THE SKELETON TWINS
By: John ’Doc’ Strange
Directed by: Craig Johnson
Cast: Kristen Wiig, Boyd Holbrook, Ty Burrell, Bill Hader, Luke Wilson, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Joanna Gleason, Ian Hyland
MPAA Rating: R (for language, some sexuality and drug use)
Selig Rating: MATINEE
Runtime: 93 Min.
Maggie Dean (Kristen Wiig) and her twin brother Milo (Bill Hader) are twins separated years ago following the death of their father. Milo is now a struggling actor in Los Angeles fighting a losing battle against his demons. After a bad day filled with too much pain and alcohol, Mile attempts to kill himself. Meanwhile, in a small town in upstate New York, Maggie stands in front of her bathroom mirror looking at a handful of pills, contemplating swallowing them and ending her life when the phone rings. After a moment of further contemplation of the pills, Maggie answers it.
Maggie flies to LA and talks Milo into returning to their hometown. The town where she lives a quiet life with her husband Lance (Luke Wilson). The two desperately unhappy siblings attempt to rekindle the love and friendship that has faded over the ten years since they were last together.
The characters in this film are all lacking in something, each is a bit off-center. They are looking for that certain something they need to make their lives have meaning but without a clue as to what it might be. This film shows a side of life that many live and few talk about; families where the troubles are planted deep in the psyches of the children to affect their adult lives in ways that the parents never imagined.
The Skeleton Twins is an odd little film that, while dark and gloomy over all, has some twinkling little bits of momentary humor which slip out from time to time to keep us on our toe as an audience and perhaps draw out that short quickly stifled laugh.
This is a serious film starring actors known primarily for their comedic roles who show that they can do serious material. If you are easily depressed, stay away from this film as you will not last to the end. If you enjoy dark stories with little quirks and small dollops of humanity salted throughout, sit down and watch this film.
Movie Site: http://skeletontwinsmovie.com/
The Selig Rating Scale:
FULL PRICE – Excellent movie, well worth the price
MATINEE – Good movie
DOLLAR – OK movie
CABLE – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
FREEBIE – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
COMMERCIAL TV – Commercials and cutting to the allotted time will not hurt this one.
FORGET IT! – Bad. If you see this one, do yourself a favor and keep it to yourself.
GET YOUR TORCHES – BAD! – Burn the script, the writer, the director and maybe even the actors!
