimpy. Godspeed. [/i]*puffs Sherlockian pipe* *gets back to work*[/color][/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead [b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:17 PM [b]To:[/b] Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] *takes off white labcoat and latex gloves* I will not sleep well tonight given the .00006% chance of re-animation we discovered after hours of rigorous analysis in our lab. However, lets just hope for the best since this is out of our control until the shrimp is 100% thawed. Remember, sometimes hope is all we have........when dealing with shrimp frozen in green jello.[/color][/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Professor Stupid[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:17 PM [b]To:[/b] Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]After much testing, we have considered this abnormal growth in Sea Monkeys a failure. The molecular structure could not sustain the expansion of Jello molecules as they expanded. It seems in order to be able to re-animate, we must find ways of using a liquid that is capable of absorbing and transporting nutrients but at the same time won't expand when brought to it's crystalline form.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Let's take a moment and bow our heads in honor of the sacrifice they made in the name of science. Let this be a reminder to live life to it's fullest and take nothing for granted. In loving memory of Alpha Shrimp and Beta Shrimp. We also like to extend our gratitude to the children that too had their life cut short during an earlier accident involving an encounter with Flora the Flappy Flamingo. [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=1][color=#0000ff] [/color][/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Edgar Alien Poe [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, February 11, 2005 10:36 AM [b]To:[/b] Stupid, Professor; Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Trebuchet MS][size=1][color=#0000ff][size=2]After reading through the analysis and spending many sleepless nights thinking about the re-animation of the frozen shrimp I came across something. Be prepared for this... you may want to sit down.... JELL-O is made from gelatin, an animal product rendered from the hides and bones of animals. Now.. when you take gelatin and submerge a shrimp in it, the bone and hide in the gelatin could cause a serious reaction. Most people don't know about this, however I have read through the journals of Bubba (the Shrimp Master) from the historical documentary "Forrest Gump". This concoction of shrimp and jello is in fact the perfect recipe for re-animation, but this is also the recipe for pure destruction, as detailed by Bubba. Only when frozen, thawed, refrigerated, frozen, thawed, heated, frozen, thawed will the re-animation take place. However this process also causes the shrimp to mutate into a super-crustaceous teenage mutant ninja shrimp that will destroy all in its path. It will grow to the strength of 10 men... kinda like the incredible hulk... only in shrimp form... and with nun chucks. With this new knowledge.. please heed the warnings of Bubba and myself and stop playing puppet master with this shrimp. Only bad things will come to you and yours.[/size][size=2] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT4.jpg[/img] [/size]1938 - 1962[/color][/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Neumdaddy [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 10:49 AM [b]To:[/b] Poe, Edgar Alien; Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=1][color=#0000ff][b] [size=2]"[/size][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2]please heed the warnings of Bubba and myself and stop playing puppet master with this shrimp."[/size][/font][/b][size=2] No. Your soothsaying is exacerbating our already-downtrodden research team. It's enough that we have them toiling, whiplashed and coffee-stained, to concoct the potion of reanimation. In other words, "quiet, you." You've no idea the military funding behind our shrimp weapons err, "friends." (Nice save, Neum.) PS.- You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you. *pulls "Kill" lever*[/size] ... ... ... Edgar Alien Poe [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT3.jpg[/img] (some unimportant year) - 2005[/color][/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font][color=#0000ff][size=2][font=Arial]*tear* He loved his cats. [/font][/size][/color][font=Tahoma][size=2] -----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Professor Stupid [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 10:57 AM [b]To:[/b] Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] How I got my start in bio-engineering...[/color][/size][/font] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT5.bmp[/img] -----Original Message-----[font=Tahoma][size=2][b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 11:11 AM [b]To:[/b] Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] I hate to change the subject away from this serious matter, but Professor Stupid, your message below just gave me some ideas for possible fun committee activities. Do you still have a pet chipmunk?[/color][/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Professor Stupid [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 11:15 AM [b]To:[/b] Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Sorry... it OD'ed [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] [/color][/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 11:46 AM [b]To:[/b] Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]In honor of your poor friend I think we should make him our fun committee mascot. Yesterday we met and came up with our committee "mission, vision statement, and core values" but we do not have a mascot.[/color][/size][/font] [i][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff][b][font=Garamond][size=3]Back to the research:[/size][/font][font=Batang] [/font][/b][font=Garamond][size=4]I second what Mr. Neumdaddy said. Einstein is rolling in his grave as he witnesses this "questioning" and anti-intellectual attitude about this "good solid science" we are conducting.[/size][/font][/color][/size][/font][/i] "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein [font=Tahoma][size=2] [/size][/font] [left][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 12:16 PM [b]To:[/b] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][/left] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Some additional words from our inspiration Albert Einstein that is relevant here:[/color][/size][/font] "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." Albert Einstein [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Anyone who "forces" us to stop this research is ostensibly acting as a barrier to understanding, and therefore a barrier to peace.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]In the interest of Peace we must procede!![/color][/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] -----Original Message----- [b]From:[/b] Captain Caveman [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 1:56 PM [b]To:[/b] Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]I opened the freezer to check the status of the sea monkeys just now, and I started feeling really dizzy. I went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face, and happened to glance in the mirror. This is what I saw: [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT1.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT2.jpg[/img] I must have passed out or something, but when I regained consciousness, I was back to my old self. I think we can conclude from this that the side effects of close proximity to frozen sea monkeys are, at the very least: 1) 80's glam rock makeup, and 2) a righteous permed mullet. [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] More research is clearly needed.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2] [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 2:05 PM [b]To:[/b] Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font] [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello) [/size][/font][/left] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]I am sure that was traumatic man. You should get some therapy this weekend. :-)[/color][/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]To help put your mind at ease we once again invoke a timely quote by Einstein:[/color][/size][/font] "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]What you saw in the mirror might be "the real you" and the shrimp has helped enlighten you to your true state of being. We are obviously making significant progress... [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=Red][b] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [/b][color=Black]What wonders may Monday bring us with this riveting scientific dilemma?? Bate your breath, readers! The answers...they are coming! Did I mention I work in a different universe located entirely within the collective consciousness of the insane? [/color][/color][/size][/font]

