Watch Straight A's
- R
- 2013
- 1 hr 28 min
-
5.6 (4,873)
Straight A's is a 2013 comedy-drama directed by James Cox and starring Ryan Phillippe, Anna Paquin, and Luke Wilson. The movie tells the story of a dysfunctional family from Louisiana, and their attempt to reconnect after years of estrangement. Phillippe plays Scott, the prodigal son who left his hometown and his family behind to start a new life in Texas. He has been away for many years, during which he has become a drug addict and a failure in almost every aspect of his life. However, when Scott's mother dies, he is forced to return to his hometown to attend her funeral and face the ghosts of his past.
Scott's return home brings up painful memories for everyone in his family. His sister-in-law, Katherine (Anna Paquin), is married to Scott's brother William (Luke Wilson) and has always been in love with Scott. Katherine is angry and resentful towards Scott for leaving her behind, and her feelings of betrayal are compounded when Scott reveals that he has a new girlfriend in Texas.
The relationship between Katherine and Scott is one of the main themes of the movie, with both characters grappling with the unresolved feelings and passion that they have for each other. Despite their obvious chemistry, Katherine is torn between her sense of duty to her husband and her desire to be with Scott.
Meanwhile, William is struggling with his own demons. He is an alcoholic who is unable to connect with his wife, and his job as a high school football coach is in jeopardy due to his careless behavior. Scott's return exacerbates William's insecurities, and he becomes increasingly hostile towards his brother.
As the family tries to come to terms with their past and find a way to move forward, they are forced to confront their own flaws and shortcomings. The movie explores themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, as the characters struggle to get their lives back on track.
The acting in the movie is impressive, with all three leads delivering strong performances. Ryan Phillippe is particularly convincing as the troubled Scott, bringing a depth and complexity to the character that makes him both sympathetic and frustrating at the same time. Anna Paquin is also excellent as the conflicted Katherine, conveying her inner turmoil with subtlety and grace.
Luke Wilson's portrayal of William is perhaps the weakest link in the movie, but he manages to imbue the character with a sense of vulnerability that makes him relatable.
The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the southern landscape in all its gritty, sun-bleached glory. The atmospheric score by David Baerwald adds to the film's melancholic and somewhat surreal tone, making it an engaging and emotionally resonant experience.
Overall, Straight A's is a well-crafted movie that sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics and human relationships. It may not be groundbreaking or particularly groundbreaking, but it is a satisfying drama that hits all the right notes.
Straight A's is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.