A Look at Georgia Rule

Last evening I went to the Mariner Mall in lovely downtown Superior, Wisconsin and while there I made the choice to go and see a film. I am a lover of movies of every shape and size and am very willing to at least give anything a chance. Georgia Rule was the film that was decided on and I honestly was not sure what to expect.

I had viewed the trailer on television and online several times and the vibe I got told me that it was going to be some coming of age mushy lovey dovey tale about about a wild child/bad girl from some big city being forced to spend time with her grandmother who is firmly planted in some tiny little backwoods town. Of course there would be several hilariously funny scenes examining the the cultural differences between the backwoods folk and the girl from downtown San Francisco, and in the end of it all the rebellious child learns the error of her ways and re connects with her grandmother or possibly her whole family and she learns to be a better person and she finds true love the audience sees hope for her future and we all have a good cry and go home.

Honest to goodness that is completely what I expected this film to give me. My previous knowledge of the work of Lindsay Lohan had tricked me into believing that this would be another feel good sappy story (i.e. Get A Clue, Freaky Friday, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Mean Girls, Herbie: Fully Loaded, Just My Luck).

I would not say the surprise of this film for me was a pleasant one, but it was definitely a shock to the system. The first thing that tipped me off to the fact that I may be in for something a little different was the fact that the film was rated R for strong sexual themes/content. Wait just one second, did they just say something about sexual content? I thought this was going to be some feel good girly family bonding type of film? The truth is that there are many sexual references, innuendos, simulated acts strewn throughout the film and I would not suggest taking young children to see it. The part of the film that really hits hard, however, is the underlying story within a story that eventually becomes the main focus of the film.

This film deals with the very real truth behind child molestation and what it can do to a childs life and everyone around them. Anyone who has experienced any horrid experience of molestation or has personally known someone who has will be speechless at the close of this film. Lindsay Lohans performance recieved very little love from the big reviewers from the big publications, but I feel quite differently. I know of someone who has gone through the horrors of child abuse and the way in which Lindsay Lohan intepreted this character hit home on so many levels that tears were shed when the end credits rolled. She portrays herself in this role just as someone who had actually gone through it would. Seeing her on screen acting the way she did, saying the things she said, her inability to trust, her lack of knowing the difference between truth and lies, and her desperate want and need for someone to refuse her advances will open anyones eyes.

So, basically, I entered this film thinking that I was in for a lot less than what I actually recieved. Yes there is that lovey dovey family goodness factor, but it is portrayed in a very different way. I am a fan of this film and I would highly recommend it. This film is a roller coaster journey of tears, laughter, and genuine emotion. It is a coming of age tale like none other. For a different view on a different side of life that is usually kept hidden in the deep dark places that we dare not venture, view Georgia Rule.

Jason DeMoe