Short Term 12 (2013)

Simply Perfect

Don't listen to the negative reviews

As Good As It Gets

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

I loved the happy and endearing moments. Everyone should watch this, to get a deeper understanding of life.

I'm going to keep this one nice and short. While I notice and applaud this film for the story it tells, I just didn't find it all that interesting. Many will probably disagree with me on this, but I simply could not stay engaged throughout this movie. I will say that the cinematic style and acting in this film are top notch. The ambience of this film is spot on for the content; ultimately, I was very impressed with the way this film was shot. The overall "feel" of this movie is anchored in realism; the shaky camera shots and lack of filters do a great job setting the tone for the bleak environment these characters live in. I applaud the director for portraying this world in a believable fashion. I will also say that the acting in "Short Term 12" is impressive overall. With memorable performances from Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr, the entire film feels very authentic in it's own right. The supporting cast does a fine job as well; Rami Malek contributes a solid performance as the new guy at the facility and helps set the tone with the rest of the cast.When it comes down to it, I just didn't find the story in "Short Term 12" very engaging. This is just my humble opinion and should not sway others from seeing this film, but I thought the script left much to be desired. In the midst of all the great acting and ambience, the story and script is ultimately what brings this movie down from greatness. While I did not enjoy the story (I fell asleep 3 times) I must give credit where credit is due. The acting, directing, and cinematography in "Short Term 12" are all top notch, delivering what I felt was an authentic experience despite my criticisms of the plot. Definitely check this one out as it may be one that resonates with you more than it did with me.

Short Term 12 is a good movie with a well written plot and a stellar cast. The performances are without a doubt the highlight, everyone gives it their all. Every piece of dialogue is delivered with pure realism, there is no sense of acting, the best scenes are without a doubt those between Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr., there chemistry was superb. Neither of them was afraid to unleash themselves to the other. I was, however, disappointed by the ending, as it ends without us getting much of a sense of where these characters are headed, there is not much progression to their lives. It is practically the exact same as it is in the beginning. It starts the same way as it ends, which some people probably loved, but I felt it contradicted everything that occurred prior. As well as that, Grace never seems challenged, she seems perfectly capable of handling every problem that comes her way. There is no moment where the character is really struggling and loses her strong demeanor, never a moment where she loses all hope, which should occur to every movies protagonist in order to gain the viewers support. I felt the intimacy of the film was what made it unique, taking place almost entirely within the facility, which was certainly a clever way to make us form a bond with these characters. Sweet, dramatic and well acted, Short Term 12 has its flaws but makes up for it with what it does right, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good drama. Grace works in a shelter for young people where she finds herself struggling to juggle her work and love life. Best Performance: Brie Larson

Taking a look at movies that are about to be taken off Netflix UK,I spotted a title starring Brie Larson.Since having only previously seen Larson be cute in the fun 21 Jump Street,I decided to go for a short term.The plot:Along with her boyfriend Mason,Grace works in a shelter for troubled teenagers,where they can each stay for up to 18 years,and get help to try and assist them with their psychical and psychological issues. Getting close to leaving the shelter,Mason and Grace find Marcus struggling with the prospect of entering the outside world again.Spotting her being completely quiet,Grace tries to bond with new resident Jayden.As Jayden begins to open up about the events which cause her to self-harm,Grace begins to open up for the first time about the similar events which took place in her childhood.View on the film:Expanding on his short movie and the work he did at a shelter for teenagers,the screenplay by writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton gives everyone at the shelter a fully fleshed out depth,where the actions of just one resident (such as running off) affect the entire group in the shelter.Displaying extraordinary sensitivity to the abuse that the teens have faced,Cretton delicately explores the abuses that Jayden,Marcus and Grace have faced by treating them as beautiful (but troubled) individuals,which shines as Marcus starts to rap,Jayden beats up a balloon animal,and Grace allows her guard to be dropped for Mason.Keeping Joel P. West's great score humming in the background,director Cretton & cinematographer Brett Pawlak give the film an incredibly raw atmosphere that picks up all of the painful scars covers the residences and the staff. Filming parts of the title in a hand-held manner,Cretton avoids the infamous "shaky cam" by smartly using the hand held method for tightly coiled close-ups which pours into the heart wrenching emotions that the staff and residence are revealing.Lying that she had worked with disadvantaged children in order to get the part, (she did apply to work as a volunteer in shelters for teens,but was turned down by each one) Brie Larson gives a passionate, incredibly realistic performance as Grace. Giving Grace a warm smile,Larson takes a caring, gestalt approach to Grace,by Larson gradually bringing down Grace's self-made, defensive barriers,to unveil the "whole" Grace. Largely cast from "open casting" calls,the residences of the shelter each giving mesmerising performances,with Keith Stanfield's earthy raps of Marcus and Kaitlyn Dever's astonishingly quiet,understanding outpouring of emotion from Jayden being just two of the incredible highlights from the 12th short term.