Monday, November 14, 2016

Movie Review Madness - The Girl on the Train

I loved the book The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, and to me, the movie does an excellent job of bringing the book to life.  Emily Blunt is superb as Rachel, a boozy unreliable  narrator. She rides the train every day but is she really going to work. She can see out over her ex-house that her ex-husband (a creepy Justin Theroux) has with his new wife (Rebecca Ferguson – always good) and baby girl. Then there are the neighbors – the perfect couple that Rachel fantasize about.  Meagan (new hot It Girl Haley Bennett) ends up dead.  Say what?  How, why, and did Rachel see something?

It’s a convoluted puzzle with Allyson Janney as the detective who questions Rachel’s integrity, report, and reliability.  Throw in a therapist for Meagan – was she having an affair with him?  Cheating, hot babysitter, and so much more.  The book was intense and gave an added layer to the story. It could convey the confusion. The film does a very good job of giving us a back and forth thread – it bounces between characters and Rachel’s drunken interpretation of events.

All in all, Emily Blunt is the key to The Girl on the Train. She’s a fine actress who truly embodied the character and keeps us both hating and rooting for her. She adds a vulnerability to the written character.  I don’t think the switch from London to New York was necessary, but it worked okay. I liked this film and I do recommend reading the book too. Cover all bases



20 comments:

  1. Hi Joanne - I have a feeling the book would make a good read ... as I think the film will be good - but the book better. Emily Blunt is an excellent actress ... cheers Hilary

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  2. I have heard of the book and movie, but haven't read it or seen it. Sounds fascinating though.

    Betty

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  3. Book almost always ends up better indeed.

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    1. yep - and I turned the pages fast on this one

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  4. I'll get round to reading, and watching, this at some point. I love the idea of the unreliable narrator. The reviews in this country weren't quite so good - mostly because British reviewers felt the book was intrinsically British and couldn't convert to the US setting.

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    1. I can understand their bias, but it worked fine

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  5. Sounds like a good movie and book

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  6. Justin Theroux has a creepy look to him. I'm sure he was perfect in that role. I didn't read the book or see the movie, but I appreciate your review.

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    1. yep - he's a tad sinister and does a good job

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  7. Great review! It's on my list to read and to see! Thank you Joanne.

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  8. I read the book and hope to see the movie. Sounds like it will be worth my time when I do. Thanks!

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  9. It must have been a good book and hope the movie is a success. Much talent there I believe.
    Yvonne.

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