One third of a good movie, here, no more.
The plot:
It's 1973, and 14 year old Susie Salmon, on her way back from the mall, is tricked by local paedophilic murderer, George Harvey, into venturing into his underground lair, specially constructed for his evil aims.
Once there, she has little hope of escape and we, as viewers, are then compelled to watch on as she gazes down from heaven at her family torn apart by grief.
And sweet stroking Christ, we suffer along with them.
Based on a highly acclaimed novel, I think this is one of those things that works well on paper, but less so on screen.
The depiction of heaven is a multi-coloured, special effects riven orgy of puke-inducing loveliness, as patterns swirl and shimmy across screen, stars blossom in the night sky and Suzie strolls through lush meadows festooned with daffodils.
Think of the most evil thing you can.
Now think of the exact opposite.
It's like that.
And, fuck me, it's long, too, clocking in near the two hour fifteen mark which, frankly, was about an hour and a quarter too much.
The third that is compelling involves the perverted Mr. Harvey, and his attempts to evade justice but, that aside, this is painful to endure.
Big fan of Jackson down here at Smell the Cult HQ, this is the first time he has truly disappointed.
Nauseating.
2 out of 5
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