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Lake City By John Mulderig Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- A recitation of the Our Father concludes each Alcoholics Anonymous meeting attended by Billy, the flawed young man at the center of the atmospheric drama "Lake City" (Sixty-Six). It is the story of a geographical and moral journey that also pointedly explores the nature of fatherhood. Billy, played by Troy Garity, attends the meetings not only to reclaim control of his life, but to impress on childhood friend Jennifer (Rebecca Romijn), a policewoman with whom he's reconnected since returning to his small Southern hometown, that he's serious about turning over a new leaf. Back in Memphis, Tenn., he had a troubled girlfriend, Hope (Drea de Matteo), who, we learn, had robbed a shady character named Red (singer Dave Matthews), a drug dealer who's now convinced Billy knows where Hope is hiding. We've already seen Red's henchmen trying to beat the information out of him, before Billy uses an especially violent maneuver to make his escape. Though startled by his sudden reappearance and bruised face, Billy's long-widowed mother, Maggie (Sissy Spacek), takes him in, especially when she sees he's accompanied by Hope's young son, Clayton (Colin Ford). Of course, Maggie wonders whether tightlipped Billy may be more than the child's temporary guardian. Clayton's presence stirs memories for both Maggie and Billy of a childhood tragedy -- glimpsed in flashbacks -- that, along with his father's early death, apparently laid the ground for Billy's emotional problems and that continues to haunt and divide them both. Billy struggles to leave behind the moral chaos represented by Hope in favor of the responsible path followed by Jennifer, who once pursued big-city dreams but is now content with her modest role safeguarding the community. The appeal of rural life is reinforced by the presentation of Maggie's homestead, a scene of old loss, but also -- as impressively lensed by Robert Gantz -- a peaceful retreat full of warm light and natural beauty. Though their script contains considerable salty dialogue and deals with some gritty subjects, co-writers and directors Hunter Hill and Perry Moore craft a hopeful story of reconciliation and rediscovered values further enhanced by skillful performances. The film contains beatings, moderate gun violence, a drug theme, implied cohabitation, a character born out of wedlock, much rough and crude language, and a few uses of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. - - - Mulderig is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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