A smart alternative to summer's bloated blockbusters.
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07/17/07
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Introducing The Dwights (2007)
53
%
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Reviews Counted:85
Fresh:45
Rotten:40
Average Rating:5.5/10
Consensus: Despite the strength of its earnest portrayal of family dysfunction, Introducing the Dwights is predictable and tries too hard to be quirky.
Theatrical Release:Jul 4, 2007 Limited
Box Office: $263,040
Synopsis: This Australian coming-of-age comedy/drama features SECRETS AND LIES star Brenda Blethyn as Jeannie, a semi-monstrous mom who gave up a promising career as a British comic to move Down Under and... [More]
Starring: Brenda Blethyn, Richard Wilson, Khan Chittenden, Frankie J. Holden
Director: Cherie Nowlan
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Reviews for Introducing The Dwights
Director Cherie Nowlan creates vivid personalities for the entire family and exposes the raw nerves of the biting humor.
07/12/07
Slightly slapsticky with broad Aussie humour, Cherie Nowlan's Introducing the Dwights is an ordinary dramedy that features a fine performance by British star Blenda Blethyn, but falls short in charm and originality.
07/13/07
It gives us a few interesting characters and allows us to follow them through a critical phase of change and growth. It does what all good coming of age movies do, and that makes it a worthy and welcome entry into the genre.
07/13/07
Top CriticThis heartfelt, good-natured film grew on me, and Blethyn always commands attention.
09/21/07
An Australian family drama that depicts how difficult people can help us refine and polish our finer qualities.
07/05/07
A throw-your-hands-up, head-shaking disappointment.
07/13/07
Top CriticMired by director Cherie Nowlan's indelicate direction. Nowlan pumps the drama, as well as the comedy, to blaring pitch. Similarly, several attempts at cutesiness slog down into rank contrivance.
03/15/07
Top CriticA collision of Jeannie's story and Tim's story, and while that's appropriate, it also results in wobbly tone shifts (Gypsy meets Equus, without the horses?).
07/06/07
The movie belongs to Blethyn, who takes a difficult, easily misunderstood role and gracefully cracks it open to reveal what's inside.
07/07/07
Top CriticShrieking like a banshee has unfortunately become Brenda Blethyn's stock in trade ever since her remarkable breakout performance in Mike Leigh's Secrets & Lies.
07/01/07
This Aussie import has a certain amount of charm, especially from the younger actors, but it is predictable and a little shrill.
07/05/07
As lively as a slap in the face, this film struggles to connect with us due to an extremely unsympathetic central figure, but still wins us over with strong acting and a sweet romance.
09/21/07
[Director] Nowlan has no problem pouring on the syrup.
07/19/07
Top CriticThe supporting players are amiable, and while the family's multiple dysfunctions verge on cartoonishness, the actors keep their characters relatively realistic.
07/12/07
Top CriticJean Dwight (Brenda Blethyn) is perhaps the most overbearing, self-obsessed and irritating matriarchal big screen figure since Norman Bates’ mum in ‘Psycho’.
07/12/07
It's sweet, quirky, sincere, and provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of those big-budgeted extravaganzas currently invading your local theater.
07/04/07
The broader characterizations may be off, but [director] Nowlan observes other small details with sensitive precision.
07/20/07
A thoroughly enjoyable and charming film that will strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt the need to get away from the strangling, constrictive strings of their mother's apron.
07/06/07
A story slighter than the froth on top of a tube of Fosters.
09/21/07
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