If The Omen were made in the twenty-first century by as an independent psychological thriller comedy it would resemble George Ratliff’s Joshua.
Joshua is not your typical 9-year-old. He wears suits, it smarter than kids two years older than him, and doesn’t like sports. When his parents give birth to a new baby, Joshua becomes obsessed with jealousy and takes action to ruin the family. Sam Rockwell gives an authentic performance as a father who is pushed to the extreme limits.
Creepy, unsettling and Intriguing, Joshua is better than any psychological thriller that Hollywood has cranked out in years. But it’s not perfect. There are some slightly unbelievable sequences (the video camera scenes among the couple), and some under-whelming performances early on as things begin. It might not go where you expect or want it to go, but it is sure to take you on a ride you won’t regret.
/Film Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga, Celia Weston, Dallas Roberts, Michael McKean
Directed by: George Ratliff
July 12th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
JOSHUA
It’s not surprising that “Joshua” was an official selection for the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. “Joshua” is an emotional magnet; viewers sympathize with all of the characters, including the young, prodigious sociopath whose moniker titles the film. As compelling as it is tragic, “Joshua” highlights many ills of the domestic sphere, ranging from postpartum depression to child neglect. Vera Farmiga’s (Abby Cairn) portrayal of a mother suffering from postpartum depression is phenomenal; I found myself actually reacting to a character, loathing her for her lack of sense. Such a reaction I find to be a rarity in modern cinema, as few actors can pull viewers into a dimension where lines, sets, and character pretenses become what they are meant to be – a story devoid of actors and rich with humanity.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Dont bother with this movie. Weak storyline and was one of the worst movies of the year. This movie sucks.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
This is one of the absolute worst movies I’ve ever seen in my life. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat alright- sitting there waiting for something exciting to happen (which never does)! Seriously, I cannot even to begin to explain how horrid this film is…… and those are precious minutes taken away from your life that you’ll never get back!
February 4th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I really liked this movie. I would recommend it to anyone
who wants the movie to end the way that they
don’t want it to end. I was hooked from the very beginning
and hope that my kids don’t end up anything like joshua.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
This movie really confused me i dont get it at all!! can someone help me out here???
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
gosh, it is a very cool and crazy.
i`m wondering how the end.
i mean joshua`s life next with his uncle.
is that joshua real voice in the ending song?