• Walter M

  
  [font=Century Gothic]My idea of a great performance is an actor who becomes totally unconcscious of an audience watching him and presents whatever ugly details of his character's personality life onscreen with ease.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=darkred]"The… More
  [font=Century Gothic]My idea of a great performance is an actor who becomes totally unconcscious of an audience watching him and presents whatever ugly details of his character's personality life onscreen with ease.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=darkred]"The Woodsman" is a movie about a child molester(played by Kevin Bacon, who is excellent) released from jail after twelve years, seeking to start a new life in Philadelphia. The central dilemma in the movie is posed the by the lead character when he asks: "When will I be alright?" The movie to its credit does not seek to give any easy answers to this question or seeks to cure the character. The most interesting thing about Bacon's character is revealed in a moment when he is talking with a 12 year old girl - it is the only point in the film when he is relaxed and at ease.[/color][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=sienna]While at the other end of the commonwealth in 1974 in "The Assassination of Richard of Nixon", Sean Penn plays Sam Bicke, a failed salesman who is in the middle of a new job as an office furniture salesman and in the middle of a disintegrating marriage.(Throughout the film, Bicke is in a constant state of denial and is constantly seeking to be reconciled in his marriage. But in one scene, he is flirting with an attractive customer and refers to his 'ex-wife'.) Sean Penn is extremely good but there is very little relief from this unpleasant character and at times, the movie feels like it is going to fall into a very prolonged Saturday Night Live sketch.(I couldn't think of anything worse to say.) What's interesting is to compare Bicke's breakdown to the same one that Nixon was supposedly undergoing in the White House at the same time. The movie's whole point seems to be success can only be gained when working with others.[/color][/font]

• John B

  
  Kudos to Kevin Bacon for taking on such a risky role and one that so easily could limit future roles. Unfortunately, he has a script here that takes us to places that don't need to be explored other than for some voyeuristic thrill.

