Double Feature: Overrated Oscar-Bait

Two films with high scores on Rotten Tomatoes, praised by critics, big contenders for the Oscars and will no doubt make the Top Ten list for many. Admittedly, they are both well-acting, well-directed, and I can see how the story resonates with viewers but for me, I ain't feeling the love.

Directed by Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird follows the titular teen (Saiorse Ronan), who would rather be called Lady Bird than by her real name and attending a Catholic High School in Sacramento, California. A coming-of-age story that is down-to-earth displaying teen anxiety, and growing-up. Lady Bird's family while dysfunctional, love each other despite the hardships and arguments that happen on a daily basis; even the faculty and friends of Lady Bird are a likable bunch.

I get this is supposed to be a realistic look on teenage life with much of it based on Gerwig's high school years but I couldn't stand the character of Lady Bird. When making a flawed character there should be something to make me care for them otherwise why should I. The first scene with her mother seems promising only to literally jump out the door. The decisions she makes one after the other were aggravating and her moment of truth while poignant is too little too late. Maybe the film could have been stronger if it had been about her mother played by Laurie Metclaf who carried a stronger presence onscreen; you feel the anguish in the rocky relationship she has with her daughter and trying to keep herself together.

Lady Bird falls in the same category of  Boyhood and Manchester By the Sea,  critically acclaimed with its realistic feel that I get what they are trying to say but won't revisit anytime soon.

Final Verdict: C

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From Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water is a fantasy romance between a mute cleaning lady named Elisa (Sally Hawkins) and an Amphibious Man (Doug Jones) trapped at a research facility where she works. Seeing the mistreatment of the creature under the malicious head man Richard Stickland (Micheal Shannon), Elisa concocts a plan to free him.

I've never been a fan of Del Toro's work with few having enjoyed (Hellboy 2:The Golden Army & Pacific Rim). This movie blends much from his filmography from the Amphibian Man bearing a striking resemblance to Abe Sapien in Hellboy also played by Jones and the fairy tale atmosphere found in Pan's Labyrinth. What worked with the latter doesn't work here. There was some a shred of innocence that made the protagonist in Pan's Labyrinth compelling like a Disney princess thrust into Wes Craven's world but holding on to that childhood light. Here the light is pushed aside to make way for the kinky elements found in an erotic novel. Moments that are supposed to be heart-warming are overshadowed by this cold and murky world like falling in a dark deep pit. It builds character and you eventually find a way out but have no intention of repeating it again. By the end of the first act I knew what the ending would be a la adult Disney. I won't say which to avoid spoilers but you'll know what I mean when you see it.

Doug Jones as both Amphibian Man and Abe Sapien
A prequel to Hellboy or a Guillermo del Toro Cinematic Universe? 

There are some thing I like from the characters interacting with the Amphibious Man who is a a sight to behold thanks to Doug Jones, who seems to be following in the footsteps of Andy Serkis. Despite the reservations I have with Pan's Labyrinth it's a movie I don't mind revisiting, but can't say the same for this this soggy story.

Final Verdict: C-