Julian RuncanThe New Twenty: Borrowed and Blue
July 22nd 2010 18:23
As a general policy, I officially dislike movies like this, but usually find myself enjoying the characters enough to power through. "Let's watch a bunch of late-twenties people interact with each other. I bet where will be complaining about wasted potential and commitment issues." The New Twenty mixes up the formula by choosing not to make a big deal out of anything, which results in the feeling that everyone just deals with stuff instead of moaning the whole time. You know, sort of like real life.
I really enjoyed the way that the film introduced the character dilemmas, just like the central conflicts they're allowed to unfold naturally instead of being shoved down our throats. Even the stuff that's a big deal is introduced and dealt with subtly, there's no flashing sign that says "THIS ONE'S A DRUG ADDICT". This approach kept it all from feeling forced, but at the same time I expected some of the more interesting problems to be addressed more then they were.
Although not everyone can relate to all of the characters, I was curious enough about the situations to keep watching. Everyone acted in a way that made sense, and there were none of those overly dramatic "moments" unless they felt warranted. I liked that what is essentially a melodrama took such a low-key approach, but sometimes I found myself bored despite the presence of hookers and blow. I understand the desire to make things authentic, but this is hookers and blow for Christ's sakes. I should NEVER be bored when hookers and blow are on the screen.
If you dig the whole "coming to terms with the realities of my adult life and the death of my ambitions/dreams" type of movie, then this is as good as any. By avoiding overt melodrama, the tone is pretty refreshing, and the treatment of homosexuals is great because they're given personalities outside of being gay. Certain characters are lingered on for a little too long, and overall it is a slightly above average film of this type.
6.0/10
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