Bastard Out of Carolina

The young Jena Malone does a good job in her role as the oldest child, beaten and abused by her step father. The events are troubling and sometimes hard to watch. Jennifer Jason Leigh seemed somewhat miscast for this part, she is a little too beautiful to be convincing at being that desperate. Pacing is sometimes erratic. Some tedious music. Some of the story telling was weak. The subject is hard and performances were good. Also an excellent supporting cast.

Remember just happening upon this on TV the first time I saw it, and boy did I not know what I was in for. Thoroughly depressing, shocking, gruelling.

Pretty disturbing overall, but keep your eye out for Michael Rooker as a *good guy*!