jmbovan-47-160173

This is a standard plotted movie following in the steps of Gaslight, Rebecca, Suspicion, etc., but it doesn't reach the heights of these films. It stays very mediocre, running through the standard steps of this type of story. And thus somewhat flat

Minka Kelly does well in the lead role playing through the standard tropes and plot twists as she keeps her character well entrenched. The others are, unfortunately, given little to do with their one dimensional characters other than to act according to what the plot demands of them. So there's not much here to watch.

And that's the major fault of the film: nothing new or exciting happens. It's produces well. But this doesn't come together for much of anything. And that's a shame.

Cuckoo places a family in a German resort as the father is an architect planning a new building there. His late adolescent daughter is mourning the death of her mother, and hating the move from America and what she knows. Add in a step-mother and half-sister who is mute, and we have the makings of a confusing and surrealistic movie. Right?

No. Somehow, Cuckoo never jumps off the rails into full chaos. In actuality, it keeps pretty tight to a common theme that has been returning to the media. Instead of a twisted all out Nic Cage experience, Cuckoo stays within the bounds of the oddity od the situation without really stepping outside of reality (minus one element--no spoilers).

And that's too bad. Taking the movie over the top could have been captivating instead of middling. With good production and acting, this could have been much more.

Mother, May I? Posits a couple who seem to psychologically tormented each other in efforts to "heal" from their dysfunctional parents and upbringing. This is played out as the male inherits his mother's house. Issues of abandonment, and abuse are explored as the "healing" is attempted.

The film takes an odd twist when the female starts acting like the late mother. This element begins a questioning of is this a supernatural possession instead of a twisted psychological game? Unfortunately, this plot point becomes lost as the interpersonal dynamics between the two main characters continues on their dysfunctional paths. Never mind what the conclusion is as it doesn't matter.

Acting is good even if the main characters are obnoxious and annoying. Production is good for a decent looking film. The overall point though is a trifling yawn.