Room 2015

     This film is based on a novel by Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue and published in 2010.  Jack has just turned 5-years-old and Ma has made a birthday cake.  He’s just a little upset because there aren’t any candles but he’s hoping for them next year.  Jack and Ma live in Room, it’s a 10x10 foot space where are unable to leave and it’s really a garden shed.  Ma was 17-year-old teenager Joy Newsome and she was kidnapped on the way home from school.  She has been a prisoner in Room for 7 years.  Ma does her best see that Jack has what he needs.  She’s getting more desperate now that she is 24-years-old and Jack is getting older.  She needs to think of a way to safely get them out of Room?  Some days Ma needs a down day where she stays in bed and Jack needs to find ways to be entertained without her.

     This is a very surprising film with some tense moments!!  There are just two characters for much of the story and “Old Nick,” the unwanted kidnapper intruder.  Ma is teaching Jack every day and the only thing he doesn’t know is how big the world outside really is.  The acting and the story are very good.  4* (I really liked this movie)

118 min, Drama directed by Lenny Abrahamson with Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, William H. Macy, Matt Gordon.  Tom McCamus.

Note:  Imdb 8.3 out of 10, 94% critic 93% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3 ½*, Amazon 4.6* out of 5* with 2489 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in Etobicoke and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Mia Wasikowska auditioned for the role of Ma.  Brie Larson has been in The Spectacular Now, The Gambler, Digging for Fire and Trainwreck.

Awards:  Brie Larson won an Academy Award, Critic’s Choice Award, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe for Best Actress.  Nine Canadian Screen Awards were won for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress.