PodBill Just what I expected

Supelice Dreadfully Boring

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Ella-May O'Brien Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Bwitched This is an excellent movie with 5 star acting for all actors involved. I've heard many comments that this movie should be pulled from the shelves, or that it's too sensitive of subject matter. Frankly, if you do not know the difference between watching a movie and acting, then do not watch this movie. For those who can appreciate the drama and lessons shown in film, this is a superb tale. Bastard Out Of Carolina is exactly that, a story about a "bastard" who commits one of life's most horrific tragedies; sexual child abuse. It will have you cringing and crying, but despite all the emotions it pulls out of you, it's no different then many other films depicting tragedy in some humans lives, be that death, divorce, illness, or child abuse. It does the job of showing us the reality of child rape extremely well.

agbwillow This is an often shocking but necessary film about a young girl called Bone and the abuse she suffers at the hands of her stepfather, Daddy Glen. The film is hard to watch at times but there are lighter moments when Bone's extended family are on screen. The book contains a much wider scope and naturally many of these subplots didn't make it into the screenplay. Ultimately, the film feels a little rushed and could have benefited from another half hour or so.The quality of the acting is patchy. Lyle Lovett's delivery of his few lines of dialogue is very wooden compared to Michael Rooker's excellent portrayal of gentle giant Earl. Jena Malone does a brilliant job in obviously difficult circumstances as young Bone. The look in her eyes breaks your heart whenever things are about to turn violent, making you want to rescue her yourself. Jennifer Jason Leigh is fine as Bone's mother but you feel like you never really get to see beneath the surface of her determined expression to understand her motives for standing by her man in the face of Glen's obvious resentment of her daughter.Ron Eldard is excellent in his depiction Glen, expertly capturing the character's pathetic childishness behind those icy blue eyes. Eldard often seems to play characters with a dark side and this role plays to his strengths, even if his southern accent slips from time to time. His scenes of violence with Bone are harrowing to watch and you can't help but feel uncomfortable, given the age of Jena Malone at the time. I know it's 'only acting' but the scenes are very realistic and graphic for a young actress to endure.The film is one that ought to be shown to any single mother tempted to jump into a relationship with a hot-headed young man with questionable intentions.

ColleenEdgington I have watched the Lifetime TV movie "Bastard out of Carolina" several times and have been amazed at the depth that this character Bone is portrayed and the talent needed to carry off such a role. Her depth as an actress is remarkable not only for her talent for her talent at such a tender age. I have often thought that the actress must have been very strong to do such a 'dark' role like she does. Ms. Malone's portrayal of a young girl that perserveres through the loss of a loving father and multiform abuse of a stepfather while still being able to love and have a hope that shines through. Too many movies lack depth of storyline or character but I really do enjoy watching this movie over and over again. My very best to Jena Malone on her career.

honeybear2911 I read the book before I watched the movie, and I was thoroughly impressed with both. The story is amazing. I love to see how Bone's family supports and protects her. I love seeing the love her mother has for both of her children and even though Daddy Glen is a sick man, you can see that he has love in his heart. It's a great movie and book to analyze and be touched by. I really recommend it. Please, though, read the book. The book takes you into the characters and introduces you to so many people and situations that shape Bone's life from the time she is born. Dorothy Allison portrays the poor class in the South so accurately (probably because she lived it) and the movie does the same. I'm no movie critic, but this is one that I definitely loved.