• Cameron J

  
  Somewhat surprisingly, this film doesn't have too much to do with the woods, yet the title still explains why kids these day don't go out and embrace the wilderness as much as they should, because they're afraid Kevin Bacon might find them and take things a little bit… More
  Somewhat surprisingly, this film doesn't have too much to do with the woods, yet the title still explains why kids these day don't go out and embrace the wilderness as much as they should, because they're afraid Kevin Bacon might find them and take things a little bit further than embracement. Shoot, man, I can't even jokingly insinuate that this film is well-known by adults (Yes, that's the discomforting insinuation I made in the last sentence), much less the kids who are all so preoccupied with Tweeter, Faceback, MySpace (I may have gotten that site's name right, but my claiming that people still go there especially shows you how out of touch I am) and, evidently, still playing with red rubber balls, like the one that a super dramatic-looking Kevin Bacon is holding on this film's poster. Well, Mr. Walter Rossworth, if you're not a monster, then why does this film's poster feature you holding a ball beneath a subtitle that reads, "From the producer of 'Monster Ball'"? Lee Daniels sure does love his independent dramas about disturbed people in miserable conditions, and considering that his next project with a plot of this nature was "Precious", he prefers to make those kind of films about black people, which isn't to say that he didn't try a change of race-I mean, pace with this film. Hey, to his credit, Daniels went all out with making his big first white effort count, because pedophila is generally a crime that is pretty white guy crazy, and it doesn't help that this film takes place in Philadelphia, a place so white that the courtroom drama that takes place in and takes its title from the city in question starred Denzel Washington, and as a lawyer no less, and it doesn't get too much whiter than that. Sure, this film features a black rapper and all, but, come on, it's Mos Def, and you might not even remember his being here after a while, not just because Kevin Bacon keeps stealing the spotlight, but because you'll probably end up sleeping through all of Mos Def's parts. No, this film isn't that slow, but really, while this film, or at least Kevin Bacon, rewards, it hits home a bit too steadily, which isn't to say that its issues end there. Often quiet and steady, this film really doesn't use musicality a whole lot, but when it does, it gets sloppy almost every time, as Nathan Larson's score work throws off momentum, not just with its genericism, blandness and overall underwhelming musical quality, but with its tainting this film's atmosphere with a kind of unnerving overstylizing that awkwardly fails to fully fit the overall tone of the film, but succeeds in distancing resonance. If nothing else, when placed over less talkative happenings, the stylish score work and consequential stylish atmosphere sparks a kind of intensely, almost lyrical meditativeness to storytelling that just doesn't gel with the whole of the film, driving a kind of unevenness into the film's pacing and story structuring concepts. Still, as much as the film's most atmospherically stylized moments prove to be inconsistent with the film's more direct whole, it's not like the film ever dismisses a certain flaw that stands as prominent within the meditative moments: repetition, spawned from excess material, if not pure nothingness, that leaves the film to blandly and aimlessly meander around in circles, confused and thin in formula. Needless to say, this film's aimless and repetitious wanderings are made all the worse by atmospheric dryness, which isn't so intense that the film is the bore that I feared it would be, but potent enough to dull things down and drive pacing into a crawl that keeps consistent, even when story structuring isn't, and often disengages investment, partially because it emphasizes just how limited the story concept's potential for engagement value truly is. This film's flaws are potent and consistent, yet as far as quantity goes, there aren't too many blows to the film, though that's largely because there's just not too much of anything to the film, because as worthy as this film's subject matter is, the story is thin, no matter how much director Nicole Kassell desperately works to flesh things out in execution, often with success that I will touch upon later, but perhaps even more often to where overambition is sparked. The film palpably aims to carry itself farther than it ever can go, given the thinness of its story concept, and with such ambition still going betrayed by consistent storytelling faults, the final product comes out short of what it could have, which really isn't all that much. Still, what this film ultimately is is a flawed dramatic effort with more than a few commendable hits that make the final product a descent