Acting Triumphs in Cherrybomb
Azkatraz, San Francisco, July 17-21, 2009—While attending Azkatraz, the Harry Potter education fanon convention in San Francisco, California.
I was lucky enough to attend a screening of Rupert Grint's new film, Cherrybomb, a deeply disturbing account for three friends on a weekend of partying, sex, and crime.
I applaud this film for the single fact that Rupert Grint plays a character different from Ron Weasley in countless ways, and I applaud Rupert Grint for having the courage
to take on this kind of film.
But Cherrybomb has its faults as well, taking a script that was delightfully unconventional; at times it attempted to squeeze too many storylines and plot details into
a relatively short film. It would have truly thrived had it removed an aspect or two of the plot, but none-the-less such a unique and non-hollywood approach to this very
interesting and non-formulaic movie was a delight.
This time 'round Rupert Grint is the leader of the trio, who all are quite convincing in a plot that asks a lot of these young actors. Flanked by Robert Sheehan
and Kimberly Nixon, Rupert delivers a tremendous (and at times quite disturbing) performance as Malachy, who along with best friend Luke (Sheehan) attempts to
win Michelle (played by Kimberly Nixon), who happens to be Malachy's boss' daughter. The pair go to great lengths to win the girl, which includes quite a lot of
crime and partying. Michelle is a catalyst in all this, as what began as playful teenage romance, quickly spirals out of control and heads toward a shocking end.
Just because Rupert Grint is in this film, don't get the wrong idea, this is an R-rated film to its core, and in parts can be quite shocking, so if you are lucky enough
to get the chance to see this movie, be warned...
Overall, where this movie wasn't successful, it is made up for in countless ways, a completely original and harrowing critique of what can come out of a seemingly
friendly competition over a seemingly innocent girl. Go see this film not as a fan of Harry Potter, but as a fan of cinema.
By Jeremy Baril
