Well, sometimes itÕs nice to not be right all the time. Did that make sense? Well, you know what I mean. IÕm usually right when I figure I wonÕt like a movie, which was the case after seeing the trailer for ÒBilly ElliotÓ. But as I watched this movie, it pulled me in, made me laugh, and surprised me from beginning to end.
Every once in awhile, my fellow reviewers force me to sit with them for a movie that I never had any intention of seeing. IÕm told things like ÒGotta do it for the website!Ó or ÒHow bad could it be?Ó For an example, read our reviews for Pitch Black to see just how bad they can be. IÕm happy to say that I was wrong about this one. ÒBilly ElliotÓ was very entertaining, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Director Stephen Daldry should be recognized for his efforts in putting together a movie that's moving but not sappy, socially-conscious but not sanctimonious, and funny but not silly. Every character was 100% believable, and very well portrayed. Especially the lead character, Billy himself, played by newcomer Jamie Bell. Bell shows us his impressive acting ability by portraying a young boy who can be as rough as his surroundings, but still drawn to the world of ballet. I was impressed, and I think you will be too. |