one by emphasizing what meat can, in fact, be found within this story. Again, with all of the execution's ambition, this film's story concept is somewhat thin, boasting little in the way of dynamicity, as reflected by its mere 87-minute runtime, which is still, to a certain degree, overlong, yet for every natural shortcoming, the story concept flaunts a piece of potential range and depth that reflects the unapologetic audacity to this project and ignites a certain immediate degree of engagement value, augmented by the successesful efforts within the execution of Steven Fechter's story concept. Nicole Kassell's storytelling is flawed, slipping into gratutiously stylized meditative moments in atmospheric structuring that break up a consistent kind of dryness that dulls things down, yet Kassell isn't ceaselessly faulty, matching her missteps with strengths that aren't simply adequate, but pretty effective, particularly when it comes to capturing this film's subject matter's creepiness, whose portrayal gets to be a bit carried away by Nathan Larson's unnerving musical overstylizing that doesn't really flow with things as organically as you would think, yet is generally quite well-handled by Kassell, with subtlety and enough pronounciation for you to find a reasonably firm grip on the uneasiness that looms over and helps in defining this film's subject matter and throughout the life of the center of this character piece. Kassell delivers on the broad strokes of atmosphere establishment, which, of course, brings more impact to the moments in which all of this uneasiness and creepiness slips into genuine emotional punctuation, which is diluted by the storytelling missteps that cannot be fully battled back by the emotional resonance as the culprit behind the final product's underwhelmingness, but still subtle, inspired and potent enough to draw you in as the atmosphere of this heavy drama culminates into a crucial emotional punch whose effectiveness ranges from near-engrossing to, well, actually near-choke-up-worthy. Certainly, the effective moments of dramatic resonance are few and far between, and cannot obscure there being still too much thinness to this film's story concept, yet they are here, hit with unexepected compellingness, and would be nothing without firm characterization, because as understated as the plot surrounding this character study is, Kassell, as co-writer, and Steven Fechter, the original play's writer, turn in a script that, even with its flaws, delivers on commendable characterization that humanly defines the character roster's distinct individuals, brought to life by the performances behind them. Kevin Bacon is probably given the most material out of everyone in this cast, and even then, he doesn't have quite as much to work with as you would hope, yet most everyone in this cast has his or her time in the sun, with Kyra Sedgwick standing out with convincingness as the flawed yet strong woman dealing with new love with a man she knows to have a dark past that has limited his life, and Mos Def stopping by here and there to engage as the cooly charismatic yet disturbed police official, who is unnerved by a man who falls under a demographic that has presented Def's Sgt. Lucas character with haunting horrors. Still, when it's all said and done, it all comes back to leading man Kevin Bacon, whose very human portrayal of a heavily flawed man seeking to reform his ways is so assured that Bacon all but becomes the Walter Rossworth, complete with a presence that is graced with good intentions, but ravaged by anguish and regret, reflected engrossingly by Bacon's emotionally-involved atmosphere and expressiveness, which goes punctuated by more intense moments in emotional range that define both Rossworth as a flawed but sympathetic soul and Bacon as a compelling lead. I wish I could say that the rest of the film is about as strong as Bacon's performance, or at least as strong as this film's particular heights in effectiveness, yet there are enough strengths to the final product to, not necessarily bypass the shortcomings, but keep you going, even with consistent meetings with flaws. Bottom line, offputting score work and inorganic stylized meditative spots break up repetition and sometimes dull slowness within a meandering story, whose thinness in concept goes stressed enough by aforementioned flaws and overambition enough to make the final product an underwhelming effort, but one that could have slipped deeper if director Nicole Kassell didn't portray the film's worthy subject matter with a generally effectively well-established atmosphere, punctuated by surprisingly effective occasions of emotional resonance, spawned from reasonably meaty characterization, brought to life by strong performances, particularly that of Kevin Bacon, whose layered and near-transformatively human performance helps in making "The Woodsman" an enjoyable and sometimes effective drama, even with its shortcomings. 2.5/5 - Fair

