JUSTIN MATLOCK reviews THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE (15).
HOLLYWOOD beauty Halle Berry once again attempts to show the world she can act in melodrama THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE (15).
She plays Audrey Burke, a mother struggling to cope with the death of husband Brian (a surprisingly memorable David Duchovny). With her life collapsing around her, things are further complicated by the arrival of Brian's best friend Jerry Sunborne (Benicio Del Toro).
As a connection to happier times, Audrey is happy to let Jerry stay in their house but it's clear his self-destructive drug using ways are as strong as ever.
So begins a movie that sits somewhere between sentimental weepy and gritty addiction flick.
Berry gets a little lost in the balancing act but Del Toro shines as the no-good friend who helps Audrey take stock of her life while battling his demons.
He helps add fire to what is otherwise a routine drama that's too busy piling on the meaningful close-ups and heartbreaking music to get to the heart of the matter.
Del Toro gives an incredibly brave performance that perhaps deserves to be in a better movie - one that spends less time telling us it's moving and more time actually showing us. - JUSTIN MATLOCK
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here