• James C

  
  The Woodsman depicts child molester Walter (Kevin Bacon) and his life after completing a 12 year prison sentence. The audience watch as Walter is constantly tormented, tempted, taunted, and tested by events of the past, his mental state in the present and searching to find… More
  The Woodsman depicts child molester Walter (Kevin Bacon) and his life after completing a 12 year prison sentence. The audience watch as Walter is constantly tormented, tempted, taunted, and tested by events of the past, his mental state in the present and searching to find progression into the future. It is a very new, dangerous, brave and daring movie, considering the story, lead character and that this was the first outing from new director Nikole Kassel (Cold Case, A Little Bit of Heaven). I would say this movie is new and a first on many accounts. Paedophiles, abusers and molesters have been portrayed on screen before (i.e. Happiness) but never from the perpetrators perspective and correct me if i'm wrong - never as a mental illness that can be treated and that you can "get better" from. As you follow the story you may notice that it runs on several planes. There are many hidden meanings, visual metaphors, psychological questions, jumps and "stop-starts" (usually centred around the working of the mind) that are as real and visible as the story itself. All these seem to be intertwining with clever cinematographic juxtapositions and use of colour (Check me out with the big words). The color red, symbolic of stop, danger, horror, warning and precaution is an on-going theme throughout. It is seen again and again offering insight into Walter's innermost space. Usually highlighting restraint, be it the level of restraint Walter is applying/ should apply and the level of control he has over his desperate desire. Sometimes a warning, like an internal defense mechanism towards himself. Here's a few examples. You see this in the red ball (ball being synonymous of children and play) after counting the steps from his apartment to the school gates, a red stop sign, reference to Red Riding Hood (from where the film took its title) and the girl in the red jacket (Robin)- seemingly shrouded with protection and you know that she will be OK, on this occasion. Not until the sun comes out on the second meeting do we see the jacket removed and slumped over one arm. Now we know the barriers are down, the brakes are off and anything can happen. Another on-going theme is the birds in the movie. Birds, known for their small, delicate, helpless, fragile beauty - very much like children. Even the girls name is Robin. We see that Walter has an interest in birds. He attempts to lure them in with seed that he hangs outside - like he's offering sweets. We see at the end of the movie he no longer has a need to do this and the feeder hangs empty and is left disregarded ... like a bad addiction. At times Walter appears to have a sickness, at others perhaps a madness. The working of the mind is shown clearly by flitting between what is real and what is fantasy, what is happening now and flashbacks. Walter struggles to deal with them and the effect of remembered incidents coming to the front of his mind from a locked, dark place inside. Is it uncomfortable to watch? Yes, in places. When Walter chooses not to help Cherub, how he seems to come to life around young girls, the "invitational" scene, the way he has sex with his girlfriend, when he talks to his "shrink" and when he asks his brother in law if he has experienced sexual thoughts/ feelings about his own daughter. This particular scene was done in such a way that the moment Walter lifts his head to speak you know exactly what he is going to say. I for one was panicking - sweaty hands, pumping heart and totally taken in and ready for the backlash of his wayward, if genuinely concerned question, having just insulted Carlos (Benjamin Bratt) on a deep level. What a difficult movie to manufacture! Take the audience one way and you would be suggesting that we should feel sorry for a serial child abuser. Take them the other and you would create a lot of bad feeling around an already sensitive issue. Play it safe, tread lightly and you will end up with a poor, "wishy-washy", unengaging waste of time. Getting it right is very hard. Couple that with it being your first movie and that you are a woman in a male dominated industry and you will have a seriously daunting task on your hands. For my money Kassel has got the balance just right. A lot of work and thought has clearly gone into every scene. Great and creative cinematography and use of the camera - many interesting shots. I found the boxing commentary over the scene of Cherub being taken in a car by Candy powerful and fascinating (commentary of boxing to symbolise the fight). Nothing has been left to chance or used to fill space or time in this movie. Giving a plant to show the growth of a relationship, the colour red, birds, even his job - pushing a large saw into small grooves. Towards the end there are references to a "mental crossing" (the Zebra crossing), he moves away from the school, neglects the bird feeder and there are several references to freedom (flying birds and the final song to name but two). At this point he appears to be rehabilitated, safe, more normal, cured and more stable. Again, this whole idea of paedophilia as a mental illness or sickness that you can be treated for is new and controversial (as is the whole movie). It poses some big questions and food for thought. Kevin Bacon's performance is believable, captivating and top draw. I was glued to the character development. This movie, although a dangerous choice, has given Bacon a chance to show his skill as an actor in a lead role. The "Shrink" Rosen (Michael Shannon) is also worthy of a mention and he has since gone on to larger roles in movies such as Blackbird, Revolutionary Road, Take Shelter and The Iceman (set for release later this year). I can see why this film has won so many awards. It was never going to be a fun experience, a loved choice or a crowd pleaser. I would suggest that is why its popularity and recognition have suffered. However, I feel it should still be respected. In short it is a tough movie. Covers a most sensitive of subject matters. Poses difficult questions. Is heavy and not to everyone's taste. But is a top film, expertly crafted by a rookie.

• Mike T

  
  At times, this film attempts to simplify the subject matter too much for my liking. It's too manipulative, too narrow, and as a result it loses the conviction of its characters. Nevertheless, there are individual moments of strength and insight that stand out. Nicole Kassell… More
  At times, this film attempts to simplify the subject matter too much for my liking. It's too manipulative, too narrow, and as a result it loses the conviction of its characters. Nevertheless, there are individual moments of strength and insight that stand out. Nicole Kassell contributes a lot of interesting directorial flourishes, and it's consistently engaging to watch. Kevin Bacon also deserves recognition for such a brave and inuitive performance. He really rises above the mediocre screenplay. Ultimately, it's a piece that squanders its potential, but it's still more interesting than the majority of mainstream films released nowadays.

• Hassan V

  
  A dark, gloomy look at what people dont want to look at.

• Alec B

  
  Anyone who thinks Kevin bacon is a bad actor never saw this film. I expected to hate this movie. A story about a child molester? The film dares to paint him as a 3-dimensional character and yet never gives excuses for the horrible things he has done. In the end by painting him as a… More
  Anyone who thinks Kevin bacon is a bad actor never saw this film. I expected to hate this movie. A story about a child molester? The film dares to paint him as a 3-dimensional character and yet never gives excuses for the horrible things he has done. In the end by painting him as a real person and not simply a monster we see that these people can choose not to act on their impusles. It is never easy and what they are capable of is disgusting, but in the end they are one of us and possibly they too can achieve redemption.

• Sarah B

  
  Any film that can get you to view someone who society labels a "monster" as a sweet man, is a good film. The Woodsman is about a pedophile and his life after serving his time in prison. Kevin Bacon does an excellent job, and in a way, you're rooting for him the entire… More
  Any film that can get you to view someone who society labels a "monster" as a sweet man, is a good film. The Woodsman is about a pedophile and his life after serving his time in prison. Kevin Bacon does an excellent job, and in a way, you're rooting for him the entire time. This and Little Children both handled the subject of Pedophilia in a way that makes you feel bad for the Pedophile and that's not easy to accomplish.

• Jason R

  
  The Woodsman is a very emotional and well crafted film, that touches on those feelings that lay deep within the darkest recesses of your mind, the kind of emotion you only feel when you watch a film like this. You are left wondering the entire film how you can feel bad for anyone like… More
  The Woodsman is a very emotional and well crafted film, that touches on those feelings that lay deep within the darkest recesses of your mind, the kind of emotion you only feel when you watch a film like this. You are left wondering the entire film how you can feel bad for anyone like the character portrayed almost too perfectly by Kevin Bacon, who is a convicted pedophile who returns to Philadelphia to try to re-start some semblance of a life after his entire family and hometown have all but shunned him for his crimes. What surprises me the most about the film is that the cast which is made up of very talented big name actors and actresses are almost unrecognizable in all the parts they play. Some better then others, yes. But Kevin Bacon really was mesmerizing and this was truly a performance of a lifetime.

• Janice :

  
  This film about a struggling pedophile and ex-convict is deeply insightful and brilliantly executed. I will no longer under-estimate Kevin Bacon.

• Lee K

  
  Kevin Bacon is so good at playing off the wall charectors, this one is no different. A good movie overall that was very intriging.

• Lauren D

  
  While the movie itself was pretty boring, the plot was interesting. I like to see movies from different points of views (usually the characters are just normal people etc, so i like watching those in 'favour' of the pedophile, murderer etc). The problem I have, not with… More
  While the movie itself was pretty boring, the plot was interesting. I like to see movies from different points of views (usually the characters are just normal people etc, so i like watching those in 'favour' of the pedophile, murderer etc). The problem I have, not with the actual film, but for example, his sister doesn't want to see him and doesn't want her 12 year old daughter to see him. Why? Because he molested some girls that age. So, fair enough you'd think. But just because he's attracted to young girls, doesn't mean he's attracted to EVERY young girl. I'm straight, attracted to men, but I'm not attracted to all of them. As every other person with a sexuality would know. That's really my only problem with movies about this. Everyone seems to think they can't resist the temptation and will want to touch every little kid they see, which may be true, but bringing in my personal thoughts of how I go about my day as a straight 18 year old, seems to be complete bollocks. But then again, while I enjoy looking, I'm not interested in getting close to anyone, as 1) I hate people and 2) physical contact.

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